The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
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TO MRS. MADISON.
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO MRS. MADISON.[84]
We reached our quarters last evening at the Camp
between 8 & 9 oC. and made out very well. I have
passed the forenoon among the troops who are in
high spirits & make a good appearance. The reports
as to the enemy have varied every hour. The last
& probably truest information is that they are not
very strong, and are without cavalry or artillery;
and of course that they are not in a condition to
strike at Washington. It is believed also that they
are not about to move from Marlbro', unless it be
from an apprehension of our gathering force, and on
may have a greater force or expect one, than has been
represented or that their temerity may be greater
than their strength. I sent you a message last night
by Col. M. and one to-day by a messenger of Genl.
Winder who set out at a moment when it was impossible
to write. I have detained Shorter, that I
might give you by him some final & certain information.
We expect any how to learn something further
from the camp concerning the enemy. If it should
be [of] a nature to make it advisable to return to the
camp, you will not see me this evening; otherwise I
hope I shall be with you in the course tho' perhaps
later in the evening
returned with us to dinner here when we were offered
it by the hospitality of Mr. Williams.
From the original kindly loaned by Fred'k D. McGuire, Esq., of
Washington.
On the night of August 22d the President received the following
note from Monroe: "The enemy are advancing six miles on the road
to the Wood-Yard and our troops retiring. Our troops were on the
march to meet them, but too small a body to engage. General Winder
proposes to retire until he can collect them in a body. The enemy
are in full march for Washington. Have the materials prepared to
destroy the bridges.
"Tuesday, 9 o'clock."
He then went out with his Cabinet to the camp, where he spent the
night, and returned to the White House the evening of the 23d.
| The writings of James Madison, | |