New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-09-02
BLADENSBURG
What a "Citizenry Trained to
Arms" Accomplished Against
the British in 1914.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Allow me to thank Mr.. Homer Dunno
and NJ. c. The latter says, 81 wish 'Amerl-
can Citizen would write a few more facts
like those" concerning the lessons OF our
military history. In grateful acknowledge
nent Of this request, and bearing IN mlhu
Mr.. DUNES approval of "cold facts, shorn
OF all fanciful and self-satisfying hctlon''
should like to give little more OF our mill
tarv history. Critics should bear in mind that
[ am very proud of the individual acts OF
beroism Of which our military history is full
Students of military history are not ashamed
of the individual Americans who ran from
the British at Bladensburg; they are, now
ever. far from proud of our military lnefn-
cheney at Bladensburg, which led to the hu'
initiating capture and burning of Washing
ten, d. c.
Here are the facts, then, Of our military
nreparedness in 1914, in so far as they bear
on the defence of the capital of the country:
A British fleet, with about 5000 troops on
hoard had been cruising off the Chesapeake
for nearly year. II was not until june
however. that the attention of the admin
istration was first called to the danger that
confronted the capital. Then, and not until
then. the Secretary of War discovered that
the regular troops in the Fifth Military Dis
trict maryland and Virginia. numbered but
POS men. "These troops, composed to a
large extent of recruits" were dispersed at
various points along the Chesapeake from
Baltimore to Norfolk. They were, therefore,
incapable of quick concentration. On June
the President brought this situation to the
attention Of his Cabinet. To the Cabinet 1t
suggested no action and excited no alarm.
Then came day when Napoleon was sent
to Elba and Great Britain could send We'll
lington's army to America. At this danger
sign the President convened the Cabinet and
proposed to them as follows: That 1000 OF
5000 militia be called out and stationed near
the capital; that from 10000 to $1,000 militia
from Maryland, Virginia and the District Of
Columbia were "to be held in readiness to
march at a moments notice" after Wash
ington had been taken committee of the
House of REPRESENTATIVES found that these
measures "were approved by the heads Of the
departments; or, in other words, it does not
appear that any dissent was expressed
On July the Tenth Military District was
created maryland, District of Columbia and
Virginia between the Rappahannock and the
Potomac). The command of the new district
"deyolved upon General Winder, whose selec-
ton. according to the statement of the Sec
retary of War, was based mot on the ground
Of distinguished professional service or
knowledge but simply the presumption
that, being a native of Maryland and a rela-
tive Of the Governor, Brigadier Winder would
be useful in mitigating the opposition 70 the
war and in giving an increased efficiency (sic)
10 national measures within the limits of the
state"
July 4-Circular issued to the Governors
of all states in the vicinity inviting them ito
hold in readiness for immediate service a
corps Of $4,000 men" %
July general Wnder, "whose utmost
field force of regular troops" was from 700
u 500 men," suggested that 1000 militia
should be called out.
July 12-17-General Winder was author
lied. "in case of actual or menaced invasion"
to call out the entire Maryland quota of 5000
militia: 1000 also from Virginia, 1000 from
the District of Columbia and 5000 from
Pennsylvania all $4,000 men.
July 20-General Winder reported to the
Secretary of War that he deemed it ad.
visable TO call for the largest number
directed by the President, supposing that by
this means We might possibly get the lowest,
1000"
August l3-The Governor of Maryland re-
ported that 200 was all the militia he could
furnish to General Winder.
August 20-The militia called out en- masse
August @2-The troops reviewed by the
President, and
August 24--General Winder's report: "The