In 1814 were given the following toasts. At Belfast, Maine: "The War-Hawks and Vultures at Washington:--Having _usurped_ the place of the towering Eagle, may they be _expelled_ from the capitol, with their _wings clipped_ and a label about their necks, to the _wilds_ of _Kentucky_, the _native haunts_ of birds of _prey_."[42] At Scituate, Massachusetts: "_The President of the United States_--Respect for the office, but contempt for the incumbent--an immediate resignation his first duty--the Island of Elba his last retreat."[43] At Hudson, New York: "_Massachusetts_--British influence but poor bait for Codfish--may she let down her net the right side of the Ship."[44] At Winchendon, Massachusetts: "_James I. of America._--In the imitation of his prototype may he soon be compelled by the voice of the people to abdicate in favour of a rightful heir.--_3 cheers._"[45] At New York: "_Timothy Pickering._--'A greater liar Parthia never bred.'"[46] It is clear that every one was in an irritated frame of mind, the merest trifle being sufficient to arouse bitter feelings, and even to cause men to come to actual blows. Duel after duel was fought by those in the upper classes of society--whether military, naval, or civil; and even among respectable people hand to hand fights seem occasionally to have taken place.[47] To add to the general irritation, several especially unpopular laws were enacted. An act laying direct and other taxes was approved by President Madison on July 30, and went into effect on December 25, 1813.[48] In a Worcester paper of December 22, 1813, appeared the following: "_The New Army_--The tax-gathering campaign is about opening, and will undoubtedly be both brilliant and successful, as the army of assessors and collectors is very numerous and ably supported by the strong arm of the government.--This _patriotic_ band of harpies will unquestionably acquit themselves with great skill and adroitness in diving to the bottom of the farmers' pockets and filching away the hard-earnings of many a tedious day."[49] Long before this, however, there had been clashes between United States custom house officers and others. A communication dated Portland, Massachusetts,[50] May 28, 1813, beginning with the statement that "A most daring infringement of the laws took place here upon the evening of the 25th," went on to describe the seizure of goods by custom house officers, who were set upon by smugglers, the latter making off with the goods.[51] In September, 1813, what is described as "a battle" took place at Granville, New York, on the borders of Vermont, between United States custom house officers and officials of New York. Meanwhile, however, we get our first glimpse of Uncle Sam. An article half a column in length, headed "For the Troy Post," was printed in that paper of September 7, 1813, and began as follows: