The Burning of Washington, A Woman's Impressions Just Weeks After

Mary Anna Boardman (1767-1848). Autograph Letter Signed, "M. Boardman", 2pp, 7.5" x 12.5", New Milford, Connecticut, September 6, 1814. Integral address leaf. Expected mailing folds with separation and several areas of loss. Bifold stationery has completely separated at central vertical fold resulting in two sheets. Remnants of wax seal. Tape repair throughout. Several areas of loss and chipping to edges. Browning and soiling. Fragile, in overall good condition.

Mary Anna Boardman writes to her husband, Elijah Boardman, who has been traveling to Boardman, Ohio, with their eldest son, William, less than two weeks after the British burned Washington, concerned for their safety. In part: "I could not be persuaded to believe there was no danger in travelling between Buffaloe & the Ohio - but you are safe & I desire to be very thankful for this, & innumerable other blessings which we are continually enjoying...Mr. Noble handed me three letters you wrote on your journey. I think you might have experienced considerable anxiety in witnessing a battle between the American & British armies - how did it affect William? I would not have him a coward - nor do I wish him to be very desirous of military fame...Mrs. Lockwood has a fine son, five weeks old - their son Isaac has disappeared - it is supposed he has gone to join the Army or Navy - there has been a draft seaboard - General Taylor is to command them Charles Master & Harry Taylor, are his aids...You will probably have heard before this comes to hand - that Washington - the capitol of our country has been contaminated by the footsteps of the British army..."

Before Elijah Boardman (1760-1823) operated as a dry goods merchant in New Milford, he joined the Connecticut militia, and served in the Revolutionary War. Born to a prominent Connecticut family, he owned several slaves, and served as a land agent, resulting in him founding the towns of Boardman and Medina, Ohio. He later served as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives intermittently from 1803, through 1819, after which he became State Senator. Boardman was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1821 and remained in that post until his death. 

Mary Anna Whiting Boardman was the daughter of Doctor William Whiting and Anna Mason Whiting. After receiving her early education in Great Barrington, she went to New Haven in the summer of 1785 where she received instruction from American geographer Jedediah Morse, who had established a school for young women a few years earlier. She married Elijah Boardman on September 25, 1792.

A full-length portrait of Elijah Boardman by American painter Ralph Earl is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Earl's "Mrs. Elijah Boardman and her Son, William Whiting Boardman" is at the Huntington; and the Boardman Family Papers are at Yale.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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