Should an attempt be made to tamper with the British Admiral
commanding the squadron off Norfolk [Virginia], what does Mr. Madison [President
of the United States] expect to gain by it?
Should the British fit out and expedition to steal up the Potomac in
disguise, and bear off our slang-whanging warlike Chief, what would they gain
buy it? In the event of success in the
last undertaking, it is conjectured that the enemy will only row the little man
through the fleet as a show, and let
him trudge back to Washington without a hair on his head hurt, or a grain of
his powder and pomatum [hairdressing consisting of a perfumed oil or ointment]
disturbed, and with the privilege of issuing a proclamation denouncing British
perfidy and cruelty. Should the first
enterprise take , and peace ensue, how glorious will be the termination of the
war. Stopped because money cannot be got
to carry it out, and stopped after a series of the most disgraceful and calamitous
disasters by land. - But the British will hardly be such fools as to patch up a
slight and temporary suspension of hisotilties, serving only to reinstate the
popularity if the deadly and envenomed enemies. - We should like to known [sic] for what purpose
a Patrole is to be established in the neighborhood of the Palace [the White
House]. Surely our brave and redoubtable
chief, who is expected will shortly exhibit himself in compelled armour, and a
suitable attitude, is in no fear for his precious person.[1]
[1] Federal
Republican, published as FEDERAL REPUBLICAN, AND COMMERCIAL GAZETTE.; Date:
03-17-1813; Volume: VII; Issue: 943; Page: [3]; Location: Georgetown, District
of Columbia
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