President James Madison outlined the nation’s grievances against Great Britain in a letter to Congress on June 1, 1812. He argued that British ships had been “violating the American flag on the great highway of nations, and of seizing and carrying off persons sailing under it.” 

He reminded representatives of their body’s constitutional right to declare war, saying that their decision, “will be worthy of the enlightened and patriotic councils of a virtuous, a free, and a powerful nation.” Congress voted in favor of war, and President Madison signed the nation’s first declaration of war in the White House.