(War of 1812) 1814 Sep. 27th "The London Gazette" Announcing the Burning of Washington D.C., Captain Smith Asst. Adj. copies the following communication from America, "30th August, 1814, My Lord, I have the honour to communicate to your Lordship, that on the night of the 24th instant, after defeating the army of the United States on that day, troops under my command entered and took possession of the city of Washington….Having halted the army for a short time, I determined to march upon Washington, and reached that city at eight o'clock that night. Judging it of consequence to complete the destruction of the public buildings with the least possible delay, so that the army might retire without loss of time, the following buildings were set fire to and consumed - the Capitol, including the Senate-house and House of Representation, the arsenal, the dock-yard, treasury, war-office, President's palace…a frigate nearly ready to be launched, and a sloop of war, were consumed…", Very Fine and excellent War of 1812 collateral item. Estimate  $350 - 500. The copy of this letter details the actions of the British Army in fighting the American Army during the Battle of Washington D.C., and led to the burning of the public city buildings. $0 (Image)