Patriotism Tested – The War of 1812

The War of 1812 was declared on June 18th.   A month later, the Niles Register printed this article to encourage those with sectionalist tendencies, in particular northern merchants with close business ties to Britain, to remember their patriotic duty to maintain the union at all costs.  It is also a gentle reminder to the firebrands in the south to be patient with those used to friendly ties with Britain.