Existing comment:
Riversdale -- Near Bladensburg, Maryland
Riversdale was the home of Charles Calvert, his wife Rosalie Stier Calvert, and their children. Long-time close friends of the Ogle Family, the Calverts literally had a front row seat for the Battle of Bladensburg.
In a letter of June 24, 1814, to her family in Belgium, Mrs. Calvert wrote:
"We have also learned the English are going to send a considerable force here. Their ships are already in our Patuxent. They have burned several houses and tobacco warehouses. I do not know how it will all end..."
And later, on August 30, 1814...
"... I am sure you have heard the news of the battle of Bladensburg where the English defeated the American troops with Madison 'not at their head, but at their rear'. ... During the battle, I saw several cannonballs with my own eyes." |