| Unit History 5th Maryland Regiment Part 2 |
| Return to 5MR |
 |
| Return to 5MR History Part 1 |
 |
The Long awaited conflict with the British Begins By August 1814 The Fifth successfully had built itself to full regimental strength, and Lieutenant Colonel Sterrett, in reporting the unit ready for service, announced, �It is now composed of ten companies, commanded by the following officers, to wit --- First Battalion Second Battalion Captain Shrim Captain D. Warfield Captain S. Sterrett Captain A. Levering Captain George H. Steuart Captain R. Lawson Captain Benjamin C. Howard Captain R. Rowe Captain P. B. Sadtler Captain C. Adreon� The Fifth had now achieved the form it would have during the coming campaigns. On August 19, British General Robert Ross disembarked 4000 regulars, veterans of the Peninsular Wars against Napoleon, landed in Benedict on the Patuxent River. The objective was the capitol, Washington City. The invaders spent the night in Nottingham, the next day they advanced toward Upper Marlboro. By August 24, the British had reached Bladensburg. The Fifth was the only infantry unit of the Baltimore City Militia to be called out, although there were several Baltimore cannon, rifle and a company of Baltimore County infantry. The Fifth would be the oldest and most experienced unit to fight at Bladensburg. The American forces would be divided into three lines. The first line, Baltimore artillery, rifle and a battalion of infantry (5th Maryland). The second line, Baltimore County infantry, the rest of the fifth and some cannon. The third line, infantry from Washington City (Columbia Brigades) and Virginia, about 400 US regulars and Commodore Barney�s marines and flotillamen (still moving up). The first line initially held well, American artillery against British cannon and rockets, the rifles taking a terrible toll on the British 4th Regt. (lights company). The fifth had initially been on the first line to support the rifles and artillery but was moved back to the second line by Secy. of State (and militia colonel) James Monroe. This move was made without the knowledge of Colonel Sterrett or General Winder (commander of the army). In spite of extremely heavy casualties to the British advance units, a quick rally and determined assault finally overwhelmed the American position.. While this was going on, the second line was dissolving under British rocket and cannon attack, the exception being the Fifth Maryland. The Fifth would cover the retreat of the first line and remained the only American unit on the field. As with the first line, Secy. of State Monroe changed the second line, moving them from inside an apple orchard to the outside of it (leaving the British the cover of the trees). After a series of ordered advances and retreats, the fifth was ordered off the field by General Winder, however, with the gaining strength and momentum of British troops, the fifth joined the rout. One half mile to the rear and over a hill, Commodore Barney and his men would hold off four frontal attacks, but finally the shear size of the British forces against the remaining American forces would prevail. The fate of the capitol was sealed. Almost all of the public buildings were looted and burned. Except for a few bright spots, the militia put on a poor showing. The Fifth can be considered one of those bright spots. On August 26th, the fifth returned from Bladensburg and again paraded on their familiar grounds on south Gay Street. On succeeding days, it drilled incessantly to improve the efficiency and soldierly smartness it had shown at Bladensburg. The members of the fifth, as well as the citizens of Baltimore, knew the next target of the British, it would be Baltimore. Baltimore was known to the British as � that nest of pirates�, it was home to the most successful privateers in America. These privateers had inflicted great loses to British shipping, causing the remaining ships to pay enormous insurance rates. On Sunday, September 11, 1814 the fearful day arrived. A squadron of 70 British dropped anchor off North Point. As in 1813, the Third Brigade took to it�s prearranged position at the Methodist Meeting House at the head of Bear Creek. Here was to be found rations for the men and fodder for the horses. After arriving the troops settled in for the night. Knowing that this would not be a repeat of the previous year, and that the British would indeed land, General Stricker sent out the cavalry three miles ahead to the Gorsuch farm and the riflemen 2 miles further ahead to the blacksmith shop to serve as videttes. The regiments, eager and nervous of the coming events, were up early, fed and ready to go on line at 8 o�clock. The following is an approximation of the order of battle for the Fifth Maryland that day. |
|
| Go to 5MR History Part 3 |
 |