Description:

"THE DEFENDER OF FORT MCHENRY" ERECTS THE FLAGSTAFF FROM WHICH WILL FLY "THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER"

In 1811, war with Great Britain seemed imminent and the United States began taking measures to strengthen its coastal defenses, as most were in a dilapidated state. Captain George Armistead, U.S. Reg. of Artillery (1780-1818), who had been serving in the capacity of second-in-command and Military Agent at Fort McHenry since 1810, finds himself in second in command at the post in 1811 and takes it upon himself to make major improvements, including the fabrication of a new flagstaff. In this 1p. legal folio A.L.S. written from Fort McHenry on May 3, 1811, Armistead writes to Col. Henry Burbeck, his regimental commander. He proudly announces: "... I have my hands full the Secretary of War [William Eustis] has consented to have the barracks painted and I am getting up a new Flag staf [sic] an[d] it will be among the hands[omest] now standing. I have to solicit your a[id in?] getting a new Flag. In a few days I [will] have the Post in much better order than you have ever seen it...". Armistead signs: "G. Armistead" adding his rank as captain. The letter, docketed by Burbeck on verso, bears four quarter-sized with varying loss, caused when the letter was opened by Burbeck. Mailing folds are also present, otherwise this letter is in remarkably good condition. Records show that In late 1802, the fort's staff had been heavily damaged by lightning and apparently had been repaired enough to serve until Armistead's arrival. The entire flagstaff was then replaced by Armistead with the flag pole mentioned here which would, two years hence, support the giant flag which would defiantly fly over the fort during the British bombardment of September 13-14, 1814. Records further show that a standard "Garrison Flag of the usual dimensions" was sent from Philadelphia on Sep. 2, no doubt disappointing the young officer who envisioned something much grander. Armistead was already known for his patriotism, which manifested itself in his insistence on ordering huge flags for the posts at which he served. Among these was a 48' x 38' flag he had requisitioned for Fort Niagara in 1802. With the outbreak of war in 1812, Armistead was returned north, distinguishing himself on the Niagara frontier. He returned to Baltimore in 1813 as a newly-promoted major in command of Fort McHenry and its dependencies. He lost no time in applying for a "a flag so large that the British will have no difficulty in seeing it from a distance." On Aug. 19, 1813, an "American Ensign 30 x 42 feet first quality bunting" and a smaller "storm flag" were contracted for with local flag maker Mary Pickersgill for the then-extravagant fee of $574.45. Armistead had finally realized his dream of a "suitable ensign to display over the fort" and under its broad stripes and bright stars, he watched the retreat of the British fleet from its unsuccessful, two-day bombardment of Fort McHenry, September 13-14, 1814. Much weakened by the arduous preparations for the battle, Armistead would die at age 38, only three years after the battle. Armistead's autograph material is among the rarest of all early American patriot's signatures. Indeed, we see not a single auction sale of any letter or document signed by him in the past one hundred years, and the value of a letter bearing such historic content related to our national anthem is nearly impossible to estimate.

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September 9, 2014 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $3,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000