By: Elena Lu
The British Canada Cabinet is taking immediate action to maximize their strengths and gather allies. William Dummer Powell and Sir George Prevost formed a plan to take the US down from the inside by gathering intelligence and taking full advantage of the rift between the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists. George Stracey Smyth objected to the idea of taking the U.S. down from the inside, pointing out the high risk and potential consequences of getting caught. In response, Powell declared, “They’re already going to unleash everything on us. We might as well try it.” He also commented that the British Canadians should “play up the victim role—[the U.S.] declared war on us, not the other way around.”
Prevost commended the Cabinet for their teamwork and unity, stating, “We are doing really well with our cooperation … we’re staying united as a front, and I am really happy with that as our country. I would say if we were to continue to do this, we would be in a very good place with the war against the United States.” He added, “I would consider the directive that we are finishing up right now to be … a great step in the right direction.” However, Prevost and Smyth clashed several times during the discussion over various points, including the degree of aggression to use in the war.
The U.S., meanwhile, is also sending spies to sow discord in French Canada, yet perhaps it should focus on its own unity. Daniel Webster noted that the United States Cabinet has suffered from “copious amounts of in-fighting.” Points of debate included funding and whether or not to send militias. After much discussion, the Cabinet produced a directive addressing the disorganized state of the U.S. army. The directive provided for four U.S. army training camps, a propaganda campaign with the goal of mobilizing an additional 40,000 soldiers, and a 5% pay raise, yearly pension, and provision of land parcels for qualified soldiers.
Battle plans are being made in both Cabinets. British Canada plans to take the bridge over the Oswegatchie River with a force of 150, take arsenals and batteries, then capture Fort Oswegatchie. Prevost also proposed a propaganda campaign to convince the American people that British Canada seeks only liberty and equality—values that the U.S. holds in high regard—and that the U.S. leadership is the one at fault. In the U.S. Cabinet, Daniel Webster argues that an enormous amount of pressure should be put on British Canada to eliminate their ability to counter-attack quickly.
Smyth stated boldly during the discussion that the U.S. is “a little tiny nothing nation right now and they just want more land. We have international support on our side.” The war is still unfolding, so check back soon for updates and interviews.