The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1814-12-10

Iockburn tell IN with and defeated the no
tilia. taking and DESTROYING tbs whole. Ha-
wing advanced to within rs miles of Wash
ipgton, & ascertaining the force of the enemy
TO be such as might authorize an attempt at
carrying his. capital, j determined to make it,
and accordingly put the troops in movement
ON the evening of the Esd. A corps of a
bout 1900 men appeared to oppose us, but
retired after firing few shots. On the oath,
the troops resumed their march, and reach
cd Bladensburg, a village situated on the left
Bank of the eastern branch of the Potomac,
about five miles from Washington.
On the opposite side of that river the enemy
was discovered strongly posted on very COM
manding heights, formed into two linesS his
advance occupying fortified house, which,
with artillery, covered the bridge over the
eastern branch, across which the British
troops had to pass. A broad and straight
road leading fro,. the bridge to Washington
ran through the enemy's position, which
was carefully defended by artillery and rife
men.
The disposition Of the attack being made,
i. WAS commenced with so much iHlpetuosity
by the light brigade, consisting of the 85th
light infantry 4 the light infantry companies
of the army, under the command Of colonel
Thornton, that the fortified house was shortly
carried, the enemy retiring to the higher
grounds.
In support OF the light brigade ordered up
a brigade under the command of col Brooke,
who, with the 44th regiment, attacked the en-
eny's left, the 18th regt. pressing his right
wiSh such effect as 20 cause him 70 abandon
his guns. HIS first line giving way, was driv-
en- or the second which, Welding to the ire
sistible attack OF the bayonct, ard The Welt
directed discharge Of rockets, got into confu-
sen, leaving tSe British masters of the field.
a-iA So. 4
ledge ofthe country, prcciadeh the possibility
ST many prisoners being taken, more partict-
lsrly as the troops had, during the day, IN
Gergone considerable fatigue.
The cnemy's army, amounting to or 5000
men, with or 400 cavalry, was under the
command of Gen. Wander, beirg formed Of
troops drawn from Baltimore & Pennsylvania
biis artillery, ten pieces of which fell into cur
hands, was commanded by Com. Barney who
was wounded and tnken prisoner. The artit
lery directed to be destroyed.
Having halted the army for a short time, I
determined TO march upon washington, and
reached that city at eight O'Clock that night.
Iudsingit Of consequence 10 complete the DIES
truction of the public buildings with The least
necessary delay, sotlrat the 1rny nigh retire
without loss of time, the following buildings
We're set FIRE to and Consumed-tle Capitol,
Including the Senate House and House Of Re-
personalities, the arsenal, the dock yard, trra
sury, war Office, President palace, rope walk
&c the great bridge across the Potomac in the
dock yard frigate nearly ready to be launch
ell, AMI sloop ofwar, were consumed. The
two bridges leading to Washington over the
eastern branch had been destroyed by the enc
my, vino aoprehended An attack frcm that
ouarter-The object of the expedition being
accomplished, determined before any grea-
ter force of tive enemy could be assembled,
TO withdraw the troops, and accordingly con-
menced retiring on the night of the 25th.
On the evening Of the 18th we reach
ed Benedict, and re-ernbarked the fol-
loving lay. IN the persor nance CT the ope-
ration / have detailed, it is with the utmost
satisfactionI observe to your Il, lship, that
cheerfulness in undergoing fatigue and anxiety
for the Accomplishment of the object were con-
soicuous in all ranks.
To SIR Alexander Cochrane my thanks are
due, FOR his ready compliance with every wish
Connected with the welfare of the troops, ard
The success OF the expedition.
To rear admiral Cockburn, who suggested
the attack upon Washington, md who &C
cnmpanied the army, confess the greatest
obligation, FOR his cordial cooperation and
ADVICE. 81 -
Col. Thornton, who led the attack, is ent-
lied tn every praise for the nohle example he
Wood and the s5th light infantry and by ma
jor Jones, Of the sth foot, with the light con-
plilics attached TO the light brigade. l have
10 express M appreciation Of the spirited con
duct OF col. Brooke GI.i his brigade, me Nth
regiment which he led distinguished itself
uadcr the command ofiieutenant co!Qi.el Mu!-
Inns the galla:itry of tne 4th tcot, under the
command Of maj. Faunce, being e4aally con
SpiruMs.
The exertions OF capt. M'5chel, Of the roy
III artillery, in bringing the guns into action,
were unrrinitting to him, and 70 the detach
ment under MS corn ,and, including captain
DRAGONS rocket brigade, aud the marine
rocket corps, feel every o).ig aton. Capt.
I.empricre of the royal artillery, mour.ed
small detachment Of the artillery drivers
which proved ofg-eat utility.
The assistance afforded by capt. blanchard
of the royal engineers, in the duties of his
apartment, was Of great advantage. To the
jealous cXeTtions OF captS. wainwright, Pal
uer and Money, of the royal navy, and TO
those Of the officers an seamep that landed
with them, the vice Is highly inds bted the
latter. capt. Money, lad charge cf the sea-
men attached to the marine artillery. To
capt NJ Dougall, Of the 85th foot, who acted
as ny aid-de-camp, in Consequence of the in
disposition Of my aid-de-carlp, capt. Fails &c
TO the officers Of my staff. l feel much indebt-
I'd.
must beg leave to call your lordslip's at
tention to the zeal and interchangeable exertlons
OF lieutenant Evans, acting deputy quarter
master general The int iiiverce disnIaved