Summer and Fall of 1812:
Lots of anti-war essays and letters from MD and other states, especially
from New England. Generally they say the war was unnecessary, the US's
fault, and will be ruinously expensive. It's all pretty much interchangeable,
and all full of Early-National era political rhetoric and hyperbole. See
"From the Chronicles, for example:http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0396.html.
First coverage of the riot in Baltimore is on 30 July 1812, p. 3; more coverage in the next issue on 6 August and several subsequent issues. The Gazette was anti-war but sill celebrated American victories, publishing an extra reporting an account of the "Brilliant Naval Victory" of the Constitution on 5 September 1812, for example.
22 Apr 1813, p. 2
"When the alarm was given in Prince George's County, that the British
Fleet were coming up the bay, orders were issued for 200 men to be in readiness
to meet them, should any attempt by made to land. They immediately equipped
themselves, as directed, and what is greatly to their credit, 400, in addition
to what had been ordered out, immediately volunteered their services. Thus
we see, that patriotism is not exclusively confined to those who advocate
the war, but when any attempt at invasion is made by an enemy, every inch
of soil would be disputed with them by Federalists." Also contains a report
of British fleet: "Three lines of Battle Ships, a Frigate and Schooner
came up the Bay yesterday morning and are nor at anchor off our Harbour.
A small Schooner, with a family on board, bound to Baltimore, was taken
by this squadron a few days since..."
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0532.html
29 Apr 1813, p. 2-3
Reports that the British have been treating captured Americans well.
"Almost every prisoner that comes from the enemy's squadron gives a different
account respecting the admiral's intention. Indeed, so various are the
reports that few if any of the are worthy a moment's consideration. Had
the commander designed to make an attack on this place, or any other place,
it is not probable that he would make a prisoner acquainted with his intentions..."
Account of MD Militia patrol harassing alleged anti-war planter in AA.
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0536.html
6 May 1813
Report of prisoners being released by the British at AN. State Gov/AN
residents helped the released prisoners get home/lodged them (not clear
what exactly); blamed "Mr. Madison" for creating the situation in the first
place. Report of destruction of Havre de Grace and various ships captured
in Bay. Complaint that the patrols guarding AN are loud, disruptive and
cause too much alarm in city.
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0540.html
13 May 1813
"A plain statement of Facts: Sometime in the last week a British Sloop
of war, going down the Bay, ran aground on Thomas's Point, about seven
miles from this city, and about a mile and a half or two miles from the
[illeg]. Several persons went down to [] her, and some were under the impression
that if a few pieces of cannon were conveyed to the point, with hot shot,
she might be easily destroyed. This being represented tot he governor,
[he?] took a horse, and in company with several military gentlemen rode
immediately to see whether it were practicable to destroy her or not. After
viewing her as she lay situated on the [], and taking into mature consideration
the difficulties of the attack, it was his opinion that it must be done
with such sacrifices and uncertainty of success that he should not be justified
in commanding or authorizing the attempt. There were neither breast work
to protect soldiers form the enemy's fire, not any conveniences for heating
ball. ...There were some who differed in opinion with the governor...[the
ship] was accompanied by the Statira, a large frigate, and...several other
vessels hove into sight...[also concerns that an attack on the ship would
leave AN undefended]."
Report that British left Baltimore harbor and sailed towards AN, but
went past the city. "Had an attack been made, it is believed from the alacrity
with which the citizens and other militia turned out...that a very bloody
engagement would have ensued before they could have destroyed or taken
possession of the city."
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0547.html
22 Jul 1813, p. 3
Report of meeting of "Friends of Peace" in AA Co., attendees included
Henry Maynadier, Clotworthy Birnie's agent in Annapolis;
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0591.html
5 Aug 1813, p. 3
Anti-Madison editorials. note about locations of British: "Enemy's
Squadron. Tuesday evening came up and anchored a few miles about this place,
three of the enemy's ships. Nineteen other vessels are a short distance
below, standing up, plainly to be seen from teh State House. Every preparation
necessary for their reception has been made, should they make any attempt
to land their forces. A large body of militia... arrieved yesterday. Our
force is very respectable, both as to quality and numbers, and we think
we might venture to measure swords with them without and apprehension as
to the result. Most of the families have fled to the country, with
the principle part of their goods, and nothing now remains to distract
the soldiers attention from defending the capital of the state with cool
and determined resolution."
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0599.html
12 Aug 1813, p. 1
News re: arrival of British fleet in Bay near AN; capture of Kent Island;
note that the paper will issue only "a half-sheet" because most people
have been called up for militia service; anti-war editorial, protesting
especially the way that Maryland has been left vulnerable to British sea
attacks: "Without stepping a foot on our soil, of spilling a single drop
of blood, the enemy, which has been selected by our government, can bankrupt
not only the nation, but every individual state which lies contiguous to
the Atlantic..."
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0601.html
19 Aug 1813, p. 3
Position of enemy fleet; "There are different rumors respecting the
intention of the Admiral of attacking this place, collected principally
from deserters, but these are reports for which great allowances must be
made." Another editorial criticizing Pres. Madison. Account of skirmish
at St. Michaels. More US ships and militia arriving in AN.
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0605.html
26 Aug 1813, p. 2
British off Kent Island. Several anti-war editorials: "What is the
nation to get by the war?...We were told too, that we were to get a great
deal of national honour by this war; and what sort of thing must national
honour be, if to be got by a war which ruins the people. All this is fudge!
This is not a war by which we are to gain say anything but defeat, disgrace
and ruin. ..." Account of fighting on Eastern Shore.
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0608.html
2 Sep 1813
Report of a suit by two people challenging whether they could be drafted
into militia service (they lost); Paper carried endorsement of the "Peace
Candidates" ticket for the upcoming election; anti-war letters and editorials
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0611.html
14 Apr 1814
Reports of British fleet in Chesapeake: "Five vessels, a part of the
enemy's squadron, were in sight all day yesterday from the dome of the
Stadt-house. They appeared to be standing up the Day, but the wind being
light they progressed very slowly--their situation appearing nearly the
same in the evening that it was in the morning." Report that rumors of
peace talks being conducted with British fleet that "has prevailed for
two or three days past."
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0773.html
28 April 1814
More rumors of peace talks.
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0780.html
5 May 1814
"So little has transpired within the weeks past relative to the expected
armistice, and so little is now said upon the subject, the an impression
has gone very generally abroad, that the report was first raised by some
servant of the administration, with a view to have an effect upon the loan."
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0787.html
16 June 1814
Enemy troops landing near St. Leonard
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0817.html
30 June 1814
More reports of British actives in southern Maryland; editorial calling
for Pres. Madison to resign; report from Barney about action in the Patuxent.
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0827.html
7 July 1814
Commentary on Barney's flotilla: "Few depredations had been committed
by the enemy in the neighborhood of the Patuxent until Commodore Barney
had incautiously placed himself in that river...This is another instance
to show how much disposed our president is to protect individuals along
the sea-board, when he has in view such mighty objects as the conquest
of Canada"
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0833.html
19 July 1814
Extra published, brief, one column: report that an armistice agreement
has arrived from Europe.
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0839.html
21 July 1814
Reports of British activities in CV, etc. Column published in the Baltimore
American (Republican paper) blaming Gov. Winder for Maryland being unprepared
to face the British.
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0843.html
4 August 1814
"Considerable and respectable reinforcements of militia have arrived
from Frederick and Washington counties, and the upper part of this county,
within the last week. They display great zeal in service in which they
are engaged..."; the Gazette had earlier criticized the FR militia for
being too Republican and not wanting to fight.
8 September 1814
"Our subscribers will have the goodness to excuse the non-appearence
of the Gazette last week. a disappointment in the receipt of paper was
the cause...[as well as] the circumstance of all the hands employed in
the office being daily called out on military duty, renders us unable to
present [readers] more than a quarter of a sheet this week." Paper only
two pages (one sheet), small size paper; some battle news, nothing about
the burning of DC.
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0871.html
22 September 1814
Next issue; no paper on 15th. Small page. Short report of Battle of
Baltimore; "on Sunday [the 18th] between 60 and 70 sail of the enemy, large
and small, passed our harbour, bound down the Bay..."
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0875.html
29 September 1814
Report of Battle of Baltimore from Gen. Stricker.
http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001287/html/m1287-0878.html