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Lost the Bet The American's were not the only arrogant ones during the War of 1812. British Major General Frederick Robinson ate dinner one night in the home of Mrs. Hubbell of New York. At the end of their visit Mrs. Hubbell remarked: "Goodbye, sirs, for a very little while, but I know you'll soon be back and hanging your heads as you come." The general replied: "If a man had said that, I would call him out, but since it is a fair lady that has been our charming hostess, I reply that when your prophecy comes true, every officer here shall throw his purse on your door as he passes." Major General Robinson's officers made good on their bet during their retreat past Mrs. Hubbell's house. Yet the British were not the only one's to be corrected by the locals for false pride. In May 1813, 13 year old Jacob Cline came into an American camp to marvel at all the military equipment, as any 13 year old boy might do. When he explained he was Canadian, one American officer laughed, "You'll soon be under the Yankee government, my boy." Cline replied, "I'm not so sure about that." He was right too .
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