The secretary apologized for his delay in answering, but as Mr. Kent could well appreciate, pressing matters occupied the department. Gilbert and Jared both understood the nature of the pressing matters. Regrettably, Hamilton said, no appointments for midshipmen were available at the moment. Should Mr. Kent’s nephew still wish to serve, he would have to do so as a ship’s boy, receiving six dollars per month for an enlistment of one year. Mr. Kent would also understand that Mr. Hamilton could provide no information concerning the whereabouts of the larger United States vessels, but with luck, one of the frigates might soon put in at Boston or another New England port, and Mr. Kent’s nephew could then apply. Jared was disappointed. But the setback didn’t change his plans. On the eighteenth of June, President Madison declared war. ii Boston’s bells tolled in mourning. New England’s Federalist press raged. The declaration had only been approved in the Senate by six votes! Pastors took to their pulpits to decry the step.
