Half-Hearted Enemies: Nova Scotia, New England and the War of 1812 - Softcover

Boileau, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0887806570 ISBN 13: 9780887806575

Publisher: Formac Publishing Ltd., 2005

Synopsis

The untold chapter of reluctant enemies caught up in a continental war

When the US declared war on Great Britain in 1812, the Canadian colonies found themselves committed to armed conflict with their American neighbours. While Upper and Lower Canada became the main battlegrounds, Nova Scotia was reluctant to disrupt its lucrative trade with New England and immediately established a truce so that commerce could continue to flow freely.

In this book author John Boileau explores many aspects of the involvement of Nova Scotia in the War of 1812. He recounts many of the famous privateering and naval escapades up and down the coast, including the most famous prize, USS Chesapeake, which was captured by the Royal Navy and brought into Halifax Harbour. Halifax was also the site of the military prison where, over the course of the war, 10,000 men endured overcrowded and unhealthy living conditions. In May 2005 a ceremony will take place in Halifax to memorialize the 200 American prisoners who died in Melville Island prison.

During the war many escaped slaves found passage to Nova Scotia. This book reveals that instead of peace and prosperity the refugees found prejudice, hardship and smallpox.

This book sets out the history of a war whose spoils helped to establish Dalhousie College (now Dalhousie University) and the Cambridge Military Library (Halifax).

About this title

About the Author:

JOHN BOILEAU is a retired Canadian army colonel and author of twelve books and 500 articles. He is a frequent commentator on military issues for radio and television and a lecturer to service organizations and historical societies. In 2010 the Minister of National Defence appointed him Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of The Halifax Rifles (RCAC) and in 2014 he became the unit's Honorary Colonel. He lives in Nova Scotia.

Review:

"This is not only marvelous socical history, it is also the best account of the War of 1812 from a Maritime perspective." (Bill Twatio esprit de corps)

"The most unusual and compelling aspect of Half-Hearted Enemies, beyond the well-told stories of land and sea battles, is the fact that great efforts were made to maintain normal peacetime relations between Nova Scotia and New England during the War of 1812." (Bruce Erskine The Chronicle Hearld)

"John Boileau explores the complexities of families and neighbours at war. Overall, a most revealing an valuable review." (BIO-Oceans Association Newsletter)

"[Boileau has a neat way of summing up events with short, insightful observations. . . . [A lively, readable book." (Jim Lotz Canadian Military History Book Review Supplement)

About this edition

• Publisher: Formac Publishing Ltd.
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0887806570
• ISBN 13: 9780887806575
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176