Gerry, Elbridge, Signer, as Vice President

Autograph letter signed ("E Gerry"), 3 pages (10 x 7 3/4 in.; 255 x 196 mm), Washington, D.C., 19 March 1813, to Colonel Austin; formerly folded, silked on external pages of bifolium, a few light marginal stains.

Anticipating an attack on Washington.

The strategic location of the Chesapeake Bay near America's capital made it a prime target for the British. Starting in March 1813, a squadron under Rear Admiral George Cockburn started a blockade of its coastline and raided towns along the bay from Norfolk to Havre de Grace. Vice President Gerry has learned of the approaching British force: "The express stated, that after he left General Armstrong ... he heard about 300 cannon down the river. Whether the object of the enemy is to water, or to alarm, or to land & commit depredations according to circumstances, or to attack this place, must be determined by events. General Van Ness the commanding officer of the District militia has returned, as I am informed, for the purpose of fortifying the river nearer to the navy yard. The city appears to be alarmed, but if I had property here, I would not give one cent to insure it."

Gerry believes it would be improper for himself or his son Elbridge(1793–1867, the fourth of his nine children), to leave the city " ... until the alarm subsides, lest it be construed into apprehensions of danger if we should depart before Congress adjourns. Elbridge has enrolled himself with those volunteers, who are not on the militia roles, & was summoned last night to patrole; but slept at Mr. Parrots about two miles from hence, where we are on intimate terms, & will do duty this night."

Gerry concludes with a postscript exemplifying Senate humor, at a time when the Senate was still, even in stressful circumstance, a decorous gentleman's club: "With closed doors, a question in the Senate was agitated in regard to the defense of this city; in which General Varnum stated that in case of an attack, he would aid in defence, if even as a private. Mr. Dana of Connecticut, a humourist, in answer said, he was also ready, but expected to serve under his proper officer, the President, after the Senate rose, I informed Mr. Dana that I would accept with pleasure the command; & would be careful to place my corps on the most honorable ground. They should not be a corps de reserve."