Vice Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane Tells His Story of Burning Down Washington DC and the President'

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My name is Sir Alexander Cochrane, and I had the honor of serving as a Vice Admiral in the British Royal Navy during some of the most turbulent times in history. I was born in Scotland in 1758 into a well-connected family, which included my brother, who became the Governor of Nova Scotia. From an early age, I felt drawn to the sea, and by the age of 16, I joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman, ready to begin a career that would span decades and take me to nearly every corner of the globe.

My naval career saw me rise through the ranks during the late 18th century, a time when Britain was embroiled in wars with France, Spain, and eventually the young United States. I participated in several battles during the American Revolutionary War and later in the Napoleonic Wars. My experience in the Caribbean, particularly during the capture of French and Spanish colonies, taught me the importance of naval dominance in securing Britain's global empire.

Perhaps what I’m most known for, at least to many of you in America, was my role during the War of 1812. As the commander of British naval forces in North America, I led campaigns designed to pressure the United States into negotiation. One of my most famous—and, I admit, controversial—actions was the burning of Washington, D.C., in 1814. Under my command, British forces attacked the American capital, capturing and setting fire to the White House, the Capitol, and other government buildings. It was retaliation for similar actions by American forces in Canada, but I can imagine it’s not something Americans like to remember fondly.

My forces were also heavily involved in the Battle of Baltimore, during which we attempted to capture Fort McHenry. Though we bombarded the fort for hours, it held firm. That event, as you may know, inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that would become "The Star-Spangled Banner." While it may have been a setback for us, I recognized the resilience and determination of the Americans.

During my time in command, I also proclaimed freedom for enslaved people in the American South, promising freedom to any who joined the British forces. Thousands of formerly enslaved men, women, and children fled to British protection, and many later settled in Nova Scotia or Trinidad after the war. It was a complex and divisive issue, but I believed it would weaken the American war effort while offering a chance at freedom to those who sought it.

After the war, I continued my naval service, eventually retiring and returning to Britain. I lived a long life, passing away in 1832, reflecting on the many battles I fought and the changing world I witnessed. My story is one of service to my country during an era of empires and revolutions. While you may not agree with all my actions, I hope you can understand the complexity of the times and the choices we had to make. History is rarely simple, but it is always worth studying.

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