(WAR OF 1812) | Three 1814 Issues of the Baltimore Patriot and Evening Advertiser, Vol. IV, Nos. 51, 58, & 61. Baltimore: By Munroe & French, September 1, September 10, & September 22, 1814

Property from the Eric C. Caren Collection

(WAR OF 1812)

Three 1814 Issues of the Baltimore Patriot and Evening Advertiser, Vol. IV, Nos. 51, 58, & 61. Baltimore: By Munroe & French, September 1, September 10, & September 22, 1814

Three broadsheet newspapers (19 1/2 x 12 1/2 in.; 498 x 316 mm), text in five columns; browned and foxed, mounting remnant to masthead of vol. 51, some marginal chipping and tears resulting in occasional minor loss, disbound. The consignor has independently obtained a letter of authenticity from PSA that will accompany the lot.

The Battle of Baltimore. These three scarce newspapers, all from the period when the Patriot was forced to limit its printing to a single sheet, provide important contemporary insight to the preparation for, and aftermath of, the British bombardment of Fort McHenry. The inspired resistance of the American forces compelled a British withdrawal and provided an important victory for the United States.

The issue of September 1 reports on the burning of Washington a week earlier and the preparations that Baltimore is taking "In Defence of Our City," including raising a subscription to support the Committee of Vigilance and Safety. The September 10 paper continues reports from the nation's capital ("The Public Buildings have been mostly destroyed, the various offices are locating themselves in those private houses which are most commodious. … The President will occupy Col. Tayloe's large house, which was lately occupied by the French Minister. … It is stated in some of the papers, we observe, that the Congressional Library was saved. We are very sorry to contradict this statement. The Vandals destroyed without remorse this collection of valuable and scarce books, the loss of which is irreparable." 

The issue of 22 September—which was printed just two days after the Baltimore Patriot was the first newspaper to publish Francis Scott Key's "Defence of Fort M'Henry" (perhaps better known as "The Star-Spangled Banner)—contains a report on the naval actions in the Chesapeake Bay; intercepted letters by Lieutenant-General George Prévost, and a Proclamation by John Cherbrooke [sic: Sherbrooke]  stating "Whereas it is the intention of the British commanders to take possession of the country lying between the Penobscot river and the Passamaquoddy bay; the peaceable inhabitants of that District are hereby informed, that if they remain quietly at home, and carry on their usual occupations, every protection will be offered so long as they comply with such regulations as may be established for their conduct and guidance, by the authority of the British commanders."