Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Beall, William Dent, 1757-1829 to unknown

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01836.01 Author/Creator: Beall, William Dent, 1757-1829 Place Written: Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: August 22, 1814 Pagination: 1 p. : docket Height: 24.6 cm, Width: 19.7 cm Order a Copy

Lieutenant Colonel Beall reports on the British advance into Marlboro, Maryland, and the strength of the British force. Also requests money. Adds in a postscript: "It is of great importance that Col. Hood should march immediately. The Flotilla is in ashes & the men with General Winder." Letter written in the field two days before the Battle of Bladensburg, where Beall commanded. The American defeat at Bladensburg allowed British forces to enter Washington, D.C.

Beall, William Dent, 1757-1829

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources