Very early Declaration of War on Great Britain by USA and many related articles published in The Weekly Messenger, June 26, 1812

This June 26, 1812 The Weekly Messenger newspaper contains a declaration of war by James Madison dated 18 June 1812, and a proclamation by Madison confirming war, dated 19 June 1812. The United States declared war on Britain on 18 June 1812. Very early published articles 7 days after the official declaration of War by USA on Great Britain.

Content;

Front cover, Col. 1-5, - DEBATE IN LEGISLATURE OF MASSACHUSETTS" discussing the War and relations with Great Britain. 5 columns, whole front page. P2, col 1,2&3, - IMPORTANT INTELLIGENCE" Washington, June 18, Much about the rationale for War. 41 col. inches. P.2, col.3,4&5 - "DECLARATION" long detail discussions on War. 43 col. inches. P.3 col.2, - "A PROCLAMATION" James Madison confirms a state of War with Great Britain as of June 18, 2014. 5 col. inches. P.3, col.2, - "YEAS and NAYS" Vote in the House and Senate. 4 col. inches. P3, col. 2&3, - "WAR AGAINST ENGLAND" mood of the people, 8 col. inches. P.4, full page, Mr. Randolph's Speech, on British War in House of Reps May 12, 1812. 4 full columns with the result in voting not to go to War with Great Britain.

Officially, the American declaration was a response to the Royal Navy's repeated violations of the "freedom of the seas." The occupation of Canada would also stop the flow of arms and ammunition to the Shawnee Confederacy. Deprived of its major source of weapons, the Native alliance would be unable to resist American expansion to the west.