Francis Scott Key 1825 Washington, D.C. Land Deed Cover—From James Laurie
An original 1825 District of Columbia land record documenting a conveyance from the James Laurie to Francis Scott Key, the Washington attorney and author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The manuscript docket identifies the parties as “James Laurie to Francis S. Key” and records the instrument as received on September 26, 1825. It was entered into Liber W.B. No. 13 of the land records for Washington County in the District of Columbia and certified by court clerk William Brent, whose signature appears at the conclusion.
Francis Scott Key wrote the poem originally titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry” after witnessing the British bombardment of the fort in September 1814. Set to music, his verses became “The Star-Spangled Banner” and were officially adopted as the United States national anthem in 1931.
James Laurie was the influential longtime pastor of Washington’s First Presbyterian Church. Laurie and Key were associates in the religious and civic life of the capital and served together as managers of the American Colonization Society.
This document provides a tangible connection to Key’s life in Washington only eleven years after he composed the words that made him one of the best-known figures in American history.
The manuscript exhibits heavy original folds, losses along the upper edge, fold separations, marginal tears, toning and expected handling wear. The principal docket remains legible, and William Brent’s certification and signature are intact. Francis Scott Key is named as the purchaser but did not sign the visible docket.
An original 1825 District of Columbia land record documenting a conveyance from the James Laurie to Francis Scott Key, the Washington attorney and author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The manuscript docket identifies the parties as “James Laurie to Francis S. Key” and records the instrument as received on September 26, 1825. It was entered into Liber W.B. No. 13 of the land records for Washington County in the District of Columbia and certified by court clerk William Brent, whose signature appears at the conclusion.
Francis Scott Key wrote the poem originally titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry” after witnessing the British bombardment of the fort in September 1814. Set to music, his verses became “The Star-Spangled Banner” and were officially adopted as the United States national anthem in 1931.
James Laurie was the influential longtime pastor of Washington’s First Presbyterian Church. Laurie and Key were associates in the religious and civic life of the capital and served together as managers of the American Colonization Society.
This document provides a tangible connection to Key’s life in Washington only eleven years after he composed the words that made him one of the best-known figures in American history.
The manuscript exhibits heavy original folds, losses along the upper edge, fold separations, marginal tears, toning and expected handling wear. The principal docket remains legible, and William Brent’s certification and signature are intact. Francis Scott Key is named as the purchaser but did not sign the visible docket.
