British Invasion of Maryland
1812 - 1815
By William M. Marine, 1913
519 pages, indexed, searchable
Current Reprints Retail for $50
Bonus Book - The War of 1812
By Everett T. Tomlinson, 1906
200 pages, indexed, searchable
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This is a succinct yet comprehensive history of Maryland in the War of 1812. However, the
bulk of this work is an exhaustive register of 11,000 Marylanders who served in the war.
Alphabetically arranged are the names of soldiers, sailors, and citizens, with references to
rank, company and regiment, and occasionally additional information.
The Burning of Washington took place on August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812 between the British Empire
and the United States of America. British and Canadian forces occupied Washington, D.C. and set fire to many
public buildings following the American defeat at the Battle of Bladensburg. The facilities of the U.S. government,
including the White House, were largely destroyed, though strict discipline and the British commander's
orders to burn only public buildings are credited with preserving the city's private buildings. This is the only
time since 1783 in United States history that a foreign power has captured and occupied the United States
capital (Philadelphia was captured by British forces in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War
When war broke out between the United States and Great Britain, Captain Steuart raised a company of Maryland
volunteers, known as the Washington Blues, part of the 5th Maryland Regiment commanded by Lieutenant
Colonel Sterrett. They saw action at the Battle of Bladensberg (August 24 1814) , where the defending army
including the 5th Regiment were routed by the enemy. Although the 5th had "evinced a disposition to make a
gallant resistance", it was flanked by the enemy and forced to retreat in some disorder. [9] Following their success,
British forces entered Washington DC and burned the city.
Steuart's regiment fought better at the Battle of North Point (September 12, 1814), where the militia were able to
hold the line for several hours before making a fighting retreat, and where Steuart was wounded . Some of the militia
regiments, such as the 51st, and some members of 39th, broke and ran under fire, but the 5th and 27th held their
ground and were able to retreat in reasonably good order having inflicted significant casualties
on the advancing enemy.
North Point did however prove a turning point in the War of 1812. The British has taken significant losses, including
their commanding officer General Robert Ross, and, lacking the strength to take the city of Baltimore, they eventually withdrew.
BOOK CONTENTS - British Invasion of Maryland
CHAPTER PAGE
I. Events Leading up to the War i
II. The Privateersmen 1
III. The Chesapeake Expedition 21
IV. Frenchtown and Havre de Grace 32
V. Barney's Flotilla 58
VI. Bladensburg and Washington 72
VII. Caulk's Field 117
VIII. North Point and Baltimore 130
Appendix.
Maryland Roster, War of 1812 195
Society of the War of 1812 in Maryland 496
National Society United States Daughters of War of
1812, State of Maryland 502
Index 509