War of 1812

1-1. War of 1812 Bicentennial Collection.

Superb instant collection of 22 different issues of Salem (Mass.) Gazette, all reporting the  events of 1813, the first full year of hostilities in the imprecisely-named War of 1812. This  newspaper is especially notable for the eloquence - even startling drama - of its writing,  largely by noted editor Thomas C. Cushing. 11 x 18½, 4 pp. ea. Comprising: Jan. 1; Feb. 9, 23;  May 7, 18, 21; June 8, 11, 29; July 9, 13, 16, 23; Aug. 31; Oct. 5, 8, 18, 19, 29; Nov. 5; Dec. 3 and  17. An in-depth chronicle of events on land, sea, and the orators’ platforms, including  important and fascinating content. In one issue alone (June 8): Account of the clash between  the warships Shannon and American Chesapeake, whose dying Captain James Lawrence,  according to enduring legend, uttered the immortal words “Don’t give up the ship.” “...The  Shannon threw on board the Chesapeake an immense body of combustibles and inflammable  matter, like an infernal machine, of new and horrible construction...No doubt it was horrible  beyond anything that ever entered the mind of an American to conceive, and can never be  admitted to a comparison with our favorite torpedo, upon which the government have  expended many thousand dollars of the people’s money, and which is only intended, by a  secret, under-water operation, to explode a ship into atoms, and send all on board into  eternity, at a single shock...From the war seeds we have sown, we are reaping a full harvest of  calamity – And who is benefited by it?...” (A front-page “official” account of capture of  Lawrence’s Chesapeake appears on July 9). Referring to Thomas Jefferson’s maritime vision,  “If the Democrats had not squandered millions of Dollars of the public money upon two or  three hundred Gun-Boats, we might by this time have had a respectable & efficient  Navy...Now, as time is a friend to truth...which is better, the old federal frigates, or the new  democratic Gun-Boats and Torpedoes?...” • Just a sampling of other issues’ content: (Jan. 1:)  “Gen. Smyth’s Invasions of Canada!”; Bill “to increase the Navy”; “Honor to the Brave,”  proposing silver medals for Hull, (John Paul) Jones, and Decatur; “Slave Representation  ...which the author pronounces the rotten part of the American Constitution...”; election of 20  peace candidates in N.Y. “...An Everlasting Public Debt, which Americans have always dreaded  as the greatest of all political evils, appear to be fast rushing upon us...but the taxes must at  last come, and that heavily too, merely to pay the interest.” • (Feb. 9:) “...Our union is always  most strong when menaced by foreign dangers. The people of America are never so much one  family as when their liberties are invaded.” Other content including Indians, Napoleon,  strident political posturing, and much more; it is interesting to note the birth of an American  anti-war movement, largely unseen during the Revolution (a column in the Oct. 5 issue is  headed, “Madison’s Horrid War!”). “Everything drags. The war drags... the taxes drag, and we  are much mistaken if the hopes of the party do not drag also” (July 23). Nearly all issues with  uniform toning to sand-tan from waterstaining, only obvious because of an irregular  demarcation line at mastheads; some with very light foxing or limited, localized light greyish  discoloration, but no trace of mustiness (and the consignor reliably reports none at or since  his acquisition in early 1970s), and generally very good to about fine. Now surprisingly rare on  the market. WorldCat locates no issues of any date of this newspaper. Library of Congress’  Chronicling America database locates only three institutional holdings of the complete year  1813 (American Antiquarian, New-York Historical, and Wisconsin Historical Societies), and  three others with a single to half-dozen issues each. A wealth of articulate American debate, its  sentiment newly hewn from the Revolution still fresh in the memory of this newspaper’s  readers. $900-1300 (22 issues) 

1-2. The Best American Commander of the War of 1812.

A.L.S. of (Maj. Gen.) Jac(ob) Brown, Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Army 1821-28, with second franking signature “Maj. Genl. Brown”  on integral address-leaf. Some regarded the Quaker-born Brown as the best American field commander of War of 1812. Awarded  Congressional Gold Medal, he fought in Northern Frontier at Sackett’s Harbor on Lake Ontario, Lundy’s Lane, Chrysler’s Farm, Fort  Erie, and Niagara. Portland (Maine), Aug. 30, 1818, 7½ x 12, 1 p. To Brig. Gen. Tho(s). S. Jesup, Quartermaster General, Washington.  “Having learned...that you desired to meet me in N.Y., and as I desire that pleasure I give you information of the time you may expect  me there. On Tues. my intention is to leave this for Portsmouth and hope to be in N.Y. by the 10th of Sept.” Jesup, “father of the  modern Quartermaster Corps,” also fought in the War of 1812, and commanded all U.S. troops in Fla. in the Seminole Wars. “He served  as Quartermaster Gen. for 42 years, holding the record for the longest continual service in the same position in U.S. military history”--  wikipedia. Brown’s 1821 organization of Army staff remained in effect for the balance of the century. In 1822, he created the first  organization responsible for providing Army manpower, the General Recruiting Service. Now somewhat obscure, Jacob Brown was, in  both rank and spirit, the antecedent of Grant, Pershing, MacArthur, and others in that elite pantheon of Commanders-in-Chief of the  U.S. Army. Pale red Portland c.d.s. Light overfold at blank top, rich cream toning. Fine. A splendid item. $275-350 

1-3. Sword Plausibly Present at Fort McHenry’s Dawn’s Early Light.

Seminal Americana: the battle sword attributed to American soldier John Howlet, who carried it during the British invasion of  Maryland – and is listed among The Citizen Soldiers at North Point and Fort McHenry, Sept. 12 & 13, 1814 (James Young, 1852 ed., p.  45, and 1889 ed., p. 40). A Private in the 6th Regt., Maryland Militia, Howlet’s service as a citizen-soldier defending Baltimore – and  his presence at (or certainly within view of the rockets’ red glare over) Fort McHenry on that star-spangled dawn is indicated by the  Research Library at Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine (copy accompanies). Handed down within the Howlet family  of Baltimore for generations, this sword only reached the market in the present century, with the sale of some Howlet furniture. Howlet  also appears in British Invasion of Maryland, 1812-1815, published by the Society of War of 1812 in Maryland, 1913, p. 329; and  Maryland Militia, War of 1812..., by Wright, 1979. According to the family, Howlet also served in the garrison at Fort McHenry, at  Hampstead Hill, and Bear Creek (the latter part of a maneuver in the Battle of North Point involving the uniquely named Bread and  Cheese Creek, said to have been named for the rations eaten there by American soldiers). Sword manufactured by Nathan Starr of  Connecticut, the first official cutlass- and sword-maker for the United States government after the Revolution. Undated and  unengraved. Size most closely corresponding to Starr’s 1812-13 contract production of cavalry sabers. Blade approximately 33¼” long,  sharp tip; deeply stamped markings on blade at and just below ricasso, “N Starr” and “P(roved) / HHP” (inspector Henry H. Perkin).  Wooden handle, probably maple, 9 ribs, 3¾”, with milk chocolate patina capturing its historic service; no leather at grip, probably as  made. Iron hilt. Several small edge nicks in blade, the largest only half the size of a pearl of barley. Very old repair of wood grip with  wrought iron nail to keep guard in place. Lacking cupped metal tongue over top of handle, leather scabbard guard, nut, and washer.  According to the family, these were lost during the War of 1812 when Howlet was shot multiple times in battle. Blade pulled 5/16” from  hilt. Light superficial corrosion scattered along striking edge, tracks of brighter metal corresponding to its path into and out of  scabbard, else good plus, with complex silvery-grey patina, tinged with umber and a flashes of purplish cobalt blue. • With original and  correct scabbard, with two rings. Overall length, in scabbard, 38¾”. Trivial soft depression in lower flank; pitting of upper two  segments, much less at lower balance. Original black japanning with variable thinning, presumed cleanings while in service and by later  generations. In all, both sword and scabbard in highly satisfactory condition, and a compelling display and conversation ensemble.  John Howlet - and this sword - may have witnessed the dawn’s early light of Sept. 14, 1814. The previous day, Francis Scott Key had  been detained during the British bombardment of Fort McHenry. As daylight broke on the 14th, upon seeing the tattered Stars and  Stripes still flying, Scott found an envelope, and on its back he hastily scribbled a poem, “The Defence of Fort M’Henry,” which would  be renamed ... “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Ironically, the commander of Howlet’s 6th Regt., Col. William Pechin, was a printer, and  was the first to publish the words of the future national anthem on Sept. 15, probably as a handbill. He later served as publisher of the  first newspaper in which the poem appeared, the Baltimore American. In further irony, Key’s grandson would be imprisoned at Fort  McHenry during the Civil War, as a Southern sympathizer. Early American arms with such fascinating association and history are  highly desirable. With consignor’s letter and modern research. Color photographs upon request, and on website. $1250-1750 

1-4. Toll for Army Horses: 94-½¢.

Charming War of 1812-date combination invoice-receipt for “tolage for 9 United States teams passing through gate No. 1, $0.94½...,”  n.p. but found among mid-Hudson New York State documents of War of 1812. Dec. 31, 1812, 6¼ x 7½, signed by teamster John  Thomson. Toning, else good plus. That month saw the reelection of Madison, and a seesaw of American and British clashes on land and  sea. Interesting conversation piece. $55-75

1-5. At the Height of the War of 1812.

Appealingly attractive partly printed A.D.S. twice of Lt. Col. William Randall, Commandant of 30th Regt. of Infantry, Connecticut  Militia, Stonington, May 6, 1814 - the day Fort Oswego was destroyed by the British. 7¾ x 12¼. Appointing Russel Wheeler, “Reposing  especial confidence in your Courage, Care, Skill and good Conduct...a Sgt. in the 4th Co., in the Regt. under my command...You are...to  instruct said Co. in the use of arms...commanding them to obey you as their Sergeant....” By the end of May, the British blockade  extended to the New England coast; raids on Connecticut - including Stonington - and Massachusetts followed. Randall summoned his  men using tar barrel signals! Waterstains, but overall imparting a charming pale mocha tone; nibbles along 2” of blank bottom edge,  moderate corner and fold wear, else good plus, exuding character. War of 1812 material from Connecticut is uncommon. With  interesting modern research. $75-100 

1-6. Drafted from Halfmoon (Saratoga County, N.Y.).

Manuscript D.S. of (Capt.) Andrew Frasher, “Return of the men drafted from my Company agreeable to orders Aug. 13, 1813,” probably  144th Regt., 7¾ x 8¾. Listing ten men, all from “pl(ace of) residence Halfmoon,” occupations farmers, with one laborer and a mason,  including Seneca Palmer and Isreal (sic) Smith. Darkly penned, graduated mocha toning on lower half, fine folds, else very good and  attractive. Seneca Palmer was an attendant of Gen. Winfield Scott. Halfmoon straddles the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. Older  documents from the town are rare on the market. $100-130 

1-7. War of 1812 Bicentennial Collection - Part II.

Fascinating instant collection of 15 different issues of Salem (Mass.) Gazette, all reporting the events of 1814, now enjoying its  bicentennial. With much commentary on national political life, some sentiments almost uncannily mirroring today’s debates. 11 x 18½,  4 pp. ea. Comprising: Feb. 8, 15; May 20, 31; Aug. 2, 5, 23; Oct. 7, 21; Nov. 1, 22; Dec. 1, 13, 16 and 23. (The peace treaty was signed the  next day.) In one issue alone (Oct. 7): Front-page obituary, from Baltimore, of a hero of North Point - part of the battle for and around  Fort McHenry, which inspired Francis Scott Key. “James Lowry Donaldson, who was killed in the late action near North Point, on the  12th [of Sept.]...The 27th regiment, in which he acted as Adjt., were warmly attached to him. A few minutes previous to the  commencement of the action in which he was unhappily slain, he addressed them ...which contributed not a little...to induce that brave  and steady resistance of the enemy....” Tribute to “The Hero of Champlain,” Commodore Thomas Macdonough, who had recently  emerged victorious in the battle at Plattsburg, a decisive win for the Americans. Petition to Congress of William H. Washington of Va.,  seeking payment “for property destroyed by the officers of the Army of the U.S., to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy.”  Lengthy letter on “The Shameful Scene at Washington,” following its invasion by the British, and burning of the White House, Capitol,  and other buildings: “Nature never formed a battle ground more favorable to the invaded...almost every yard of the way skirted by  woods and clumps of trees admirably calculated for riflemen to annoy the enemy. How has it been permitted that this ground should be  marched over in solid column by the British?...This is a determination to probe this disgraceful affair to the bottom...If you were to see  the ground which was shamefully abandoned...the black and desolate ruins of public buildings, which cost millions, you would stand  astonished...With a fair wind a single frigate can stand up the Potomac, and in a few hours be employed in throwing rockets among the  members of Congress, even into the house in which they now assemble. The executive part of the government have saved much the  greater part of the papers most valuable to the nation...yet if they were brought here [Philadelphia] they should be tightly packed in  boxes, if not loaded in waggons, to prevent their being burnt or carried off by another irruption of the modern Huns....” “Mr. Madison  and the authors of this war loudly complain of the British Ministry in their delaying the negotiation. Much as we detest the war and  wish for its termination, our patriotic and fighting President and his co-war-hawks are the last that should find fault on this subject.  The War is a matter of their own seeking and making; not one of the objects for which it was declared, has been obtained...But Mr.  Madison finds the war disastrous and ruinous, and his popularity and that of his followers going downhill, and he cries out peace,  peace; but they should recollect that there is no peace to the wicked.” Also: (Feb. 15:) Bold political endorsement on p. 1, “Sons of  Massachusetts! The times are perilous, but the path of duty is plain before you. The oppressions imposed upon us are daily increasing  the number of our friends...Though your peaceful habitations are subject to unreasonable searches and domiciliary visits, by the agents  of the President... Though...your influence is lost in the national councils, yet ‘Be not dismayed’...You may still teach your government  to respect your rights....” Petition of Bridgeport, Conn. to Gov., “...it is unjust to thousands of ignorant poor, who have been deluded  into the armies of the U.S., whose blood and sufferings call for punishment on their guilty deluders...It is unjust to the present and  future generations of our citizens, by entailing upon them a debt wholly beyond their means of payment, the interest of which will strip  the laboring classes of the hard earned fruits of their industry...The real object of the war, after that of supporting the party in power...is  to destroy the wealth, population and influence of the northern and commercial states...and eventually to annihilate the liberties of the  nation. To these ends the constitutional barriers of our liberties are over leaped at pleasure...to accelerate the progress to absolute  power....” • (May 20:) From Charleston, S.C., “Citizens Look Out! The enemy is at hand!...A large British force is off St. Mary’s Bar, and  that an attack is momentarily expected...You know not when the enemy will make his appearance among you.” • (May 31:) Presentation  of an elaborate engraved plate to Commodore Perry, made by Boston silversmiths Churchill & Treadwell, in gratitude for his recent  victory at the Battle of Lake Erie. Procession of 200 wagons of cotton, traveling overland from Savannah to New England, because of  the embargo on coastal shipping. “We cannot help considering...how much we have to sacrifice in this war against ourselves.” • (Aug.  2:) Long front-page essay, “To the Nations of Europe - A humble attempt to show that this country has some pretensions to civilization,  and to vindicate it from the charge of barbarism....” Inside, “Where did the democratick jugglers pick up their new forged doctrine, that  it is neither lawful nor honorable to bring against an enemy double or triple his force?...” (Aug. 5:) “...Not a solitary point even  efficiently protected! The enemy in actual possession of our waters, in some places of our soil! Our property pillaged - destroyed!...An  enormous national debt incurred, at ruinous interest, and daily increasing! An empty treasury! Heavy taxes! A dismantled navy! An ill-  appointed, ill-disciplined, incompetent army! Such, my countrymen, is our present lamentable condition...Who calls our rulers  wise?...They are deeply interested in deceiving you, and they will employ all their arts to keep up the deception...Think for  yourselves...That malignant philosophy...can coolly and deliberately pursue, through oceans of blood, abstract systems for the  attainment of some fancied untried good....” P. 1 account of Napoleon’s passage to Elba. “On his arrival...he issued the same pompous  decrees as when he was Emperor of fifty millions of people....” (Dec. 1:) Account of naval battle and capture of British sloop Avon. •  (Dec. 13, 16 and 23:) Extensive coverage of Ghent peace negotiations. (Signed on Dec. 24, it brought the War of 1812 to a close - on  paper.) Blank fragment lacking at bottom of first leaf of Feb. 15 issue; Aug. 2 and Dec. 16 with long vertical crease; Aug. 5 lacking  irregular fragment at bottom corner second leaf, affecting only ads and shipping news; Oct. 7 with v-shaped internal tear, repaired with  old tape; Dec. 23 closely trimmed by printer at p. 1, affecting last letter on first seven lines; nearly all issues with uniform toning to  sand-tan from waterstaining, only obvious because of an irregular demarcation line at mastheads; some with foxing or limited light  greyish discoloration, but no trace of mustiness (and the consignor reliably reports none at or since his acquisition in early 1970s), and  generally good plus to about fine. Now surprisingly rare on the market. WorldCat locates no issues of any date of this newspaper.  Library of Congress’ Chronicling America database locates five institutional holdings of the complete year 1814, and three others with  one or two issues each. $550-900 (15 issues) 

1-8. 1814 Dime.

2013 ANACS F 15. Large date. A delightful example, with “Liberty” and “E Pluribus Unum” ribbons prominent, but just enough honest  wear on bust and eagle’s wings to lend character. Cool grey, embellished with sophisticated smoky gradations and semi-matte/semi-  gloss contrasts between relief and fields. Perhaps handled by a patriot as he pondered the words of the new national anthem, penned in  that year! Closeup color photographs on website and furnished by e-mail. $100-130 

1-9. War of 1812 Veterans – Sixty Years Later.

Interesting group of 8 letters to Conn. State Comptroller, mostly from attorneys (and one on highly ornate steel-engraved letterhead of  Adjutant General’s Office, New Haven), seeking to verify claims of service of local veterans in the War of 1812. 1871-72, 10 pp. in all, 5 x  8 to 7½ x 9¾. “...Abram M. Wheeler...claims to have...served as a fifer at Grover’s Hill, in Fairfield County...I want the information  from you for the purpose of procuring him a pension.” • “...Enos Candee served in the War of 1812 at New Haven. She [his widow]  desires a certificate of this time of service...I enclose one dollar....” • From Uriah Bulkley, Fairfield, writing directly to Gov. Marshall  Jewell: “When the war was declared I was a resident at the harbor of Black Rock (now annexed to Bridgeport)...Nearly every man in the  place was a mariner and exempt from militia duty...We came together and formed a company, chose our officers, and sent our names to  the then-Gov. John Cotton Smith, offering our services during the war at our own expense. He accepted our offer...There was the  remains of a Fort of the War of the Revolution on a field then belonging to my wife. It was nearly all wash’d away by the sea. There was  in it two iron twelve-pound guns...I did more than work enough to entitle me to a pension, had I received pay...I am now the only  survivor of our company, and can find no one living that can testify to our company...Your reply to my request will much oblige an old  man in need who was born Aug. 12, 1782, and one who never in his life voted for an ‘English’ governor over his native state.” A State  clerk notes in pencil, “Not on Capt. Burnet’s Roll”; four additional letters bear State clerk’s findings. Incredibly, we find this very  Bulkley letter in a 1922 Walter R. Benjamin catalogue for $1 (copy accompanies)! Varied handling wear, generally good to about fine.  $120-150 (8 pcs.)

1-10. War of 1812 Era Map including “the United States of North America.”

Highly attractive “Map of the British Settlements, and the United States of North America,  from the Coast of Labrador to Florida...,” by Cradock & Joy, London, Oct. 25, 1813. “Intended  to illustrate the Travels of Mr. Lambert through those Countries.” Pleasing watercolor in  mint and spring greens, pale citron-yellow, dusty rose, and aqua, the “Atlantic or Western  Ocean” tinted in palest water-green. 15-¼ x 16-¼. Showing “Main,” N.H., Vermont,  Massachusetts, Conn., New York, Pennsylvania, N.J., Dela., Va., N.C., and parts of S.C. and  Georgia, together with the Canadian Maritimes, “Upper” and “Lower Canada,” “Little Indian  Nation of Algonquin Indians,” and more. Including “Porpoise Bank” and “Whale Bank” off  “Nova Scotia Fishing Bank.” Narrow right margin, probably as originally tipped into book,  not affecting border. (British Library notes that this map was p. 1 in volume 1; citation  accompanies.) Original folds, three tears repaired on verso (two passing through blank ocean  area only, the third now inconspicuous), light graduated toning, likely from offset, else good  plus and suitable for framing. WorldCat locates no examples. TheEuropeanLibrary.org  locates only the British Library’s example. Very scarce. $225-325  

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