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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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TO MRS. MADISON.[84]

My dearest

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


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a retreat to their ships. It is possible however they
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

Your devoted husband
M
I met Mr. Cutts between this & the camp, & he
returned with us to dinner here when we were offered
it by the hospitality of Mr. Williams.
 
[84]

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.