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During the British invasion of Washington D.C. in the War of 1812, First Lady, Dolley Madison was busy in the White House preparing an elegant dinner party.
Madison remained behind even after the guard of one hundred military men fled the White House. Although the dinner was canceled, she stayed as long as she could to protect national treasures.
When the foreign troops made it to the White House they saw the elaborate dinner. Hungry and exhausted, the invaders feasted in grand style before looting and setting fire to the White House. After 26 hours, the British soldiers fled.
– Rebecca Hastings, The 100 Companies