I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PEOPLE WHOSE AID AND SUPPORT MADE THIS BOOK possible. First, I wish to thank Tim Newark, author, historian, and editor. His expert and insightful advice about what ingredients make for an interesting and informative historical narrative guided my writing.
To Sandra Jackson, Supervisor of the Interlibrary Loan Department, the Milton S. Eisenhower Library, and John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, I want to thank for her courtesy, kindness, and timely responses to my requests for material. Her able assistants, Jeanette Brown and Jeff Dysart, not only made me feel at home but also took an interest in my project, which greatly encouraged my effort.
To Casemate Publishers, I would like to extend my gratitude for their confidence in me to put a manuscript together, and their desire to add to the material on the War of 1812 in its 200th anniversary year. The fine illustrations they have included in the work add greatly to the volume.
To my daughters, Beth and Maureen, whose encouragement helped me carry on, thank you for taking the time and interest in your old Dad's avocation. To my wife Marsha, thanks for the occasional needed push to get the job done.