June 30, 1812: Twelve days after Congress, at President James Madison's request, declared war on Britain, the president called for emergency commissions for new military officers. In 1812, the U.S. Army and Navy was an all-volunteer force (as it is today). The U.S. was not as strong, either in numbers or arms, as the British; there was a particular lack of officers who could lead. Madison urged Congress to increase emergency commissions of military officers, adjutants, quartermasters, inspectors, paymasters, and engineers. By the way, among the troops who would distinguish themselves in the War of 1812 (often called America's second war of independence) were two future presidents: William Henry Harrison and Andrew Jackson.
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