America's Long Line of Military Heroes-- Part 6: The Pitiful Battle of Blandensburg

Only one president, James Madison, filled his commander-in-chief role under fire, and he did so with notable ineptitude.  On August 24, 1814, Madison assumed command of an artillery battery north of Blandensburg, Maryland, and directed its guns on the British as they advanced on Washington, D.C..

The American forces, though more numerous, were routed.  In his and their defense, they were mostly militia fighting against trained soldiers.

The president fled, the capital was put to the torch and the battle became "the greatest disgrace ever dealt to American arms" and "the most humiliating episode in American history."

Well, I don't know about the last two quotes.  But it was definitely embarrassing.

--Cooter