know you, young man. You must come to
Mount Vernon some time to see me."

Whether or not Francis Dodge got to Mount Vernon before the General's
death the following year, I do not know, but for over forty years his
grandson, Colonel Harrison H. Dodge, was the honored superintendent
there.

Young Francis was taken into his brother's counting house, and a few
years later, in 1804, was sent to Portugal to investigate trade
conditions in Europe. In 1807 he married Elizabeth Thomson, a daughter
of William Thomson, of Scotland. They first resided below Bridge (M)
Street, west of High (Wisconsin Avenue), probably in Cherry Lane, where
lived also, according to tradition, Philip Barton Key, the Maffits, and
other families of distinction.

Mr. and Mrs. Dodge had the usual large family of those days, six sons
and five daughters, and all grew to maturity. While they were still
small children, however, the British came to Washington, causing great
alarm to the citizens of George Town also. Mr. Dodge apparently sent his
family out somewhere near Rockville, for this is a letter he wrote to
his wife at that time. It gives an interesting picture of those exciting
days:

Georgetown, Aug. 26, 1814, 12 o'clock A. M.

Dear Wife:

We have positive information that the British have left the City on
the Baltimore road, and passed the toll-gate last night. Some of
their pickets are still around the city.

We believe they are either going to their shipping on Patuxent or
direct to Baltimore; or that they received information of an
intention to attempt to cut them off. At all events I am satisfied
you would be perfectly safe here, and much more comfortable than
where you are. I wish yourself, the child, Emily, Frank, and
Isabella, to come home and bring, if you can, one bed. Peggy and
Betty can come if they please.

Not one Englishman has been in this town or within sight of Ft.
Warburton below. They have burnt all public property in the city. It
was a dreadful sight. The rope-walks in the city are destroyed. The
General Post Office and Jail stand. I hope they will not return here
again and can't think they will, they behaved well.

The town was very quiet last night and I got a good sleep for the
first time. I hope you are well.

Yours affectionately,

F. DODGE.

Aug. 27, 7 o'clock A. M.

After preparing yesterday to send this, William ca