Authors: Mark Zuehlke
The American and British fleets collide on Lake Erie in a decisive battle for control of the western frontier on September 9, 1813. (Library and Archives Canada C-7762)
Tecumseh is shot down by a Kentucky horseman during the final stage of the Battle of Moravian Town on October 5, 1813. With him dies the dream of a self-governing Indian confederacy. (Library and Archives Canada PA-21304)
Lt. Col. de Salaberry leads French-Canadian voltigeurs and militia to victory at Châteauguay on October 25, 1813. (Library and Archives Canada C-3297)
Although the British carries Fort Oswego on May 6, 1814, the raid fails in its purpose to capture the guns bound for arming the 62-gun frigate
Superior.
(from
The Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812
by Benson Lossing [New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers], 1868)
The American failure at Lundy's Lane on July 24, 1814, spells the end of attacks on Canada. (Library and Archives Canada C-12094)
This American cartoon accuses the British of waging uncivilized warfare by inciting Indians to massacre and slaves to revolt, and setting Washington to the torch. (Library and Archives Canada C-40831)
The Peace of Ghent comes too late to avert the Battle of New Orleans. (from
The Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812)
The picturesque and ancient city of Ghent offers an amenable setting for the negotiations to end the war. (from
The Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812)
Admiral Sir James Gambier and John Quincy Adams shake hands after the signing of the treaty on December 24, 1814, while the other negotiators and commission secretaries look on. Henry Goulburn is in the foreground with back mostly turned so that his features and expression are hidden. (Library and Archives Canada C-5996)
This allegorical American treaty montage represents the negotiated end of the war as a triumph for America. (from
The Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812)
Between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of America.
His Britannic Majesty and the United States of America, desirous of terminating the war which has unhappily subsisted between the two countries, and of restoring, upon principles of perfect reciprocity, peace, friendship, and good understanding between them, have, for that purpose, appointed their respective plenipotentiaries, that is to say: His Britannic Majesty, on his part, has appointed the right honorable James Lord Gambier, late admiral of the white, now admiral of the red squadron of his Majesty's fleet, Henry Goulburn Esquire, a member of the Imperial Parliament, and under Secretary of State, and William Adams, Esquire, Doctor of Civil Laws:âAnd the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, has appointed John Quincy Adams, James A. Bayard, Henry Clay, Jonathan Russell and Albert Gallatin, citizens of the United States, who, after a reciprocal communication of their respective full powers, have agreed upon the following articles:
Dec. 24, 1814. Ratified and confirmed, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, Feb. 17, 1815.
1821, ch. 40. 1827, ch. 38. 1825, ch. 52.
Firm and inviolable peace.
*
There shall be a firm and universal peace
*
between his Britannic Majesty and the United States, and between their respective countries, territories, cities, towns, and people, of every degree, without exception of places or persons. All hostilities, both
by sea and land, shall cease as soon as this treaty shall have been ratified by both parties, as hereinafter mentioned. All territory, places, and possessions whatsoever
*
, taken by either party from the other, during the war, or which may be taken after the signing of this treaty, excepting only the islands hereinafter mentioned, shall be restored without delay, and without causing any destruction, or carrying away any of the artillery or other public property originally captured in the said forts or places, and which shall remain therein upon the exchange of the ratifications of this treaty, or any slaves or other private property. And all archives, records, deeds, and papers, either of a public nature, or belonging to private persons, which, in the course of the war, may have fallen into the hands of the officers of either party, shall be, as far as may be practicable, forthwith restored and delivered to the proper authorities and persons to whom they respectively belong.
*
Such of the islands in the Bay of Passamaquoddy as are claimed by both parties, shall remain in the possession of the party in whose occupation they may be at the time of the exchange of the ratifications of this treaty, until the decision respecting the title to the said islands shall have been made in conformity with the fourth article of this treaty. No disposition made by this treaty, as to such possession of the islands and territories claimed by both parties, shall, in any manner whatever, be construed to affect the right of either.