Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-08-31
FROM THE COFFEE HOUSE BOOKS
By alester. dated Alexandria, August 26th,

+ 1914. 80 3
The British Army are still in Washington.
On Wednesday Il attacked our army at Bl,
denshnrg, defeated ir, and took the artillery.
On the evening of that day it took posscssi-
on OF the City. About eight p. M. the Ma.
w Yard was set on fire by order of our Co
sernpght. About nine the British fred the
Capitol, and at midnight the Presidents
House Yesterday the Magazine exploded,
and Fexail's Foundry was DESTROYED either
by one side or the ether. The Great Bridge
was set on fire. a. our end by our people,
End the other was blown up by them. 60
Our army have retired into Montgomery
County, Maryland. adjoining the District,
where the militia are marching from all Ii
REGIONS 1t is ssidthe British army are en-
deavouring to draw on an action, and for
mat purpose, evince an intention of advan,
eng from the CITY. Private property has
hitherto been respected, and the most rigid
discipline observed. Theenemy Cannot now
cross the Potorac so far we are pretty
SAFE out there sre six frisates coming up
ara we have every thing to fear from the
P,anoerlng system they have pursued else
wnere' The militia at Bladensburg beha.
yea :hameful'y. with the exception, of the
baltimore Cavalry, and some fine re eiiaents
and the Artillery under Barney. who, was
Wounded and taken. This battle Showed
our men an example difficult to be initiated.
lhe British marched up to the Caunon,s
mouth With fixed Bayonets and measured
step, although every discharge made com,
PIete lanes through shem. They fred net
musket. What have we not TO dread from
THIS state OF discipline, when contrasted with
oursH The enemy we hov hear amount TO
ii,ooO, Commanded by Major General Ross /;
admiral Ccckbur IS with him and 1900
seamen. Lord HI! is net arrived, but ex :
peete9.
80
ExHdci ~ leifsy, dated, Alesona,;a, 1pe. SO
nus is the fiis, opportunity VIC hryi had
OF writing this week, the office being removed
out OF town,apd the mails stopped. Every pub.
nc ouiisins in Washington is in ashes, aud that
Guy and George Town in quiet possession osthe
% brtisb troops This morning the barracks and
tue ola ships at the Navy Yard were fired II For
eso nights our streets have been lighted by The
LINES at Washington, which is still smoking.
Fart OF the bridge is destroyed. We ar. mo.
menty expecting visit from item at this
piece fou can scarcely conceive the distress,
a,Arln ana CONSERVATION that prevails in that
Piacei women add children CRY ing and scream.
ing I'D every direction, hurryipg out oil town, all
hustle and confusion. Stores and houses prin
cipaiiy deserted and CLOSED, the spe Gle has been
moved and banks closed A considerable force
is ascending the Potomac, and is stated to be
wilma 80 or 40 miles. How long the enemy
WI remain at Washington God only knows, or
what viii be our situation in this district. The
british Commanders have given us assurances
mat cur persons ard property sl.all be respect.
eu' OF all such as are not found in arms against
them. Fort Warburton is evacuated and the
guns spiked. Our troops made but a miserable
ue'ence-the'r conduct was disgracetul, and
the disgrace to tie nationby the destruction OF
me cap ,tat can never be wiped away. 1t is stat.
co mat only,750 II the enemy were engaged.
admiral Cockburn stated to the deputaion
rom this town. that waited on him, that they
are IN want OF -four and should take it, but tha,
thes would pay fair price for it. A battle it
IS confusion.
In haste, yours, &C."