Evening star., 1933-10-08

narrow section was added to the west side
Of the building, in order to admit Of placing
there q door, and windows above. to conform
to the rest OF the structure and to permit the
building to be converted into two dwellings
instead of one
"a /HEN the British invaded the Capital On
w August "a, 1914, and put the public build
ings to the torch, the Supreme Court, which
had been holding its sessions in the Capitol,
found itself without meeting place. and the
great John Marshall, Chief Justice Of the
court, was glad to avail himself Of the hos
pitality Of the clerk Of the court. and held the
meetings Of that august body in Mr.. Caldwens
home while the Capitol was being repaired
The story Of the burning Of Washington has
been told many times, but rarely do We see IN
print the British side of the invasion.
On August 80. 1914. Maj. Gen. Robert Ross
forwarded a report of his capture and burning
Of this city to the British home ONCE. This
report was printed two months later In the
Gentlemans Magazine published in London,
and reads in part:
"On the gath the troops resumed their
march, and reached Bladensburg, village sit
uated on the left bank of the Eastern Branch
Of the Potowmack, about five miles from Wash
ington. On the opposite side Of that river
the enemy was discovered strongly posted on
very commanding heights, formed in two lines,
his advance occupying a fortified house, which,
with artillery covered the bridge over the
Eastern Branch, across which the British
troops had to pass broad and straight road,
leading from the bridge to Washington. ran
through the eneny's position, which was care
fully defended by artillery and riaemen. The
disposition Cor the attack being made, it was
commenced with 50 much impetuosity by the
Ngtt brigade consisting Of the Ssth Light In
fantzy and the Light Infantry companies Of
the Army under the command Of Col Thorn
ton, that the fortified house was shortly car
ried. the enemy retiring to the higher grounds.
I'm support Of the light brigade. ordered
up Q brigade under the command Of Col.
Brooke, who, with the 44th regiment. attacked
the enemy's left, the 4th regiment pressing his
Sieht with such effect IS to cause him to aban-
dan his guns. His first line. giving way, was
driven On the second. which. yielding to the
irresistible attack Of the bayonet and the WELL
directed discharge Of rockets, got into con-
fusion and ned leaving the British masters OF
the ne3d. The rapid night Of the enemy, and
his knowledge of the country precluded the
possibility of many prisoners being taken, more
particularly as the troops had. during the day,
undergone considerable fatigue.
"The enemys army. amounting to eight or
nine thousand men, with three or four hun
dfed cavalry was under the command Of Gen.
Winder being formed Of troops drawn from
Baltimore and Pennsylvania. His artillery, 10
pieces Of which fell into our hands, was COM
manded by Commodore Barney, who was
wounded and taken prisoner. The artillery
directed to be destroyed. Having halted the
army for short time, determined to march
upon Washington, and reached that city at 8
O'Clock that night. Judging it of consequence
to complete the destruction OF the public build
ingS with the least possible delay, 50 that the
army might retire without loss Of time, the
following buildings were set fire to and con-
sumed: The Capitol. including the Senate
House and House of Representatives; the
arsenal, the dock-yard Treasury, War office,
Presidents palace, rope-walk and the great
bridge across the Potowmack, in the dock
yard q frigate nearly ready to- be launched
and q sloop of war were consumed
A further British report made at the time
says
"The taking of Alexandria also is confirmed
That town surrendered by capitulation. All the
shipping in the harbour, with their cargoes, and
immense stores of flour. tobacco, and other
merchandise, fell into the hands Of the British.
1T was a curious circumstance that when
the conquerors entered Mr.. Madison's palace
they found the table laid for q grand supper.
1he champagne was in coolers-a fine dessert
set out on the sideboards, 8c.-so the British
officers ordered in the supper, and Gen. Ross
drank his majesty's health at the head Of the
table, with the Presidents wine.
'"The following is . passage in one Of the
Washington papers the day previous to the
capture Of that city. After describing the
march Of many troops, the writer adds: In
few hours Thousands Of brave men Will be
prepared to resist the host Of n1ercenazies that
now threaten US. Arrayed In defense of al
that renders life blessing, and for protecting
from insult and desolation the metropolis CT
their country, hallowed by the venerable name
q Warrington. every arm VIII be nezved with
yalour irresistiDle!"
THE claim has been made that our troops
] lacked ammunition at the battle Of Bladens-
burg and maybe this is true Undoubtedly it