[201] It is a fact well ascertained that during a great part of the summer of 1814 the knight was under such serious apprehensions of being blown up by the Torpedo men, that he enjoyed no sleep or rest for many nights together. With such feelings, and under such impressions, he is supposed to begin his soliloquy abruptly, under all the emotions of horror, incident to such an occasion.--_Freneau's note._ Sir Thomas Hardy was commander of the 74 gun ship _Ramillies_, the leader of the squadron which lay off New London during the summer of 1814. The following in _Niles' Register_, May 7, 1814, is suggestive: "It appears the British squadron off _New London_ are yet disturbed by torpedoes. One of them lately exploded under the sprit-sail yard of the _La Hoque_, and threw up a volume of water near her fore top. The enemy, it seems, has a list of the persons concerned in the management of these machines!" THE NORTHERN MARCH Written Previously to the Battles of Chippewa and Bridgewater.[202] Come, to the battle let us go, Hurl destruction on the foe; Who commands us, well we know, Tis the gallant general Brown. Haste away from field or town, Pull the hostile standard down-- If but led by general Brown What will be the event, we know. If but led against that foe, Soon their doom the english know, Soon their haughtiest blood shall flow, When opposed to general Brown. Haste away from town and farm: If we meet them, where's the harm? English power has lost its charm, England's fame is tumbling down. Long she ruled the northern waste, Freedom is by her debased, Freedom is not to her taste; All the world must wear her chain!!! "Not a keel shall plough the wave, Not a sail, without her leave; Not a fleet, the nations have, Safe from her, shall stem the main!!! Let this day's heroic deeds Let the generous breast that bleeds, Let our chief who bravely leads Tell them that their reign is done: Soon to quit Columbia's shore, Is their doom--we say no more; General Brown, in the cannon's roar Tells them how the field is won! [202] Early in the year 1814 the British army obtained possession of Fort Niagara and thereupon determined to remove the seat of the war to the Niagara frontier. The American expedition intended to invade Canada was directed, under command of General Jacob Brown, to dislodge the British from this position. The first decisive action was the battle of Chippewa, fought July 5, 1814, on Canadian soil, opposite Niagara Falls. Three weeks later, July 25, he again closed with the British at Bridgewater, or Lundy Lane, in the same vicinity. In both engagements the Americans were victorious. ON POLITICAL SERMONS When parsons preach on politics, pray why Should declamation cease, if you go by?