soon as their left gave way, the whole American army fell into
confusion; nor do I recollect on any occasion to have witnessed a
more complete rout. Infantry, cavalry, and artillery were
huddled together, without the smallest regard to order or
regularity. The sole object of anxiety seemed to be, which
should escape first from the field of battle; insomuch, that
numbers were actually trodden down by their countrymen in the
hurry of the flight. Yet, in spite of the short duration of the
action, which lasted little more than two hours from its first
commencement, the enemy's loss was severe. They stood in some
respects better than at Bladensburg, consequently we were more
mingled with them when they gave way, and were thus enabled to
secure some prisoners, an event which their more immediate flight
had on the other occasion prevented. In the capture of guns,
however, we were not so fortunate. Their pieces being light, and
well supplied with horses, they contrived to carry off all except
two; both of which would have also escaped but for the shooting
of the leaders.

I have said that the number of killed and wounded in the American
army was very great; in ours, on the other hand, the casualties
were fewer by far than might have been expected. The 21st and
seamen suffered a good deal, the 85th and light companies a
little; but had our gallant General been spared, we should have
pronounced this a glorious, because a comparatively bloodless
day. In the loss of that one man, however, we felt ourselves
more deeply wounded than if the best battalion in the army had
been sacrificed.

In following up the flying enemy the same obstacles which
presented themselves at Bladensburg again came in the way. The
thick woods quickly screened the fugitives, and as even our
mounted drivers were wanting, their horses having been taken for
the use of the artillery, no effectual pursuit could be
attempted. We accordingly halted upon the field of battle, of
necessity content with the success which we had obtained; and
having collected the stragglers and called in the pursuers, it
was resolved to pass the night in this situation. Fires were
speedily lighted, and the troops distributed in such a manner as
to secure a tolerable position in case of attack; and the wounded
being removed into two or three houses scattered along the
ground, the victors lay down to sleep under the canopy of heaven.

Having thus given a distinct and conn