Summary of Walter Lord's The Dawn's Early Light

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

Sample Book Insights:

#1 In 1814, the American lookout at the Pleasure House near Cape Henry saw 46 sails heading up the Chesapeake Bay. The ships were the third year of war with Britain, and now the fighting was moving south from the Canadian border to the nation’s front door.

#2 When the British sent a letter to President Madison in June 26 supporting his fears that the war would continue, he decided to start preparing for a British attack on Washington. He created a new military district that would cover both Baltimore and Washington, and appointed William Henry Winder as its commanding general.

#3 The 10th Military District was set up on July 1, covering northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. It was commanded by General Winder. The cabinet met on July 2 to discuss the plan, and Madison explained the danger of the British invading Washington.

#4 The government was beginning to show indifference to the defense of Washington, as the Canadian newspapers were reporting that thousands of British troops were boarding transports in France, bound for America. The citizens would have to defend the city themselves.