sea-coast, Atlantic, Gulf, and even
Pacific.

In a storm of national indignation war had been declared against a
power which at this period of her history had brought up her naval
forces to a point double in strength to that of any other country in
the world. And this war had been declared by a nation which,
comparatively speaking, possessed no naval strength at all.

For some years the United States navy had been steadily improving, but
this improvement was not sufficient to make it worthy of reliance at
this crisis. As has been said, there was money enough, and every
ship-yard in the country could be set to work to build ironclad
men-of-war: but it takes a long time to build ships, and England's navy
was afloat. It was the British keel that America had to fear.

By means of the continental cables it was known that many of the
largest mail vessels of the British transatlantic lines, which had been
withdrawn upon the declaration of war, were preparing in British ports
to transport troops to Canada. It was not impossible that these great
steamers might land an army in Canada before an American army could be
organized and marched to that province. It might be that the United
States would be forced to defend her borders, instead of invading those
of the enemy.

In every fort and navy-yard all was activity; the hammering of iron
went on by day and by night; but what was to be done when the great
ironclads of England hammered upon our defences? How long would it be
before the American flag would be seen no more upon the high seas?

It is not surprising that the Government found its position one of
perilous responsibility. A wrathful nation expected of it more than it
could perform.

All over the country, however, there were thoughtful men, not connected
with the Government, who saw the perilous features of the situation;
and day by day these grew less afraid of being considered traitors, and
more willing to declare their convictions of the country's danger.
Despite the continuance of the national enthusiasm, doubts,
perplexities, and fears began to show themselves.

In the States bordering upon Canada a reactionary feeling became
evident. Unless the United States navy could prevent England from
rapidly pouring into Canada, not only her own troops, but perhaps those
of allied nations, these Northern States might become the scene of
warfare, and whatever the issue of the contest, their lands might be
ravished