on the seaboard, relatively strong
towards Canada 295

Function of the seaboard in the war; defensive 296

Offensive opportunity essential to any scheme of defence 298

Application of this principle; in general, and to 1812 298

Conditions on the Canada frontier, favoring the offensive by
the United States 300

Importance of the Great Lakes to military operations 301

Over-confidence of Americans 303

Corresponding apprehension of British officers 304

Decisive points on the line between the countries 305

Importance of the Indians as an element in the situation 306

Proper offensive policy of the United States 307

Natural advantages favoring the United States 309

The land frontier the proper scene of American offensive action 310

Seaboard conditions, for offence and defence 311

CHAPTER VI

EARLY CRUISES AND ENGAGEMENTS. HULL'S OPERATIONS AND SURRENDER

Composition of Commodore Rodgers' squadron at outbreak of war 314

Indecisions of the Navy Department 315

Question between small squadrons and single cruisers for
commerce-destroying 315

Opinions of prominent officers 316

British convoy system for protecting trade 319

The Navy Department formulates a plan of operations 320

Discussion of its merits 321

Rodgers sails without receiving Department's plan 322

Encounter with the "Belvidera" 323

The cruise unproductive, offensively 324

But not therefore unsuccessful, defensively 325

Its effect upon the movements of British vessels 326

The sailing of the "Constitution" 328

Chased by a British squadron 329

Cruise of the "Constitution" under Hull 329

Engagement with the "Guerriere" 330

Hull and Rodgers meet in Boston