CHAPTER VI.

British plan of invading our sea ports -- Arrival of reinforcements -- Barney's flotilla -- Landing of the enemy under Ross -- Doubt and alarm of the inhabitants -- Advance of the British -- Destruction of the Navy Yard -- Battle of Bladensburg -- Flight of the President and his Cabinet -- Burning and sacking of Washington -- Mrs. Madison's conduct during the day and night -- Cockburn's brutality -- Sudden explosion -- A hurricane -- Flight of the British -- State of the army -- Character of this outrage -- Rejoicings in England -- Mortification of our ambassadors at Ghent -- Mistake of the English -- Parker's expedition -- Colonel Reed's defence -- The English army advance on Baltimore -- Death of Ross -- Bombardment of Fort McHenry -- "The star spangled banner" -- Retreat of the British, and joy of the citizens of Baltimore, 114