Title
An Act Declaring War Between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the Dependencies Thereof and the United States of America and Their Territories.
Subject
The official declaration of war between the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
Description
Passed by the Senate and House, this act brought about the War of 1812.
Creator
Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America
Date
June 18, 1812
Rights
© 2008 Lillian Goldman Law Library
Original Format
Act of Congress
Text
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That war be and the same is hereby declared to exist between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their territories; and that the President of the United States is hereby authorized to use the whole land and naval force of the United States to carry the same into effect, and to issue to private armed vessels of the United States commissions or letters of marque and general reprisal, in such form as he shall think proper, and under the seal of the United States, against the vessels, goods, and effects of the government of the said United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the subjects thereof
APPROVED, June 18, 1812
APPROVED, June 18, 1812