, and having their trunnions knocked off, were
afterwards cast into the bed of the river.

All this was as it should be, and had the arm of vengeance been
extended no further, there would not have been room given for so
much as a whisper of disapprobation. But unfortunately it did not
stop here; a noble library, several printing-offices, and all
the national archives were likewise committed to the flames,
which, though no doubt the property of Government, might better
have been spared. It is not, however, my intention to join the
outcry which was raised at the time against what the Americans
and their admirers were pleased to term a line of conduct at once
barbarous and unprofitable. On the contrary, I conceive that too
much praise cannot be given to the forbearance and humanity of
the British troops, who, irritated as they had every right to be,
spared, as far as possible, all private property, neither
plundering nor destroying a single house in the place, except
that from which the General's horse had been killed.

Whilst the third brigade was thus employed, the rest of the army,
having recalled its stragglers, and removed the wounded into
Bladensburg, began its march towards Washington. Though the
battle came to a close by four o'clock, the sun had set before
the different regiments were in a condition to move, consequently
this short journey was performed in the dark. The work of
destruction had also begun in the city before they quitted their
ground; and the blazing of houses, ships, and stores, the report
of exploding magazines, and the crash of falling roofs, informed
them, as they proceeded, of what was going forward. It would be
difficult to conceive a finer spectacle than that which presented
itself as they approached the town. The sky was brilliantly
illumined by the different conflagrations; and a dark red light
was thrown upon the road, sufficient to permit each man to view
distinctly his comrade's face. Except the burning of
St. Sebastian's, I do not recollect to have witnessed at any
period of my life a scene more striking or more sublime.

Having advanced as far as the plain, where the reserve had
previously paused, the first and second brigades halted; and
forming into close column, passed the night in bivouac. At first
this was agreeable enough, because the air was mild, and
weariness made up for what was wanting in comfort. But towards
morning a violent storm of rain, accompanied with t