As it was not the intention of the British government to attempt permanent conquests in this part of America, and as it was impossible for this small body of troops to establish themselves in the enemy's capital, the destruction of the public property, which by the customs of war is the just spoil of the conqueror, was completed; and the army marched back to St. Benedict, where it re-embarked without molestation. The conduct of the KING'S OWN was commended by Major-General Ross in his public despatches, and they were rewarded with the honour of displaying the word BLADENSBURG on their colours. After remaining a few days in the Patuxent river, the fleet weighed anchor; the coast was menaced at several points, and the shipping approached so near the shore at Annapolis, that the inhabitants were discovered flying from their houses, waggons loaded with furniture were seen hurrying along the roads, alarm guns were fired, beacons were blazing, and the people were apparently oppressed with all the horrors of doubt and apprehension. _Baltimore_ was, however, selected as the point of attack, and towards the river upon which that town is built the fleet hastened under a heavy press of sail. During the night of the 11th of September the troops cooked three days' provision, and each man received eighty rounds of ammunition; at three o'clock on the following morning the boats were lowered; a landing was effected at North Point, thirteen miles from Baltimore, and the army moving forward, a division of Americans fled from an entrenched position they were preparing across a neck of land towards which the troops were advancing. About two miles beyond this post the country was closely wooded, and the enemy's riflemen opening a sharp fire from behind the trees, Major-General Ross rode forward to ascertain the disposition and numbers of the opposing force, and mingling with the skirmishers, he was mortally wounded. "Thus fell at an early age one of the brightest ornaments of his profession; one who, whether at the head of a regiment, a brigade, or a corps, had alike displayed the talents of command; who was not less beloved in his private, than enthusiastically admired in his public character; and whose only fault, if it may be so deemed, was an excess of gallantry, enterprise, and devotion to the service."