hunder and
lightning, came on, which disturbed the rest of all who were
exposed to it. Yet in spite of the inconvenience arising from
the shower, I cannot say that I felt disposed to grumble at the
interruption, for it appeared that what I had before considered
as superlatively sublime, still wanted this to render it
complete. The flashes of lightning vied in brilliancy with the
flames which burst from the roofs of burning houses, whilst the
thunder drowned for a time the noise of crumbling walls, and was
only interrupted by the occasional roar of cannon, and of large
depots of gunpowder, as they one by one exploded.

I need scarcely observe, that the consternation of the
inhabitants was complete, and that to them this was a night of
terror. So confident had they been of the success of their
troops, that few of them had dreamt of quitting their houses or
abandoning the city; nor was it till the fugitives from the
battle began to rush in, filling every place as they came with
dismay, that the President himself thought of providing for his
safety. That gentleman, as I was credibly informed, had gone
forth in the morning with the army, and had continued among his
troops till the British forces began to make their appearance.
Whether the sight of his enemies cooled his courage or not I
cannot say, but according to my informant, no sooner was the
glittering of our arms discernible, than he began to discover
that his presence was more wanted in the senate than in the
field; and having ridden through the ranks, and exhorted every
man to do his duty, he hurried back to his own house, that he
might prepare a feast for the entertainment of his officers, when
they should return victorious. For the truth of these details I
will not be answerable; but this much I know, that the feast was
actually prepared, though, instead of being devoured by American
officers, it went to satisfy the less delicate appetites of a
party of English soldiers. When the detachment sent out to
destroy Mr. Maddison's house, entered his dining parlour, they
found a dinner-table spread, and covers laid for forty guests.
Several kinds of wine in handsome cut-glass decanters were
cooling on the sideboard; plate-holders stood by the fire-place,
filled with dishes and plates; knives, forks, and spoons, were
arranged for immediate use; everything in short was ready for the
entertainment of a ceremonious party. Such were the arrangements
in the dining-ro