200 years ago today

**Morris at Heathfield** · 18th June 12, 08:21 AM

On June 18, 1812, President James Madison signed into law "An Act Declaring War between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the Dependencies Thereof and the United States of America and Their Territories", the United States' first formal declaration of war. The war continued until the U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Ghent on February 16, 1815. The U.S. and the U.K. have not gone to war against each other since then.

My ancestor, Elijah McClenahan, was commissioned major of the 2nd battalion in John C. Scott’s 1st Kentucky Volunteer Regiment, and was one of a handful of American soldiers who escaped death and capture at the Battle of Frenchtown, also known as the Battle of the River Raisin.

**JSFMACLJR** · 18th June 12, 08:48 AM

We'll have to be very careful here how we approach the War of 1812.

As a Canadian, it was a great victory for us, which seems to upset our American friends, although most seem not to care much about the War of 1812.

**creagdhubh** · 18th June 12, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

...which seems to upset our American friends, although most seem not to care much about the War of 1812.

**SlackerDrummer** · 18th June 12, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

We'll have to be very careful here how we approach the War of 1812.

As a Canadian, it was a great victory for us, which seems to upset our American friends, although most seem not to care much about the War of 1812.

I didn't realize "victory" was Canadian for draw.

**Singlemalt** · 18th June 12, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

I didn't realize "victory" was Canadian for draw.

If a terrier and a rottwieller get into a dispute and the terrier is able to to fight to a draw, and protect his home, I would consider that a victory for the terrier.

**federkeil** · 18th June 12, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

I didn't realize "victory" was Canadian for draw.

We got what we wanted, you didn't. Sounds like winning to me

**Kilted Realtor** · 18th June 12, 08:58 AM

we did burn the white house in that one didn't we. before we went home again?

**Bohica** · 20th June 12, 12:35 AM

Yes we did burn down the White House but I see they have rebuilt it and it's very nice

**federkeil** · 20th June 12, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by Bohica

Yes we did burn down the White House but I see they have rebuilt it and it's very nice

Indeed, the interior needs some updating though...

Edit : This post is in reference to the dreadful interior decorating present inside the White House

**cable scot** · 18th June 12, 09:19 AM

As one who has a BA in history an can understand how our northern neighbors feel about the 1812 war.Getting "your own back" feels good after the treatment y'all got in the previous border conflicts and French,English and Native wars