Every officer knew one thing of the times back then; a "gentleman" would be treated with respect - even an enemy officer.
This was not guaranteed, since, during battle, young, rough, unmannered, low-ranking soldiers were not in the mood to treat people nicely.
But the British soldiers had been told that their behavior in Washington City, should they reach it, must be disciplined.
Further, the victory the British soldiers had just won set most in a generous mood.
Com. Barney knew that a captured officer would be treated with respect. Not so for ordinary soldiers and sailors. He insisted his comrades leave him. They did, except one or two officers just to make sure about treatment of the wound the Commodore had suffered.
British soldiers came upon the Commodore. They summoned an officer. Young Capt. Wainwright of the British ship Tonnant was the nearest officer at the moment. What the captain of a ship was doing there on the battlefield will be left to your study, but the reader might keep in mind that the battle was a big matter of curiosity. Many American civilians had, at first, come out to watch it. They remained up at the top of the hill with the President and his cabinet and officials. When it became obvious that the battle was not going well for the American side, the onlookers fled.
The British officers all felt this invasion of Washington, and its Navy Yard, would be of interest. No doubt Capt. Wainwright had this in mind.
Soon Gen. Ross, the commander of the British land forces, rode up to the wounded Commodore, and the notorious British Rear Admiral Cockburn (pronunced Coburn, which is where that name comes from) arrived as well. They congratulated the Commodore for the valiant fight he and his men put up and assured him that he would receive the best of medical care.
The Battle of Bladensburg was over.
The Virginia militia from Falls Church, having been delayed in getting musket flints by the ridiculous clerk in Washington, were still on the road marching to the battle. Instead, finding the American forces fleeing back toward Washington, they themselves turned back having never reached the fight.
The British continued on, marching on into Washington City that evening where they burned only government buildings, leaving private property intact.
Such is this part of the absurd story - a matter of history - of the Invasion of Washington.
Keep in mind the other, further aspects of this story, each a fascinating story of its own!: