On June 1, 1812, President James Madison sent the U.S. Congress his message summing up British warlike activities of the past six months. It was an indictment of Great Britain's adamant refusal to stop seizing American trading ships and seamen on the high seas. Although Madison did not expressly request a declaration of war, his words made clear his strong belief that the United States had no alternative but war to defend itself and its sovereignty.
For the next several weeks the Congress, often meeting in secret sessions, debated the issue. On June 4, 1812, the House of Representatives voted 79 to 49 to declare war against Great Britain.
At the present time, the Senate is still in debate.
The British minister in Washington, Augustus Foster, is convinced that "
not 4 Senators from North of the Potomac will vote for WAR..."Stay tuned....WILL THERE BE WAR????
