In September, 1814, an army of 14,000 men, under the command of Sir George Prevost, Governor General of Canada, and a fleet on Lake Champlain, under Commodore Downie, carrying 95 guns, and 1050 men, approached Plattsburgh. The American fleet, commanded by Commodore Macdonough, carried but 86 guns, and 826 men. While lying off Plattsburgh, on the 11th of September, the British fleet bore down upon them in order of battle. Ordering his vessels to be cleared for action, Commodore Macdonough gallantly received the enemy. The engagement was exceedingly obstinate.... After an engagement of two hours and twenty minutes, the British ships were silenced, and one frigate, one brig, and two sloops of war, fell into the hands of the Americans.] [_History of New York_: Before sunset, the temporary batteries of the enemy were all silenced, and every attempt to cross from Plattsburg to the American works repelled. At 9 o'clock, the object was abandoned, and the British general hastily drew off his forces... Large quantities of military stores were abandoned, and fell into the hands of the Americans.] The people of the United States were at this time divided into two political parties; one party condemned the war as unwise and unnecessary; the other contending that the war was just, and necessary, for the maintenance of national honour. The opposition to the war was the greatest in the New England states, and during its continuance this opposition was confirmed. Enlistments of troops were in some instances discouraged, and dissentions arose between the general and state governments, respecting the command of the militia, called out by order of the former, to defend the sea-board. Accordingly the legislature of Massachusetts appointed delegates to meet and confer with the delegates from the states of New England, or any of them, upon the subject of their public grievances and concerns. The delegates met at Hartford, Connecticut, in 1815, and sat nearly three weeks with closed doors. This convention consisted of delegates from the state of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island; two members from New Hampshire, and one from Vermont. After their adjournment, the convention published an address, charging the nation with pursuing measures hostile to the interest of New England, and recommended amendments to the Federal Constitution. [_Interesting Events_: Hartford Convention (quoting "Goodrich"):