It was not the first time the library burned. Opened in 1800 in the nation's new capitol, by 1814 it contained about 3,000 volumes, all consumed in the fire set by the British when they briefly occupied the city in August 1814. The seeds for the rebuilt collection were from Thomas Jefferson's library at Monticello which, I believe, was the largest private collection in the United States. Immediately upon hearing of the congressional library's destruction, the former President offered to sell his books to the country.
Congress accepted the 6,487 volumes in January 1815, paying Jefferson $23,950. It was a good deal both for the country and for the perpetually debt-ridden former president (who died in 1826 heavily indebted). About 2/3 of the Jefferson collection was lost in the fire of 1851.
The restored library was reopened on August 23, 1853.
Excerpts from a contemporary account published in the National Era, a DC newspaper:
National Calamity
Our whole city is intensely excited by the great calamity which has just fallen upon the Capitol. The Library of Congress, with its rich collection of valuable books, public documents, precious manuscripts, paintings, busts medals, and other works of art, is in ashes.
The loss to the nation is great, and, to a certain extent, irreparable. This was probably, on the whole, the best library in the United States; it was enriched by the choice collection of works brought together by the care, discrimination, and taste of Mr. Jefferson, and had been an object of deep interest and regard to successive intelligent committees of Congress, who were intrusted with the duty of superintending its management, and adding annually to its treasures.
During the sessions of Congress, the beautiful hall of the Library was the daily resort of the lovers of letters, science, and art, from every State of the Union, and from foreign lands, where they always met with the kindest attentions from the gentlemanly Librarian and his assistants, who never failed to open to visiters all the objects which would serve to gratify their taste, curiosity, and intelligence.
Great efforts were made, not only by the fire companies, but by all classes of our citizens, to save the Library: but in regard to the books, papers, and works of art, which occupied the main hall, their efforts were without success. A large portion of the contents of the smaller room is reported as saved, though not without damage. The fire companies had been fatigued by a fire at a late hour the night preceding, so that they arrived late, and much time was lost in bringing the engines to a position which would render their powers available.
We have been told that about thirty-five thousand volumes of books have been destroyed, the estimate being derived from the number saved, the contents of the Library being about fifty-five thousand volumes. A number of valuable and excellent paintings also perished. Of these, were portraits of the first five Presidents, by Stuart, an original portrait of Columbus, a second portrait of Columbus, one of Peyton Randolph, one of Baron Steuben, one of Baron de Kalb, with a fine picture of Cortez, and one of Judge Hanson, of Maryland.
The fine busts of Jefferson, Lafayette, and General Taylor, with a bronze one of Washington by Mills, are also rendered worthless. To repair as far as may be this loss, will require a large amount; and we hope, when this amount shall have been expended, all will be done that can be done by human invention to preserve the Library of the Nation.
No comments:
Post a Comment