A Discourse, Delievered at Trinity Church, Boston, July 23, 1812… Upon the Declaration of War Against Great Britain

Pamphlet, 8vo, cardboard wrappers with short title, 19 pp. Some minor soiling and aging, some underlining and pencil marks by a previous owner; otherwise very good. Gardiner (1765-1830) was a clergyman in Boston who was not in favor of a war with Great Britain, and was somewhat anti-French in his politics. This pamphlet questions the logic and value of another war with Britain, and reminds people that the American military wasn't really ready for war. The article also indicates that the Madison Administration was using the issue of impressments to incite the public toward war. Although the author acknowleges that Britain has indeed taken American sailors on the 'high seas', more diplomatic means should be employed to get them back. He asks the question of why the administration wasn't pursuing a war with France, who he argued, was as guilty of this crime as Britain. DNB