One more glimpse of Dolly may be given here as we pass rapidly over these scenes, and also over the later ones at Montpellier,[58] whose chronicles have already been so well written, to linger awhile over her declining years ere taking leave forever. She herself has drawn this picture. Ingersoll's history contains the following letter from "the lady who there, with a spirit of gentle fortitude, presided." It was written to her sister Lucy, who was then visiting at Mount Vernon,[59] the home of General Washington, eighteen miles from the federal city. Tuesday, Aug. 23d, 1814. Dear Sister: My husband left me yesterday morning to join General Winder. He inquired anxiously whether I had courage or firmness to remain in the President's house until his return on the morrow, or succeeding day; and on my assurance that I had no fear but for him and the success of our army, he left me, beseeching me to take care of myself, and of the cabinet papers, public and private. I have since received two dispatches from him, written with a pencil; but the last is alarming, because he desires I should be ready at a moment's warning to enter my carriage and leave the city; that the enemy seemed stronger than had been reported, and that it might happen that they would reach the city with intention to destroy it.... I am accordingly ready; I have pressed as many cabinet papers into trunks as will fill one carriage; our private property must be sacrificed, as it is impossible to procure wagons for its transportation. I am determined not to go myself until I see Mr. Madison safe, and he can accompany me--as I hear of much hostility towards him ... disaffection stalks arounds us.... My friends and acquaintances are all gone,--even Colonel C--with his hundred men, who were stationed as a guard in the enclosure.... French John (a faithful domestic), with his usual activity and resolution, offers to spike the cannon at the gates, and to lay a train of powder which would blow up the British should they enter the house. To the last proposition I positively object, without being able, however, to make him understand why all advantages in war may not be taken. Wednesday morning, 12 o'clock.--Since sunrise I have been turning my spy-glass in every direction, and watching with unwearied anxiety, hoping to discern the approach of my dear husband and his friends; but alas, I can descry only groups of military wandering in all directions as if there was a lack of arms, or of spirit to fight for their own firesides! 3 o'clock.