Existing comment:
The 1814 Campaign:
Napoleon was defeated in October of 1813, which released thousands of seasoned veterans and allowed Great Britain to consolidate its forces against the United States.
The British Admiralty ordered the aging commander of the American Station, Admiral Warren, to step down. He was replaced by Vice Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane, under whose decisive leadership the British Admiralty hoped to gain a speedy and victorious end to the campaign in the Chesapeake. In late May, 1814, rear Admiral Cockburn, now aboard the 74-gun Albion, returned to the Chesapeake Bay. He was accompanied by ships and men to strengthen the force which had remained in the Bay during the winter.
"Now that the tyrant Bonaparte has been consigned to infamy, there is no public feeling in this country stronger than that of indignation against the Americans."
-- The London Times |