"Let it Rain Militia: The Critical Battle for the Chesapeake" Topic

"More than three decades since the Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War and 25 years since the U.S. Constitution was signed, the nation was still without a strong central government. Questions remained about trade, economy and the unresolved issue of slavery. No less important were the calls for "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights" by the merchant seafarers and the push of the young war-hawk Republicans for westward expansion. These and other issues came to a head in the spring of 1812, as Americans debated the possibility of a second war with Great Britain. Hot button topics included England's impressment of sailors and a desired final solution to securing the Northwest Territory, left unresolved in the 1783 Treaty of Paris.

On June 18, 1812, with America no longer able to protect its maritime neutrality amidst the Napoleonic Wars, a declaration of war was enacted to preserve and protect America's global trade. Within months, President James Madison's military call of "Onward to Canada" along the frontier ended in failure, due to poor leadership, lack of support from New England, poor equipage and lack of preparation. But the American invasion was not without success: In April 1813, Americans captured the Canadian capital city of York, burning much of the city and raising the American colors over Government House. Meanwhile, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's signal victory over a superior British squadron on Lake Erie in September 1813 and other victories proved American naval strength and discipline…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Not be pedantic, but the running head about "fighting a second war for independence" may be overstating things a little as – after all – the US were the ones who declared war

The action at North Point is an interesting engagement in that it was a successful delaying action by the Maryland militia units under a competent commander. Brigadier General John Stricker had served as a captain of artillery under Washington. His 3d, or City Brigade, was composed of five infantry regiments, a three-company battalion of riflemen, a small cavalry regiment, and an artillery company of six 4-pounders.

The infantry regiments, the 5th, 6th, 27th (the 'Jefferson Blues), 39th, and 51st, made up the best infantry brigade available to the American commander, Major General Samuel Smith, veteran of the War of the Revolution and commander of the Maryland militia.

The British lost 46 killed and 300 wounded, the Americans lost 24 killed, 139 wounded, and 50 captured.

With the exception of the 51st Regiment, which had been at Bladensburg and had not done well there either, the rest of Stricker's troops performed creditably. The other three infantry regiments fell back on the 6th, which was in reserve and rallied. One field piece and an ammunition wagon were lost as their horses were killed, but the rest got away. They formed line of battle on the 6th Regiment and the British did not pursue. Their commander, General Ross, had been killed in action.

Thanks Kevin….

Amicalement
Armand