James Madison: War Message to Congress

By June of 1812, British conduct against American ships was intolerable. The British sought to block French trade across the globe as they fought Napoleon. As part of the attempt to block trade, British warships would stop American commercial ships to inspect their cargo. The main point was to prevent war materiel from reaching France. During these inspections, British naval officers would often forcibly take crew members from the American ships back to the British ships. Once onboard, these forcibly taken sailors would be required to serve on the ship, carrying out the duties of a sailor assigned to the ship in combat wherever the ship sailed. The process was known as impressment. President Madison was angered by the treatment of American crews. Not only were his countrymen being held against their will, but the action of impressment deeply disrespected American sovereignty and the American policy of neutrality. As president, Madison could not declare war against Britain; he had to ask Congress for a declaration of war. This letter, sent to Congress on June 1, 1812, was the way he requested Congress consider war. In this letter, Madison lists the provocations of the British. He ends his commentary on the British by asking Congress to recognize that although from the American view no state of war existed, the British acted as if the two nations were already at war.