he encampment, and it was reported that he had gone to
hold a conference with General Stansbury at Bladensburg.

All our rations, save what each man had held back in his pockets, were
with the baggage-train, therefore we did not make a very hearty meal
at noon, and perhaps it was as well, for while we were eating the
small amount of food at our disposal two companies of Maryland
militia, under command of Major Peter, came into camp on the double
quick, with every evidence of terror on their faces.

Immediately the long roll was sounded, and as we fell into line once
more, expecting to see the enemy advancing, word was whispered around
that Major Peter, scouting in the direction of Marlboro on the Wood
Yard road, had skirmished with the Britishers, and been driven back.

Commodore Barney and General Smith, who had command of the militia in
the absence of General Winder, set about making preparations for
battle, and Major McKenney was sent in hot haste to inform our
commander of the position of affairs.

We remained under arms, and in momentary expectation of being engaged
in a life or death struggle, until near sunset, when General Winder
arrived, and without loss of time we were headed for Washington at a
sharp pace, thus being forced to march over the same ground three
times without having seen the enemy once.

We arrived for the second time at the capital about midnight, and were
posted near the Eastern Branch bridge, there to get such repose as
might be possible while we did guard duty on that side of the city.

In order to show that my grumbling had good foundation, I am going to
set down here a portion of General Smith's report, as I heard it read
a week later:

"The arrival at the Eastern Branch bridge terminated the four days of
service of the troops of this District. They have been under arms,
with but little intermission, the whole of the time, both night and
day; have traveled, during their different marches in advance and
retreat, a considerable tract of country, exposed to the burning heat
of a sultry sun by day, and many of them to the cold dews of the
night, uncovered. They have in this period drawn but two rations, the
requisition therefor in the first instance being but partially
complied with, and it being afterward almost impossible to procure the
means of transportation, the wagons employed by our quartermaster for
that purpose being constantly impressed by the government agents for
the purpos