If I could gain, howe'er so little, to improve, I'd give it to the world for benefit. Third Edition, revised and improved. NEW-YORK: Printed for the Author, and for sale by the Booksellers. M DCCC XLI. The proceeds of this work, over the expenses of publishing, to be appropriated to charitable purposes. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840, BY HENRY LUDWIG, In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New-York. H. LUDWIG, PRINTER, 72 Vesey-st., N. Y. This Work IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED To The Amiable, Sensible, and Pious MISS CAROLINE SISSON, Niece to His Excellency, Charles Collins, Governor Of Rhode-Island, Whose Highly Exemplary Character, With That of His EXCELLENT LADY, Must Deservedly Gain for Them Applause and Respect Wherever They Are Known, And From Personal Knowledge of This Most Worthy Family, The Author Has Reason to Subscribe Herself Their Very Much Obliged, Affectionate Friend. CONTENTS. Chapter I.-- The Parentage of Alida .... A description of her father's residence .... She is sent to the village school. Chapter II.-- Alida loses her mother and one of her brothers. Chapter III.-- Alida is removed to a female seminary in New-York to finish her education .... A description of her only surviving brother. Chapter IV.-- A war is meditated between the United States and Great Britain .... Causes why it was expected to take place. Chapter V.-- War declared in a manifesto by the President of the United States against Great Britain .... Causes of the war stated. Chapter VI.-- An indissoluble friendship .... Celebration of a birth-day .... Description of a parish minister. Chapter VII.-- Entrance of a gentleman on professional study with an eminent attorney in New-York. Chapter VIII.-- Meeting of two rivals. Chapter IX.-- Disappointment of the rivals. Chapter X.-- An unexpected meeting. Chapter XI.-- Unexpected misfortune. Chapter XII.-- A separation. Chapter XIII.-- A second marriage .... Removal to New-York for the winter .... A hero joins the army under Colonel Van Rensselaer .... The battle of Queenstown-- He is taken by the British, and sent with other prisoners to England .... Capture of York. Chapter XIV.-- Melancholy reflections. Chapter XV.-- Battle of Lake Erie and victory of Commodore Perry .... Battle of Detroit and victory of General Harrison. Chapter XVI.-- Passage in a steamboat from New-York to the village of * * * * .... A band of military music. Chapter XVII.-- Battle of Niagara-- Colonel Miller's achievement .... Description of the President .... Description of Mrs. Madison .... Battle of Bladensburgh.