In reply to Stuart Power (Letters, June 29), I am aware of the 1812-15 war between Britain and the US and the capture of the 38-gun frigates Guerrier, Java and Macedonian (Captain John Carden) by the 44-gun large frigates.

Later, one of these, the President, was captured by the British super frigate Leander. The main cause of the war, as I stated, was British interference in trade with France and the impressment of American sailors.

President Madison had another reason, though. He wanted to incorporate Canada into the US. The burning of the White House, which the Prince Regent disapproved of, was in revenge for the burning of Government House in Canada.

Two houses were burnt, from which shots were fired, but at the request of citizens, others were spared in case the flames spread.

Regarding Trafalgar, I was only pointing out that, at the time of the battle, the French army was fighting in Germany and, after the Battle of Austerlitz, the time for crossing the Channel by flatbottomed rowing barges was impossible.

A British officer, who captured one of the barges, said the idea was ridiculous. The First Lord of the Admiralty said: "I don't say the French cannot come but they cannot come by water."

-RW Carden, Beechwood Avenue, Brighton