The Hilleary-Magruder House was likely one of many sites in town where more than 200 British and American soldiers wounded in the Battle of Bladensburg were taken for treatment and convalescence. Built in 1742 by William Hilleary, later the home of a Scottish tobacco merchant, the house was occupied by medical doctors from 1803 to 1863.
"I... paid a hasty visit to the wounded...in their apprehension of the evil treatment from the Americans,...they had done injustice to that people; who were found to possess at least one generous trait...that of behaving kindly and attentively to their prisoners." -- British Lieutenant George Robert Gleig
The British wounded who could travel were carried back to the ships. The seriously wounded were left in American hands.
Makeshift Hospital
Both sides generously treated wounded soldiers. The Ross House (the located across the street) served as a field hospital and was known locally as the "Old Brick Hospital." At least 18 British officers were reportedly treated there.
(Colonial Era • War of 1812) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
