Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Easton Flag" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Canvas board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 33c Easton Flag Classic Collection Series stamp issued June 14, 2000. The War of 1812 was presaged by continuing hostilities between Britain and France. The warring nations established blockades that had a disastrous effect on American shipping. The British government also claimed the right to stop neutral ships on the high seas, remove sailors of British birth and impress, or force, them back into British naval service. America strongly opposed this practice, because many native-born Americans were impressed by mistake. The United States also resented the British supplying arms to Indians, thus hindering American expansion. On June 18, 1812, Congress declared war on Great Britain. Fought in a series of small-scale actions, the outcome of the war was inconclusive. Both Britain and the United States scored naval and land victories, each claiming to have won the war. The final treaty at Ghent, Belgium, on December 24, 1814, however, simply restored prewar conditions. During the war, the citizens of Easton, Pennsylvania, presented an American flag to their First Company, First Regiment Volunteers. The unique design featured a red-and-white striped canton on a blue field with 12 stars arranged in a circle, and a single star in the center. Image Size: 13.5 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 15 in. Unframed. (B16815) See More