Harrison, E. J. (fl. 1814) to William Harrison
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05783 Author/Creator: Harrison, E. J. (fl. 1814) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 August 1814 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 25 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
During the War of 1812, a soldier writes to his father with news of the British attack on Washington, D.C. and the shameful behavior of Americans who surrendered.
Richmond Aug 30, 1814
My Dear Father,
I am very unexpectedly at this place - got here then night before last, & am just setting off [for] home - my business was the arrangement of some large money matters which I have completed.
You have undoubtedly heard of the Capture of Washington, by the British - no official a/c of which[,] strange as it is, has yet been Recd.! The report from a variety of private Letters however is that they [illegible] against the City on Wednesday last with 8,000 men - that we had about 5,000 - that we sent them 5 miles below the City, & after a short Engagement our Troops gave way & the Enemy took possession of the City the same Evening - that they have paid great respect to [private] private property - Destroyed the Capitol, presidents house, and other publick property only! Then they left the City on Thursday night, Destination unknown, but supposed their shipping (about 30 miles off) or Baltimore, the former thought Generally believed - that not many lives are lost on either Side - but most on the Side of the Enemy - no prisoners taken on either side - The president, & all the officers of Government, were in the action. A letter Recd. here [2] from Genl. Parker states, that Alexandria surrendered on Sunday last, without opposition &c &c all what is Convened highly disgracefull to our Army & the constituted Authorities - There is Considerable alarm here - though I don't apprehend, an attack at this place at all - there are [a] Vast number of troops coming in Every hour, and there is no doubt but there will be 10,000 men here in the course of a week - the best blood of the Country, Christian Volunteers - if they make an attack on this place I have no doubt, of their meeting with defeat.
I am uneasy about Jordan & Ghiha, but suppose, but suppose your neighbourhood, is
land
quite safe - as they will not attempt to come by water - I shall however[,] for fear of the worst, send [illegible], [illegible]. As soon as [they] get up - as you may [illegible]. the John Adams , Frigate, is hourly expected, with dispatches from our ____ I just most Ardently She would Arrive, as I think it would put an end to the war.
In great haste,
I remain with Love
EJ Harrison
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