When Washington Burned

Robert P. Watson is Distinguished Professor of American History at Lynn University and the author or editor of more than forty books, including George Washington’s Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and a Nation (Georgetown University Press, 2021).

• List of Illustrations Preface Prologue: The Sacking of York PART 1: CHESAPEAKE CAMPAIGN1. “The Silliest Damned War” 2. A Fateful Decision 3. Defenses 4. The March to Washington 5. Saving History 6. National Treasures PART II: DESTRUCTION IN WASHINGTON7. The Bladensburg Races 8. Saving the Army 9. Put to the Torch 10. “Queen Dolley” 11. “C” is for Cockburn 12. The “Finger” of George Washington PART III: FUTURE OF THE CAPITAL13. Destruction and Despair14. “The Robbing of Alexandria” 15. Another Invasion 16. “O Say, Can You See” 17. Inquiry 18. The Debate PART IV: REBIRTH OF A NATION19. The Vote 20. Negotiations 21. “Peace! Peace!”22. Rebuilding the Capital City 23. Conclusion 24. Epilogue Appendix A: Extract of Dolley Madison’s Letter to Her Sister, August 23, 1814 Appendix B: Account of the Burning of Washington by Capt. Harry Smith, Adjutant to Maj. Gen Robert Ross Appendix C: Account of the Burning of Washington by Lt. James Scott, Adjutant to Adm. George Cockburn Appendix D: Extract of Account from Stephen Pleasonton of Saving National Treasures Bibliography Notes IndexAbout the Author

Watson provides students, scholars, and the public with a fine account of the destruction of Washington, D.C., during the War of 1812, and, perhaps more importantly, its meaning....Overall, an excellent short volume on these events.