"Our private property must be sacrificed." — Dolley Madison

Two messengers covered with dust come to bid me fly, but I wait for him.

I am accordingly ready; I have pressed as many Cabinet papers into trunks as to fill one carriage; our private property must be sacrificed, as it is impossible to procure wagons for its transportation.

And now, dear sister, I must leave this house or the retreating army will make me a prisoner in it by filling up the road I am directed to take.

When I shall again write to you, or where I shall be tomorrow, I cannot tell.