Ross then was persuaded to attack Baltimore, Maryland. He led British troops to the area. At the time, "he had no intention whatsoever of attacking Washington," according to a historian. Nonetheless, he marched on the capital and joined his troops with others who had arrived from Bermuda, led by Rear-Admiral Sir George Cockburn, 10th Baronet. In spite of a larger contingent of American defenders, the British captured Washington with a force of 4,500 "battle hardened" men. On 24 August, the Burning of Washington occurred, as the troops, directed by Ross, set fire to a number of public buildings, including the White House and the United States Capitol. Extensive damage to the interiors and the contents of both were subsequently reported.