Late on August 24, 1814, a troop of about 150 British sailors and marines arrived at the White House. They did not come as honored guests, though they would treat themselves as such. James and Dolley Madison, the official residents, had fled earlier amid preparations for an event in the formal dining room. The table was already set, the food prepared, and the British helped themselves to a sumptuous feast, toasting the future King George IV and commenting on the fine Madeira. When they were done, the men moved to the Madisons’ private rooms. A bit scruffy from the campaign to reach Washington, one exchanged his dirty shirt for a fresh one from James’s wardrobe. The admiral in charge took a cushion from a chair of Dolley’s to carry with him as a reminder of her “seat.” When they were done,

See Full Page