Unfortunately, Elting's book has no source notes. There is a footnote on p. 234 that "American folklore claimed that when Gorsuch ironically suggested that he might be back in time for supper, Ross proclaimed, 'I'll sup tonight in Baltimore or hell' but provides no source for the statement. If it turns up, it will probably be a local history done in the 19th century. There are many similar Canadian books about the War of 1812 with similar stories.

John Elting was not always as careful as he might have been, on p. 334, he has me down as Robert Graves, clearly confusing me with the British author who wrote a famous memoir of his service in the First World War as well as other works. I don't recall being in the First World War but, then, a lot of my early life has become hazy.

Given your background I am surprised your family stayed in Maryland when the proto-Marxists came to power, you should be up here in Canada, freezing your butt off.

dg