Detailed Account of War Department Fire
Document 1800Mentions destruction of the War Office, fire moving to the War Department Library starting at the "back part of the chimney that belonged to the next house." Accountant was able to save some documents. All the papers, records for this office were destroyed. Mentioned peace likely abroad.
PHI 14 NO [postmark] 20 Major Isaac Craig D, Q, M, Genl [undecipherable (signature)] Pittsburg n Philadelphia 14 November 1800 Sir - I have no letter from you by this Post, which seems strange - the next Post will probably account for it - The lamentable destruction of the War Office will reach before this - perhaps you may have no particulars - The fire is supposed to have communicated to the Library belonging to the War Department from the back part of the Chimney in the next House - All the Papers, records, &c in the Office were destroyed - The Accountant saved the Principal part of his, which were below Stairs The Papers will detail to you what is passing both at home and abroad - Peace once more is likely to bless the World - adieu - Your Most Obedient Servant Samuel Hodgdon Major Isaac Craig - Turn over -
Machine transcription not yet available for this document.