From the September 8, 2013, Guardian "When Britain burned down the White House" by Peter Snow.
President James Madison and his Dolley evidently felt that his troops sent out to stop the British on their way to Washington, D.C., would be victorious and planned a prsidential celebratory dinner.
Just before they ate, news of the American defeat reached the White House and the dinner was hastily abandoned as everyone fled.
The British arrived to find "40 places neatly laid, with meat roasting on spits and Madison's best wines on the sideboard in handsome cut glass decanters."
British commander, Major General Robert Ross, reported the meal was "voraciously devoured by John Bull" and a toast made "to the success of his Majesty's armies...was drunk in the best wines."
After dinner, Ross ordered the chairs piled on the table and a fire set.
Wonder If They Washed the Dishes? --Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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