Mark discusses the local ramifications of the outbreak of war between Great Britain and the U. S., and his own membership in the militia. "[T]he people in this Country seem to be for war principally those that live on the frontier are a moving their families off every day . . . the Indian fever prevails all over the purchase they seem to be in agitation all the time in holding council among the tribes . . . the people are trying to cross over from Canada but are prohibited by the soldiers . . . the minuet men belonging to the Western District are called for and stationed at Buffaloe and Niagara except one company that belong to the Allegany I belong to that company we were warned the last of June a friday to start on wednesday it was a time they expected the British would cross but the Militia turn out from Batavia and from all parts . . . and quelled their fear . . . ."