A Struggle for Power

In the 1800 Election, Aaron Burr wins the seat for President over Thomas Jefferson after an extremely close race. Burr becomes the Third U.S. President, and Thomas Jefferson becomes his Vice President. Burr, however, makes one crucial change to his cabinet, he fires Alexander Hamilton and makes him the Commander in Chief of the tiny U.S. Army in which he orders Hamilton to expand, and bolster the American Armies reputation as a real military force.

In 1802, Burr hears word that British ships have begun sinking U.S. merchant ships across the Atlantic. He attempts to make negotiations with the Crown, but the offer is denied. When a U.S. warship is mistaken in the night as a merchant ship on April 12th, 1802 the USS Constellation is fired upon and engages a British ship, the Menalus in the Battle of Vila Do Corvo. The Constellation is badly damaged and forced to retreat with 13 men killed and more wounded. Burr, in response, declares war on England.

On June 17th, 1802, General Andrew Jackson takes 3,800 troops north into Canada to battle British forces at Montreal.