French-born architect and civil engineer (1754–1825) best known for designing the layout of the streets of Washington, D.C. Handwritten and signed endorsement, signed “P ch L’Enfant,” at the conclsuion of a one page 7.25 x 4.5 document, dated May 1, 1815. At the bottom of a receipt for 2000 feet of boards “for use of the Camp,” L’Enfant writes: “Certify to the above/ P ch L’Enfant, engineer of the work of fort Washington.” Affixed to the reverse by wax is an itemized list for other supplies issued. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, two small holes to document, mild toning and soiling, and a few ink marks.
Fort Washington, located in Maryland, was for many decades the only defensive fort protecting Washington D.C. Construction was completed on December 1, 1809. In August 1814, with British forces in Washington (having marched overland) and British ships heading up the Potomac, the fort was destroyed by its own garrison to prevent it from being captured and occupied by the British. Twelve days after the destruction of the fort, James Monroe, the acting Secretary of War, hired Major Pierre L'Enfant to construct new defenses. In November 1814, Monroe questioned L'Enfant's actions, asking for less spending. On July 14, 1815, work was halted. Two months later, L'Enfant was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Walker K. Armistead of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The fort was completed on October 2, 1824, at a total cost of 426,000 dollars, excluding armament, which had not yet been installed.
RRAuction COA.
