How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

"We have issued one paper a day or two in its present shape, which it must retain until we are enabled to replace the type so meanly and malignantly destroyed by the enemy..."

Washington, September 1, (1814). Two sheets, each 13 1/2 x 10 1/4 in. (342 x 260 mm). Printed newspaper in four columns, on rectos only. Featuring the paper's address to its constituents, reading in full: "Having purchased from one of our brother printers one small fount of type, we have issued one paper a day or two in its present shape, which it must retain until we are enabled to replace the type so meanly and malignantly destroyed by the enemy. For any deficiency of matter, or irregularity of transmission, an apology must be found in the absence of many of our hands in the different military corps, and the disadvantages under which others are employed. We shall do the best we can. We should suppose we need only state that our recent loss will require the use of every cent of money we can command, to induce those who know themselves to be indebted to the establishment forthwith to pay their respective dues, and in addition to elicit payment in advance from all who can afford it. The Editors are happy to say that their account books and subscription lists were saved from the general destruction of their books and papers." Disbound, sheets now joined; untrimmed; lightly creased; scattered foxing especially to left margin.

Rare issue of the National Intelligencer, Washington, D.C.'s first newspaper, addressing its readers after its offices and press were destroyed by British Admiral George Cockburn during the Burning of Washington on August 24, 1814.

The editors of the Intelligencer, William Seaton and Joseph Gales, had been highly critical of Cockburn, branding him a "ruffian" in many of their reports on the war. When British forces entered Washington after their victory against the Americans at the Battle of Bladensburg, Cockburn resolved to burn the newspaper's building down but yielded to the pleas of civilians who feared its conflagration would spread to their homes. Instead he decided to tear the building down "brick by brick", and destroy all of their "C" type, so they could not print his name again.