G R Gleig

Fire & Blood: the Burning of Washington & the Battle of New Orleans, 1814, Through the Eyes of a Young British Soldier G R Gleig

FROM VICTORY TO DEFEAT IN AMERICA This is an account of a young Subaltern of the British Army in Southern France at the time of Napoleon's abdication, who fifi nds himself celebrating the end of hostilities in a way that belies his true emotions. He needs a good war. Enthusiastically he embarks for the war in America, where he takes part in the landings, the Battle of Bladensburg and witnesses the fall and burning of Washington and the attack on Baltimore. After fifi erce fifi ghts with American Regulars and Militia Riflfl emen, and sea battles with Privateers, events turn to the fateful attack on New Orleans and scenes of one of bloodiest actions experienced by the British in America - all is graphically related by a serving soldier who was an active participant.