"Fearing an American counterattack, the British occupation of Washington lasted only a day."
Poppycock.
God sent a tornado and drove the British out in terror.
And the torrential rains put the fires out.
The Tornado That Saved WashingtonThe day of the invasion had been hot, 100 degrees. With much of the city aflame the next day, British soldiers kept moving through, lighting more fires. They didn't notice the darkening skies, the thunder and lightning. City residents knew a bad storm was on its way and quickly took shelter. The British, though, had no idea how bad a D.C. storm could get.
The clouds began to swirl and the winds kicked up. A tornado formed in the center of the city and headed straight for the British on Capitol Hill. The twister ripped buildings from their foundations and trees up by the roots. British cannons were tossed around by the winds. Several British troops were killed by falling structures and flying debris.
The rain continued for two hours, dousing the flames. The British decided it was time to leave."
Hear! Hear!
No, it was Cockburn! ;^)