President Madison returns to Washington, a city of blackened and burnt ruins - August 27 1814

1814 White House on Fire. William Strickland, engraver. Library of Congress.

I know not where we are in the first instance to hide our heads.  James Madison, prepares to return to Washington, August 27, 1814. 

President Madison writes to Dolley Madison asking her to join him in Washington. August 27, 1814. 

The dragoons are ordered in readiness to guard the President to Washington. August 27, 1814 

President Madison receives a message from Monroe advising him to return to Washington to reestablish the government. August 27, 1814