Was Ross's Mount Shot Down at Washington?

Yes, General Robert Ross's horse was shot and killed during the British advance on Washington, D.C., in August 1814.

The Incident at Washington

During the War of 1812, as British forces under General Robert Ross marched towards Washington, D.C., a significant event occurred that saw Ross's personal mount struck down. While General Ross himself remarkably escaped serious injury or death, his horse was fatally shot. This incident also resulted in the mount of his trumpeter being shot. The skirmish occurred as British troops engaged American defenders on the outskirts of the capital, culminating in the infamous burning of Washington.

Key Details of the Event

The attack on Washington, D.C., was a pivotal moment in the War of 1812. The British objective was to retaliate for American actions in Canada, particularly the burning of York (modern-day Toronto).

Here are some key facts surrounding the incident involving General Ross's horse:

• Commander Involved: General Robert Ross, commander of the British forces.
• Location: The outskirts of Washington, D.C., before the city's capture.
• Outcome for Ross: He narrowly avoided death or serious injury, despite his horse being killed beneath him.
• Other Casualties: In addition to Ross's horse, the mount of a trumpeter also fell victim to gunfire. The engagement also resulted in two British soldiers killed and several wounded.
• Historical Context: This event took place just prior to the Burning of Washington on August 24, 1814, a significant retaliatory act by the British.

The fact that his horse was shot down so close to the city underscored the danger faced by British commanders during the campaign. Despite this near-fatal encounter, Ross continued to lead his troops into the capital, where they set fire to significant public buildings, including the Capitol and the President's House (now the White House).

Summary of the Incident

For a quick overview of the incident:

Aspect	Detail
Commander	General Robert Ross
Location	Washington, D.C. (during the 1814 campaign)
Incident	Ross's horse was shot and killed.
Other Casualties	The trumpeter's mount was also shot. Two British soldiers were killed, several wounded.
Outcome for Ross	Narrowly escaped death or serious injury.
Historical Context	Part of the War of 1812, leading to the Burning of Washington.