The British invaded Washington, D.C. and burned the Capitol on August 25, 1814.
President James and Dolly Madison had to flee the White House.
A week later, on SEPTEMBER 1, 1814, President Madison wrote:
“The enemy by a sudden incursion has succeeded in invading the capitol of the nation…During their possession…though for a single day only, they wantonly destroyed the public edifices…
An occasion which appeals so forcibly to the…patriotic devotion of the American people, none will forget.”
James Madison continued:
“Independence…is now to be maintained…with the strength and resources which…Heaven has blessed.”
A few weeks later, on September 13, 1814, the British bombarded Fort McHenry, as Francis Scott Key wrote of “bombs bursting in air.”
Two months later, November 16, 1814, President Madison wrote:
“The two Houses of the National Legislature having by a joint resolution expressed their desire that in the present time of public calamity and war
a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States as a Day of Public Humiliation and Fasting and of Prayer
to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessing on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace…
“I have deemed it proper…to recommend…a day of…humble adoration to the Great Sovereign of the Universe.”
William J. Federer is a nationally known speaker, best-selling author, and president of Amerisearch, Inc., a publishing company dedicated to researching America’s noble heritage.
To learn more about the author please visit William Federer
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