Description:

1814 "Columbian Centinel" with an Account of the Burning of Washington

An issue of the "Columbian Centinel" featuring news of the war with Britain and the capture of Washington, D.C. 4pp, measuring 14.5" x 20", Boston, dated September 7, 1814. Issue No. 3,474, printed by Benjamin Russell. Containing an account of the repulse of the British at Erie, along with an "Official Account of the capture of Washington by the British." At the back is also an advertisement for a "One Cent Reward" for a runaway servant. The newspaper has flattened folds, with uneven toning, foxing, and soiling. Signed by a previous owner at the upper edge of the front page. Slightly rough edges. Very good overall.

Highlights from the newspaper include:
"Official Account of the capture of Washington by the British…From Brig-Gen. Winder to the Secretary of War - dated, Baltimore, Aug. 27, 1814…The contest was not as obstinately maintained as could have been desired, but was by parts of the troops sustained with great spirit and with prodigious effect, and had the whole of our force been equally firm, I am induced to believe that the enemy would have been repulsed, notwithstanding all the disadvantages under which we fought…But the rile troops were obliged after some time to retire, and of course artillery. Superior numbers, however, rushed upon them and made their retreat necessary: not however without great loss on the part of the enemy. Maj. Pinkney received a severe wound in his right arm after he had retired to the left flank of Stansbury's brigade…The fall which Lt-Col. Ragan received from his horse, together with his great efforts to sustain his position, rendered him unable to follow the retreat; we have therefore to lament that this gallant and excellent officer has been taken prisoner…From the best intelligence, there remains but little doubt, that the enemy lost at least 400 killed and wounded…Our loss cannot, I think, be estimated at more than from thirty to forty killed, and fifty to sixty wounded…"

"…The President made his escape by crossing Mason's ferry into Virginia…He was taken in at the house of one of the Society of Friends, having 'rode thirty miles wince breakfast,' as he stated, 'over a dreadful road, without any dinner.'…No pursuit was kept up by the enemy, who entered Washington at his leisure, and in the evening, WITH ONE HUNDRED MEN, destroyed the Capitol, the President's House, and the Treasury Office…The General Post-Office was spared on the representation of Dr. Thornton, that a part of the building was a museum of the arts, containing models of the Patent Machines, and the cause of general science would suffer by its conflagration…"

"On Thursday, the War-Office and two Rope-Walks in Washington, were burnt…After the retreat of the troops called to the defence of the Capital, the enemy took possession of the battle ground…they proceeded slowly and with the greatest auction, as they apprehended an ambuscade, and were persuaded the decisive battle was yet to be fought, which was to decide the fate of the late city of Washington. Arrived at the entrance of the town, opposite Mr. Gallatin's late dwelling, Gen. Ross, at the head of his troops, halted, expecting that the city would proposed terms of capitulation. While in this situation, a shot from Gallatin's house killed the horse on which Gen. Ross rode. - The house was instantly set on fire, and orders were at once given to burn the Capitol…"

"One Cent reward and no charges paid. Ranaway from the subscriber on the 4th inst. APOLLOS HOWARD, a mulatto servant Boy, sixteen years old; bound by the Selectmen till twenty-one; small sized; small eyes, one squinted; full faced; talks pleasant and easy; a very great liar…All persons are hereby forbid to trust, employ or harbor said servant, if they would avoid the penalty of the law…"

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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