Little did General Ross know that ahead in the respectible farmhouse was the Secretary of State himself, along with the Commanding General of the US forces. All that could be seen was the cavalry in the woods off-road, and Ross did not believe there were enough to cause him any real concern.
Very early on Monday morning, General Winder had decided to quit hiding in his camp at the Wood Yard and to get nearer to the enemy. This would allow better information, and allow him to be between the British and Washington, or at least within attacking range should they turn toward Annapolis. He took a large amount of cavalry and headed out of the Wood Yard camp to an intersection of roads. At this junction was the home of Benjamin Oden, who was pleased to help the cause. Winder, with Secretary of State James Monroe and his entourage, and a significant amount of cavalry, arrived at the Oden home. Winder's slow army was far behind, marching that way. Winder sent cavalry up the roads as scouts. It was a tri-way; one road was the road Winder had just come from the Wood Yard on, the others went to Nottingham and Upper Marlborough.
Winder's cavalry scouts soon returned from the Nottingham road with news that the British invasion force had been spotted and was coming toward the farmhouse. Winder, not ready quite yet for an engagement, sent word for General Smith and the army to come no further, but head a bit back eastward and northward to a camp area called Long Old Fields. There, he could prepare and have a defensive battle. General Winder, Secretary Monroe, and some cavalry remained in the area to find out which road the British would take from the junction. Completely reliable information at last!
General Ross had his light infantry and scouts (mostly on foot) ahead of the main body of soldiers. The enemy cavalry ahead drifted away as the British approached. Knowing he was under observation, he felt a deception was in order. The light advanced force was unimpeaded, and he sent them on the road toward the Wood Yard (and Washington beyond). The main body followed, and there was soon no trace of US soldiers. Finally, Winder knew for certain where the British were AND where they were headed. Suddenly, Ross had the column of thousands halt and reverse. Some of the younger or newer soldiers might have grumbled at this seeming confusion, but the veterans new their leader was no fool and this was a typical trick on the "Yankees". They marched back to the junction and turned onto the road that headed for Upper Marlborough, away from Washington.
Ross's march to Upper Marlborough began uneventfully. The enemy was no longer seen. Then, at about 11 that morning, the British invasion force heard explosions far ahead of them. All knew this was due to Cockburn finding Barney. Instead of it sounding like the gunfire of battle, it sounded like demolition. They reasoned that Barney had left his flotilla to self-destruct. While there was no battle to settle matters, at least his flotilla was no longer a force to consider.
Ross and his army reached Upper Marlborough. He intended to camp there and occupy the town. He sought out a nice home to stay in and was invited to stay at the home of a local doctor. At this point we begin the story of the "Star Spangled Banner" which you can read more about by clicking here. Ross decided to stay with Dr. Beanes and enjoy the luxury and hospitality.
That afternoon, the US force, now with sailors, marched to Long Old Fields. Winder settled his men in the new camp. He found from continuous scout expeditions that the British had fooled him a bit, and that they NOT behind them but had moved on to Upper Marlborough. Winder spent the rest of the day and night discussing and organizing.