When Washington Burned

Chapter 7

Dust trailed behind Grant as he pushed his horse to full gallop. The August heat coupled with the drought only added to the irritation he was feeling. The increased threat of the British invasion had been weighing heavily on him. Since the signing of the Treaty of Paris and the threat of Napolean extinguished, the regent king could now send the entirety of the British Army. No sooner had the ink dried on the treaty than General Ross and his battalion of nearly five thousand set sail to the young United States and in all likelihood, he was only the first.

With the arrival of General Ross to the shores of Chesapeake Bay, the war was getting much closer to the new capital. Despite this new development, there was little urgency or concern in the capital city. Washington had little more than a militia protecting it, making it an easy target. Indeed, Grant had it on good authority that Sectary General Armstrong insisted to President Madison that there was no risk. Though the battles had remained small and contained to the banks of the bay, Grant worried it was only a matter of time.

Grant had written just that in his most recent articles, but in the latest issues of the Washington Gazette he curiously did not see it printed. Hence, he took it upon himself to meet with Mr. Rutherford to discuss the rationale for omitting such vital information from the public.

Grant found Mr. Rutherford at his desk. He seemed neither surprised not particularly pleased to see his former apprentice come through his door.

"Mr. Dashwood, I think I needn't ask what brings this unexpected visit," Mr. Rutherford said in a way of greeting, setting his papers down and looking over his spectacles.

With that greeting, Grant did not dither, "why haven't you published my latest articles?"

"You are to write about what has happened, not conjecture on what could happen."

"The prospect is an urgent matter. I have been hearing possibilities of a march on Washington and greater Columbia," Mr. Dashwood responded, attempting to make his case.

"Rumors are not good enough to be published Mr. Dashwood."

"These are a little more than rumors, and certainly we should make the citizens aware and perhaps with their appeal Armstrong may take to better protecting the Capital"

"There is no reason for the British to March here - we are city of little to no consequence,"

"Moral victory"

"The British are experienced, they would not waste time or resources on a moral victory, it has no tactical advantage"

"They have already arrived in Benedict on his way to Bladensburg, they could arrive in Washington within days, I feel like this ought to be taken more seriously."

"They are on their way to Baltimore to be certain, little can be gained from the British invading Washington, Cockburn is a ruffian to be certain, but he isn't a (stupid) man."

"Cockburn is also a proud man, and it has not gone unnoticed by him that the Washington Gazette refers to him as "a ruffian" and "vulgarian", I would not be surprised to see him revenge such slander."

Mr. Rutherford paused for moment staring at the earnest younger man, ignoring his warning, before continuing, "I see no reason to cause panic or chaos, if you would like to submit an article without all the prognostication, I will have it published, I want the facts and facts only Mr. Dashwood."

"With all due respect, this needs to be taken seriously. I am out there. I hear- "

"Just the facts Mr. Dashwood" Mr. Rutherford curtly cutting Grant off.

Mr. Dashwood for once looked none too pleased with Mr. Rutherford but did not dispute further. Instead, and maybe letting curiosity get the better of him, inquired after the other's family.