[207] Sir Peter Parker, commander of the British Frigate _Menelaus_, was prominent for a month in the blockading squadron in Chesapeake Bay during the summer of 1814. After the burning of Washington he was ordered down the bay "but Sir Peter said he 'must have a frolic with the yankees before he left them' and on the 30th of August after dancing and drinking they proceeded to the sport and made a circuitous route to surprise Col. Read encamped in Moore's fields not far from Georgetown X Roads on the eastern shore of Maryland. The Colonel was fully apprised of their proceedings.... The ground was obstinately contended for nearly an hour when the enemy retreated leaving thirteen killed and three wounded on the field. It is ascertained that they carried off seventeen others among whom was Sir Peter who, with several others, are since dead."--_Niles' Register._ ON THE DEATH OF GENERAL ROSS[208] Who had the principal command of the english army at the attack upon Baltimore, in which he fell, while out with a reconnoitering party. Give them the shadow of the cypress bough! The chief who came our prowess to defy, Who came, to bind fresh laurels on his brow, Who came, too sure to conquer not to die:-- Low lies the chief upon th' unconscious plain, The laurels wither, and no wreathes remain. To kindle up your torch, ambition's flame Heroic chief, had all its flames supplied; A monarch's smiles, a never-dying name, The historian's subject, and the soldier's pride; Your native land with splendid trophies hung; Joy sparkling in the eye, and praise from every tongue. Deceived how much! a name alone remains, Not yet complete in fame, nor ripe in years;-- What is the applause such thirst of glory gains, Which not the grave regards or valor hears: In war's wild tumult, for a name he died, He fell, the victim of a monarch's pride. A country's rights, or freedom to defend May sooth the anguish of a dying hour, A ravaged land to succor or befriend, To brave the efforts of a tyrant's power: These may console, when mad ambition's train Fade from the view, or sooth the soul in vain. [208] General Robert Ross, who with Sir George Cockburn had burned Washington, was killed at North Point, Md., Sept. 12, 1814. ON THE NAVAL ATTACK NEAR BALTIMORE[209] September 14, 1814 The sons of old ocean advanced from the bay To achieve an exploit of renown; And Cochrane and Cockburn commanded, that day, And meant to exhibit a tragical play, Call'd, The plunder and burning of Baltimore town. The scenes to be acted were not very new, And when they approach'd, with their rat-tat-too, As merry as times would allow, We ran up the colors to liberty true, And gave them a shot, with a tow-row-dow.