10. The enemy reached Bladensburg, a village about six miles from Washington, without opposition or resistance, on the 24th of August. The American forces here were re-inforced by a body of twenty-one hundred men, under Gen. Stansbury, including the fifth regiment, the favorite regiment of Baltimore, under Colonel Sterrett, together with several rifle companies, commanded by Maj. Pinckney, and two companies of artillery, under Myers and Magruder, as well as by the sailors and marines, already mentioned, under Com. Barney. was determined to make a stand here, and risk a battle for the defence of the capital. The action commenced at one o'clock.

It

11. General Stansbury was stationed on the left of the road leading to Washington, with his artillery in a breast work near the bridge over the Eastern Branch, with the Baltimore volunteers in advance. Col. Beall, with eight hundred militia, was placed on the right of the road, and General Winder in person commanded the main body, a short distance in the rear. The heavy artillery, under Commodore Barney, was placed so as to command the road.

12. As soon as the enemy appeared in sight, they formed, and moved towards the bridge, but

Questions.-10. When did the enemy reach Bladensburg? By whom were the Americans re-inforced? What was determined upon? 11. What was the disposition of the troops? 12. What is said in this section?

BARNEY'S BATTERY.

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were received with a destructive fire from the batteries and the Baltimore rifles, and driven back in disorder.

13. They immediately formed again and advanced a second time. The head of their column was again thrown into confusion, but they at length forced their way across the bridge and drove back General Stansbury's force, capturing one piece of artillery.

14. Col. Beall's militia retreated with great precipitation, and a detachment of Annapolis militia was thrown back in disorder on the main body.The enemy now advanced briskly along the road, certain of an easy victory, when Barney's battery opened upon them in front, and Colonel Millar with the marines poured in a heavy fire upon their flank.

15. The first discharge of Barney's pieces swept across their columns with terrible effect. Moving obliquely to the left, to escape the range of the cannon, the British grenadiers fell upon Millar's marines. From these they received so warm a reception that the advance was driven back upon the main body in disorder.

16. The moment was critical, but from the want of a sustaining force, the Americans were unable

Questions.-13. Describe what further is said? 14. Who checked the advance of the British? 15. What was the effect of the discharges of artillery? How did they try to avoid it? 16. What prevented the Americans obtaining the victory?

to follow up the advantage, and Ross having rallied his men, extended his front so as to attack the marines in front and on both flanks. Being thus assailed, the marines could not hold their ground; Col. Millar having been wounded, Capt. Sevier ordered them to retire. Barney, no longer sustained by the infantry, was unable to maintain his position, though his gallant sailors worked the guns until they were surrounded and some of their number bayonetted at their posts. Then, only, they retired, leaving their gallant commander covered with wounds in the hands of the enemy, who, admiring his gallant resistance, treated him with great consideration.

17. The main body of militia and a body of regular cavalry and infantry, eager to join in the fight, in the moment of victory, by the folly of their officers, were ordered to retire. When once undisciplined troops look back, a panic seizes them; it was so at Bladensburg; an unwilling retreat became a rout.

18. Washington thus fell into the hands of the enemy, who burned the capitol, the president's house and all the public offices. They then returned to their shipping at Benedict, having lost in the expedition four hundred men, killed and wounded, and five hundred prisoners. The loss

Questions.-17. What is said in this section? 18. What did the British do at Washington? How many did the British lose? How many the Americans?

SIR PETER PARKER.

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of the Americans was about thirty killed, fifty wounded, and one hundred and twenty taken pris

oners.

19. The squadron under Capt. Gordon ascended the Potomac as far as Alexandria, which was plundered of all the merchandise of every description, whether in town, or removed within the past ten days.

20. Sir Peter Parker, who ascended the Chesapeake, was not so fortunate as the other officers. He landed at night, in the neighborhood of Moor's fields, near Belair, Kent county, with the view of surprising a party of militia under Col. Reed. In this he was disappointed, for the militia, having heard the approach of the barges, were prepared to receive them. Sir Peter Parker landed with two hundred and thirty men. The militia under Colonel Reed consisted of one hundred and seventy men. Sir Peter was repulsed, and soon after Idied of his wounds.

Questions.-19. What is said of the squadron under Capt. Gordon? 20. What was Parker's success?

1. General Ross now turned his eyes upon Baltimore. Anticipating his design, the governor had ordered the militia of the State to hold themselves in readiness, and large bodies were marched to the city for its defence. About seven hundred regulars, several volunteer and militia companies from Pennsylvania and Virginia, increased their strength to about fifteen thousand men.

Questions.-1. Where did Ross now turn? What had the gov ernor ordered? Who had assembled?