F 197 
 . B6 
 Copy 1 
 
 JAMES HEIGHE BLAKE 
 
 THE THIRD MAYOR OF THE CORPORATION 
 OF WASHINGTON [1813-17] 
 
 By 
 Allen C. Clark 
 
 Reprijjt from Vol. 24 
 
 Columbia Historical Society 
 washington, d. c. 
 
JAMES HEIGHE BLAKE 
 
 THE THIRD MAYOR OF THE CORPORATION 
 OF WASHINGTON [1813-17] 
 
 By 
 Allen C; Clark 
 
 Reprixt from Vol. 24 
 
 Columbia Historical Society 
 washington, d. c. 
 

 JAMES HEIGHE BLAKE, 
 
 THE THIRD MAYOR OF THE CORPORATION 
 
 OF WASHINGTON [1813-17]. 
 
 By ALLEN C. CLARK 
 (Read before the Society, Nov. 16, 1920.) 
 
 T N THE family Bible, to the entry of birth of a son is 
 -*■ added in Dr. Blake's handwriting, "Named after the 
 celebrated Admiral Robert Blake from whose family he is 
 a descendant." 
 
 Dr. Blake was of lineage, well born on both sides. The 
 Blakes and Heighes were Maryland colonists, prominent in 
 the Church of England; active in political affairs; and 
 planters with slave holdings. 
 
 Richard Blake came from England and settled in Calvert 
 county. He married Susanna or Susan Nichols, daughter 
 of William Nichols. Their son Joseph married Mary 
 Heighe, daughter of Thomas Holdsworth Heighe and Mary 
 Holdsworth Wheeler, his wife. Their son, James Heighe 
 Blake, was born in the same county, June 11, 1768. 
 
 Hester Dorsey Richardson, in The Sun, of Baltimore, 
 
 May 22, 1904, says: 
 
 "Richard Blake of My Lordship's Favor in Calvert County was 
 a prominent man in Colonial days, and his fine estate one of the 
 notable homes in the hospitable region in which it was situated. 
 His bride, Susanna Nichols, was known as the 'heiress of St. Ed- 
 monds.' Her father, William Nichols, was one of the men sent as 
 representatives of the Province to England in 1695, Col. Joseph 
 Blake, of My Lordship's Favor * * * served with distinction 
 all through the Revolutionary War." 
 
 To another son of Richard attaches romance. In the 
 Maryland Gazette, January 25, 1770, is: 
 
 .• i:<n 
 
 m 
 
 utter 
 
 AU6 8 1912 
 
Col. Hist. SOC, Vol. XXIV. Pi.. V 
 
 v — 
 
 ■itir-^-^; 
 
 James Heighe Blake 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 137 
 
 "January G, 1770. To All Seafaring Gentlemen. 
 
 "Richard Blake, Captain of a sloop bound to the West India 
 islands left Potomac River three years aexl August. And there 
 being various reports (lint, he is yet alive and under confinement in 
 the Hay of Honduras in Ilispaniola or in some part of the Spanish 
 Main, and could Lave been ransomed lor Twenty Five Pounds. We, 
 the undersigned, do certify that he has an estate of his own worth 
 some Hundreds of rounds in Calvert County, Maryland, therefore 
 his own obligation is sufficient surety for any Gentleman what will 
 be good enough to make Enquiry for him, and procure his enlarge- 
 ment should he be in confinement. We do also beg all Seagoing 
 Gentlemen to enquire in their Travels if they can hear anything of 
 the said Capt. Richard Blake or of John Wilkinson his mate to be 
 alive or dead to give intelligence by letter to Mr. Charles Graham 
 in Lower Marlborough on the Patuxent River, Maryland, and the 
 Favor will be acknowledged by 
 
 Thomas Blake Joseph Blake William Dare" 
 
 This advertisement is in The National Intelligencer, March 
 
 6, 1809: 
 
 "Twenty Dollars Reward. 
 "Runaway from Subscriber's -Plantation near Lower Marlbro' in 
 Calvert county, about the 15th of January, a Negro man by the 
 name of Cuddy ; * * * Whoever takes up said Negro and 
 secures him so that I get him again shall receive the above reward, 
 if taken upwards of 20 miles, if under 20 miles, 10 dollars. 
 
 "Thomas Blake." 
 
 Dr. Blake located in George Town. He purchased, Novem- 
 ber 3, 1795, the lot on the southwest corner of Congress 
 (Thirty-first) and Gay (N) streets. Thereon he built a 
 residence. It is so altered that aught of the external original 
 cannot be seen. 
 
 In 1800, he removed to Colchester, Fairfax county, Vir- 
 ginia. Colchester is on the north bank of the Occoquan 
 River just opposite Woodbridge in Prince William county. 
 The R. F. D. runs by the place which now consists of a few 
 scattered houses whose outside brick chimneys look defiant 
 of time. 
 
138 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 "But now the sounds of population fail, 
 No cheerful murmurs fluctuate in the gale, 
 No busy steps the grass-grown foot-way tread, 
 But all the bloomy flush of life is fled." 
 
 Goldsmith. 
 
 Colchester is a veritable deserted village. That it was a 
 village with a main street and a street midway at right 
 angles, a thoroughfare to the ford of the Occoquan, appears 
 by Count de Rochambeau's plat exhibiting the surface pro- 
 portions of each house therein as on the sixteenth day of 
 July, 1782. Rochambeau's auxiliary French forces en- 
 camped on the border of the village. 
 
 Dr. Blake indulged his bent for governmental affairs and 
 was approved of by a constituency of Fairfax County to 
 represent it in the legislature. The records at Richmond 
 show that he attended the sessions of 1806-7 and 1807-8, 
 and that for 1806 he was allowed three dollars per day for 
 fifty-one days attendance with sixty cents per mile for travel- 
 ling and fifty cents for each ferry crossed. 
 
 Dr. Blake returned to the District of Columbia in 1809. 
 
 Dr. Blake was elected to the First Chamber, Ninth Coun- 
 cil, 1810; and held over the ensuing year because of in- 
 formality in the election. 
 
 The boards, June 14, 1813, convened to elect the Mayor. 
 The first, second and third ballots, Mr. Brent and Mr. 
 Rapine each had ten votes. Dr. Blake was substituted for 
 Mr. Brent, and he and Mr. Rapine each had ten votes. Then 
 by lot Dr. Blake drew the mayorship. 
 
 At the joint meeting, June 13, 1814, Dr. Blake had all 
 the votes. 
 
 The Intelligencer, editorially, had, June 2, 1815: 
 
 "We have received a communication recommending to the atten- 
 tion of the citizens at the coming Election, the name of Col. 
 William Brent for the office of Mayor for the next term. * * * 
 We must observe, that we have heard of no objection to the re- 
 election of our present worthy Mayor, James H. Blake, who, we 
 hope and have no doubt, will again be honored by the city's choice." 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 139 
 
 The councils met, June 12, and James H. Blake had 11 
 votes; William Brent 7; Samuel N. Smallwood 1 ; blank 1. 
 
 At the election June 10th, the following year, Dr. Blake 
 had 13 votes; Benjamin G. Orr 6; Daniel Carroll of Dudd- 
 ington 1. 
 
 The Mayoral messages of Dr. Blake are comprehensive 
 and concise and comprise the affairs important in all cities. 
 Quite natural was his first expression and first recom- 
 mendation : 
 
 "Of all the gods of this World, Health is the most durable ; it is 
 the Soul which animates every enjoyment." 
 
 "I beg leave to submit to you, whether it may not be expedient 
 to appoint a Health Officer ; whose particular duty it shall be to 
 superintend the health of the city generally, and in case of the 
 appearance of any malignant disease, to visit such infected persons ; 
 and report from time to time the state of the health of the City 
 to the Board of Aldermen and Common Council ; correct informa- 
 tion from such a source, would prevent many idle and exaggerated 
 accounts, too often propagated to the disadvantage of our City." 
 
 He in the first message advocated schools on the Lan- 
 castrian system, and a reformatory. 
 
 That there was no police at that time is indicated by the 
 paragraph in that message : 
 
 The number of idle and disorderly persons that are in our streets 
 at every hour of the night, disturbing the repose of the inhabitants 
 and in many instances pillaging them — render it unsafe for the 
 peaceable Citizen to pass along the street. With a view to check 
 this growing evil, I will suggest the establishment of patroles." 
 
 In other messages Mayor Blake urged the office of Health 
 Officer and in result it was created. 
 
 The Act of the Councils providing for street improve- 
 ments, October 16, 1813, indicates the greater value of a 
 dollar at that period for the appropriations are from $25 
 to $250 and for improving Fourteenth street west from 
 Pennsylvania Avenue to the northern boundary of the city, 
 the amount was $100. 
 
140 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 The suggestion of a reformatory brought an appropriation 
 to rent from Mr. Greenleaf for a workhouse and other pur- 
 poses a large three story brick building on Greenleaf's Point 
 at $100 per annum. The rent began November 22, 1813, as 
 did the appointment of Major David Hopkins, Superin- 
 tendent. 
 
 Mayor Blake stated, July 24, 1815, that "the improvement 
 of the streets are greatly retarded for want of a Surveyor 
 to the Corporation and when made are without correct grada- 
 tion." The first Surveyor was Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 
 the eminent architect, confirmed, October 10, 1815. 
 
 An exclusive section early developed and in the west end. 
 By an ordinance, July 26, 1815, it became unlawful to keep 
 geese south of Massachusetts Avenue and west of Eleventh 
 Street. The seized geese were for the poor of the Infirmary 
 and the trustees were directed to pay twenty-five cents for 
 each goose delivered. 
 
 An experiment was made, November 21, 1815 — a cruise 
 of the Washington Canal of its entire length from the west 
 end to the other end on the Eastern Branch — and its naviga- 
 bility was proven. The depth some places was four feet 
 and at none less than three. On the cruise in the barge the 
 guests, besides something else, had for exhilaration the band 
 of the Marine Corps. The canal was never any good for 
 commercial purposes except for sand scows and schooners 
 laden with wood for fuel at the eastern part. Its stagnant 
 waters provided the means for mosquitos to carry disease 
 and all along the banks were the victims — the prevalent mal- 
 ady being intermittent fever, familiarly, chills and fever. 
 In the grip of the chill the victims so shook as to make the 
 clock and the vases on the mantel dance, and when in the 
 grip of the fever was as eager as the rich man for a drop on 
 the tip of his finger in water to cool his tongue, so tormented 
 was he in the flame. 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 141 
 
 U. S. brig Niagara, off the Western Sister, 
 Head of Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813. 4 P.M. 
 Sir— It has pleased the Almighty to give to the Arms of the 
 United States a signal Victory over their enemies on this Lake. 
 The British Squadron, consisting of ten ships, two brigs, one 
 schooner and one sloop, have this morning surrendered to the force 
 under my command, after a sharp conflict. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 Sir, 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 O. H. Perry. 
 
 The Hon. William Jones, 
 Secretary of the Navy. 
 
 The Intelligencer had an exultant editorial, September 22, 
 1813. 
 
 "A Glorious Victory. 
 
 * * * * 
 
 "Its moral consequence cannot but be highly auspicious to the 
 future success of our infant Navy. The charm of British naval 
 invincibility is destroyed. We have met the enemy fleet to fleet on 
 worse than equal terms, and we have conquered them more decisively 
 than they vanquished their enemies." 
 
 Captain Perry was to visit the city. The citizens were too 
 appreciative of one who could coin such a sentence as "We 
 have met the enemy and they are ours" and win such signal 
 naval victories, to let the occasion slip by without a testimon- 
 ial expressed in hospitality. The committee of arrange- 
 ment was James H. Blake, Gabriel Duval, John Davidson, 
 Thomas Monroe, Thomas Tingey, John Law, Buller Cocke, 
 John P. Van Ness, Washington Boyd, Walter Jones, Jr., 
 William Brent, Elias B. Caldwell, Daniel Carroll of Dudd- 
 ington and Joseph Cassin. The dinner was at Tomlinson's 
 on Capitol Hill. The Secretary of Navy, Mr. Jones, and the 
 Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Clay, were 
 of the guests. At five o'clock the table was ready. Captain 
 Perry was ushered in by the president of the day, the Mayor. 
 
142 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 Commodore Tingey was the vice-president and Mr. Carroll 
 and Mr. Jones were assistants. "A full band of music added 
 inspiration; and the greatest hilarity and satisfaction ap- 
 peared on every countenance." The account also has "the 
 company separated in good order about 10 o'clock." 
 
 The Intelligencer, June 30, 1814, under the headline "The 
 Enemy Again," states its pleasure in witnessing the prompti- 
 tude and alacrity with which the militia, from Washington, 
 Georgetown, and Alexandria, in all about 280 men under 
 their respective captains departed for the defense. It has 
 the suggestion of the stripling going forth to give battle to 
 the giant. David meeting Goliath. 
 
 It is a verity that the unpreparedness was not due to the 
 District officers. General Van Ness had warned the Sec- 
 retary of War and had been rebuffed. That the militia 
 should be equal to the trained regulars of the British army 
 was to expect the unreasonable. 
 
 And the Mayor in the message, June 30, 1814, has: 
 
 "I congratulate you, Gentlemen, that the appearance of danger 
 from the enemy has for a time dissipated, yet when we reflect upon 
 the temptations accorded by our metropolis, we ought not to cal- 
 culate upon remaining unmolested by them — nothing short of an 
 ample preparation will in my opinion, secure us against their 
 assaults and more than savage conduct." 
 
 The Mayor's warning only antidates the enemy's descent 
 
 twenty- four days. 
 
 "To the Citizens of Washington, 
 
 "The whole body of the Militia of this District having marched to 
 meet the Enemy, it is earnestly requested that every man exempt 
 from Militia Duty who is able to carry a musket will immediately 
 enrol himself in the Ward in which he resides — and as soon as a 
 sufficient number is enrolled, choose the necessary officers, who will 
 class the companies for the purpose of patroling the City and pre- 
 serving order. Such as have not arms and ammunition will be 
 furnished, upon application to either member of the Committee of 
 Safety in their respective Wards. 
 
 "The Citizens are requested to be vigilant, and take up all 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 143 
 
 suspected persons ; and none will be permitted to pass after 10 
 o'clock at night, without a reasonable and lawful excuse. 
 
 "The well known patriotism of the Citizens of Washington, is a 
 sure guarantee that they will comply with so reasonable a request 
 at a time of peril like the present. Affection for our Wives, Chil- 
 dren and Homes — Patriotism and Interest — all demand our services 
 in the best way we can render them. 
 
 Washington City, Aug. 20, 1814. James H. Blake, Mayor." 
 
 From the inception of the local militia, General Van Ness 
 had been identified with it. For this identification he was 
 lifted from his Congressional seat. From rank to rank he 
 rose to the highest. At the fanfare of the trumpets, the Gen- 
 eral on a prancing charger gave the signal and the parade 
 proceeded. These were all show affairs. When war came, 
 although the General had the real ideas of preparation and 
 the courage to do and offered to do, he was compelled from 
 reasonable pride to resign. The National Intelligencer, 
 October 19, 1814, has to say: 
 
 "Our city readers are already informed that John P. Van Ness, 
 Esq., resigned the commission of Major-General of the Militia 
 previous to the late capture of the city. We are now informed that 
 Gen. Van Ness, after having promptly ordered out his division under 
 the late requisition of Brig. Gen. Winder, and actively aided in 
 promoting every measure necessary to the effectuation of the call, 
 informed General Winder and the Executive that, considering him- 
 self as a part of his division, he held himself also in service. Very 
 unexpectedly he found this position not admitted ; and presuming 
 from circumstances that developed themselves in the progress of 
 those communications, that the command of the principal expedition 
 or service on the present occasion was intended for Gen. Winder, 
 and, being desirous of taking some active part, he intimated, that 
 if it were not agreeable or eligible to employ him immediately in 
 connexion, or in the same operations, with Gen. Winder which 
 would of course give him the command according to the rule es- 
 tablished by law, a separate command might be assigned to him ; 
 which, while it would afford him an opportunity of serving the 
 country, would obviate the difficulty as to rank or command with 
 Gen. Winder, and thus not interfere with the views of the Executive 
 in that respect. But the decision being conclusive that he was not 
 considered in service under this requisition, and no separate com- 
 
144 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 mand or service being proposed or offered, he sent in his resignation. 
 By this act, he transferred, a few days before the battle of Bladens- 
 burg, from a situation in which he found himself useless, to one 
 in which, as a private individual, he might associate himself with 
 his fellow citizens in some useful operations in the present interest- 
 ing crisis ; which, we are informed, he has repeatedly done." 
 
 General Van Ness was as though ful as he was brave — ele- 
 ments congenial and co-existent. The General had been re- 
 lived from the ranks, but he did not permit that to interfere 
 with his presence and helpfulness or to do something useful 
 in the exciting crisis. This appears from the official docu- 
 ment: 
 
 From Records of District of Columbia 
 John P. Van Ness 
 
 to Thomas Hughes, Dr. 
 
 To one barrel of whiskey, 35-% gal. at cts $24.31 
 
 August 24, 1814— Barrel 1.00 
 
 $25.31 
 The above whiskey was ordered by Van Ness for the use of the 
 troops on their retreat on the day of the Battle of Bladensburg, and 
 was drank by them near the Pump not far from my store, as they 
 passed by. The amount has been paid by said Van Ness to me this 
 20th day of Oct., 1814. 
 
 Thomas Hughes. 
 Having been satisfied that the within barrel of whiskey was got 
 for our troops and drank by them at a time they were greatly in 
 want of it — and therefore should be paid for by the corporation out 
 of the same fund similar expences have been paid — you will please 
 issue a checke in favor of Gen'l Van Ness for the same, he having 
 advanced the money to Mr. Hughes. 
 
 James H. Blake, 
 Mayor of the City of Washington. 
 To. Wm. Henry Whitecroft Mar. 24, 1815. 
 
 Whiskey acct. for troops, Aug. 24, 1814. 
 Rec'd the above amount of $25.31 from Henry Whitecroft, Treas- 
 urer of Washington City— March 25, 1815. 
 
 John P. Van Ness. 
 
 Hughes kept a grocery store on the south side of Pennsyl- 
 vania Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets. 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 145 
 
 The soldiers had run a nine-mile marathon with all the 
 fleetness of prize winners. They had reached the center of 
 the city. The general at a glance saw the opportunity to 
 exercise his thought fulness. The good cheer Mr. Hughes 
 supplied at the call of the general's purse worked wonders. 
 The soldiers had run one-third of the way to save their bacon. 
 The spirits not only relieved their physical exhaustion, but 
 gave them mental uplift; they ran the remaining two-thirds 
 of the way to the Montgomery Court-house, not as cowards 
 but as brave men run — as a military manoeuvre. 
 
 They who consult the History of the Medical Society of 
 the District of Columbia will learn that Dr. Blake was at 
 the pinnacle of the profession— and at that height because 
 of the efficacy of his remediable prescriptions — and his 
 endorsement of the Van Ness account for whiskey proves, 
 that in his time there were times when men for their own 
 good were greatly in want of it. 
 
 The British invaders came the evening of August 24th and 
 departed the afternoon of the next day. 
 
 This entry is in the Journal: 
 
 "Thursday. August 25th, 1814. 
 
 "This being the day to which the board of Aldermeu adjourued, 
 none of the members appeared." 
 
 The same entry is on the journal of the Board of Common 
 Council. 
 
 It is as plain as daylight that all of the local lawmakers 
 were with the American Army or safely out of reach of any 
 army. 
 
 The hostilities between the Americans and the British 
 within the District borders had hardly ceased, when Dr. 
 Thornton and Dr. Blake began theirs. Dr. Thornton was 
 British born ; he naturally had a kindly feeling for his coun- 
 trymen; yet no one was more loyal to the country of his 
 adoption. He, because of his nativity, notwithstanding an 
 
146 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 officer in the American militia and active in the service, was 
 the victim of suspicious comment by the citizens of Wash- 
 ington, so recently despoiled. He resorted to the Intelligencer 
 as the channel for vindication. Dr. Thornton recites he 
 went to the residence of the Mayor to ask him to accompany 
 him to the Patent Office — he was out of town. The next 
 day finding the Mayor not yet in the city, he, as a justice of 
 the peace placed guards at the President's House, the Capitol 
 and the Navy Yard to prevent plundering. When the Mayor 
 arrived he delivered over to him the duties he had assumed. 
 Dr. Blake gives in the same channel the causes of absence : 
 "On Monday and Tuesday preceding the battle, by considerable 
 exertions I procured about two hundred hands to work at Bladens- 
 burg, forming breastwork, in accordance with the wish of the com- 
 manding General, as communicated to me. On the night preceding 
 the battle, I visited our camp at midnight, as many of the officers 
 can testify, and was up the whole night. On the day of the battle, 
 I was on the field in the midst of danger — not as a spectator, but a 
 volunteer in the line of my profession. * * * My wife with four 
 small children had to manage and make her escape as well as she 
 could — having no male attendant except servants ; my only grown 
 son being a volunteer in the field at the head of a company. * * * 
 At the very time my handbills were sticking up in the City, urging 
 the citizens to the defense of their homes, my whole attention had 
 been engaged in the discharge of my public duty and my private 
 concerns entirely neglected. — Would it have been prudent in me 
 to remain here filling a public office, when my power as Mayor had 
 ceased and I could effect no good by staying? On Friday about 
 noon, I heard the enemy had evacuated the City the night before. 
 The Potomac Bridge being burnt, I immediately proceeded to 
 Mason's ferry and was among the first that returned. I found it 
 not only left by the enemy, but also by probably nine-tenths of the 
 inhabitants." 
 
 These are extracts from the first round in the newspaper 
 fight. Dr. Thornton gave Mayor Blake's absence as an ex- 
 cuse for assuming authority which Mayor Blake in error 
 interpreted as an intimation of cowardice. 
 
 On the tidings of what happened at New Orleans, the 
 editors of the Intelligencer gave full expansion to their edi- 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 147 
 
 torial wings and a part of the flight is, February 7, 1815: 
 "The fact of the vast disparity of loss, which would stagger 
 credulity itself, were it not confirmed by a whole army of 
 witnesses, appeals to the heart more eloquently than the most 
 labored illustration. The God of Battles is surely on our 
 
 side." 
 
 And the Mayor, February 4, 1815, made proclamation: 
 
 "And whereas, it becomes a people relying on the favor of 
 Heaven for support, to rejoice in every manifestation of divine 
 goodness; and a number of the citizens of this corporation having 
 expressed to me a wish to celebrate our brilliant triumph by an 
 Illumination of this city, in which I most heartily accord; I do, 
 therefore, hereby recommend to the citizens of this Corporation to 
 Illuminate their houses this evening at 7 o'clock, and to continue 
 until 10 o'clock." 
 
 Later, the hero came. The citizens of Georgetown, 
 December 30th, gave a public dinner; and the citizens of 
 Washington a public ball, of which the Mayor was the first 
 named manager. 
 
 "A Proclamation. 
 
 "The President of the United States, has this day announced 
 by proclamation the return of Peace. 
 
 "In the late contest for the sacred right and honor of our 
 country the American Army and Navy have, by the most resplendent 
 achievements, exalted their character as high as ambition could 
 
 desire. 
 
 "The American people have never failed to prove, that although 
 naturally inclined to peace, they can brave with a manly spirit the 
 horrors and calamities of war. when they consider the respect 
 violated which is due not only to themselves but every independent 
 
 nation. 
 
 "A retrospect of our affairs from the commencement to the 
 cessation of hostilities, though the scene is occasionally checkered, 
 cannot but afford a heartfelt gratification to every lover of his 
 country. 
 
 "Whereas, in consideration of these things, the glory of our 
 country and the return of Happy Peace, it is becoming to make due 
 acknowledgement to the Supreme Ruler of events and to shew every 
 national demonstration of joy ; Therefore, I, James H. Blake, Mayor 
 of the City of Washington, by the authority and with the advice of 
 
148 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 the Corporation of the said city, do enjoin on the citizens generally 
 to Illuminate their respective houses this evening, commencing at 
 7 and ending at 9 o'clock. And I do require the public officers of 
 the corporation to be vigilant in the preservation of peace and 
 tranquility, February 18, 1815." 
 
 The retention of the Federal Seat at the City of Wash- 
 ington had been a matter of doubt. In Congress was hostil- 
 ity, niggardly appropriation for public buildings and no 
 appropriation at all for street improvement. The demoli- 
 tion of government edifices aroused resentment in Congress 
 and a determination to reconstruct. For reconstruction by 
 the President was appointed an efficient commission. The 
 feeling was intensified by the loyalty and unselfishness of 
 the citizens. Immediately were offered temporary quarters 
 made suitable by changes. Not on sympathetic words, the 
 shadow of action, but in the substance of action, the citizens 
 showed their zeal; and in consequence was approved, 
 February 13, 1815, An Act authorizing the borrowing of 
 $500,000 from banks and citizens in the District of Columbia 
 for rebuilding public buildings. 
 
 No diffidence appeared from other cities whose beauty 
 had not been ruthlessly marred, to be the nation's city and 
 they offered themselves. 
 
 Promptly the authorities of Philadelphia in formal action 
 offered to take the Government back again. 
 
 In the Intelligencer, October 3d, is "Intelligence has been 
 received from one of the members of the House of Repre- 
 sentatives to his friend in this city, the Congress are making 
 arrangements for a speedy removal to Baltimore." 
 
 In the Baltimore Telegraph appeared : 
 
 "George Town, Sept. 28. 
 "The corporation of George Town have offered to the committee 
 of Congress the Catholic College for their accommodation, which is 
 sufficiently large for both Houses, besides rooms for the committees 
 — and the gentlemen of the place have come forward and offered to 
 board members at a fair and reasonable price ; say not to exceed $10 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 149 
 
 per week. This at once breaks down the monstrous extortion prac- 
 tised by tavern-keepers, at $1G per week, and removes a powerful 
 motive to Congress leaving the District. All the acts of Congress 
 on the subject, make the seat of government permanent in the Dis- 
 trict, but do not confine it at Washington — so that an adjournment 
 to any part of the District may be carried, regardless of the Pres- 
 ident's veto ; but in this case he will not oppose the removal to 
 George Town. It is now openly said by members, who have been 
 most zealous for its removal that Congress will be, beyond a doubt, 
 united for George Town." 
 
 The editor of the Intelligencer was so irritated that he 
 called the presentation "glaringly absurd." However, when 
 Congress accepted the financial accommodations of the citi- 
 zens and banks, as provided by the Act recited, the editor 
 could dip the quill and spread upon the paper a cheerful an- 
 nouncement which he did. 
 
 Fifty and odd years after the Second War the subject of 
 the removal was agitated with renewed vigor. There was 
 the so-called Reavis agitation. The test vote in the House 
 of Representatives had uncomfortable closeness — it was 
 even, with the Speaker's deciding vote in the negative. 
 
 The agitator's publication had for the title page : A 
 Change of National Empire or Arguments in favor of the 
 Removal of the National Capital from Washington to the 
 Mississippi Valley. L. U. Reavis, 1869. It has the quota- 
 tion: "Fair St. Louis, the future Capital of the United 
 States and of the Civilization of the Western Continent." 
 
 The editorial in the Star, July 26, 1869: 
 
 "That the western papers should, in these dull times, renew the 
 agitation of the project of transferring the political metropolis of 
 the Union from Washington to the valley of the Mississippi is not 
 surprising because, as the Richmond Whig very justly observes, they 
 have two outstanding topics for discussion, the hog crop in winter, 
 and the removal of the capital in summer. But the eastern press 
 seems to have caught the infection this time or taken up the sub- 
 ject for lack of something more exciting, and now in nearly every 
 exchange we open, from all sections of the country, we find staring 
 us in great variety of big type the headline: "Removal of the 
 Capital !" 
 
150 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 "Most of the large cities, some of the towns and not a few vil- 
 lages of half a hundred inhabitants have already set forth the 
 peculiar and numberless advantages which they possess as sites for 
 the seat of our central government. The New York Tribune, in 
 its usual slap-dash style, disposes of the recommendation of its 
 namesake of Chicago that St. Louis should be the elected city, and 
 having ruled out the claims of those rival communities and those 
 of Cincinnati, Omaha, Keokuk, Nauvoo, Hannibal, Oshkosh, Prom- 
 ontory Station and other aspirants for metropolitan honors, says 
 that it results as a matter of course, that whenever the capital is 
 removed, it must be moved to New York, and that any other change 
 would be only temporary. But the Philadelphia Telegraph thinks 
 that it would be a suicidal arrangement on both sides, as New 
 York, as well as Congress, would suffer immeasurably in almost un- 
 definable disasters in case they were unhappily brought into con- 
 junction, and says if any change is made the capital should go back 
 from whence it started, that is, to the Quaker City. 
 
 "There is a pleasing variety, at least, in the arguments put 
 forward in behalf of the central places suggested as suitable places 
 for the capital. It is modestly claimed for St. Louis that her 
 morals are unexceptional and that her position on the center line 
 of the continent, on the banks of the Father of Waters, and with 
 more railroad facilities than any other one point, defies all com- 
 petition. New York boldly asserts herself (through Mr. Greeley) 
 to be commercial and (what will Boston say to this?) the intellec- 
 tual center of the country, and demands therefore that she shall be 
 the political center. Philadelphia is ruled out by the principle 
 of rotation, her only claim being that the capital was removed from 
 that city and therefore ought to go back there. The western towns 
 including besides those we have enumerated above a hundred or 
 two others, mostly content themselves with a statement of their 
 peculiar geographical advantages, but some few cannot refrain from 
 setting forth their special attractions. Thus, Chicago sets herself 
 up as the metropolis of American wealth and enterprise, but is 
 rather apprehensive of the good morals of her society from the 
 'tainted infusion of congressional manners,' Oh, dear ! Milwaukee 
 claims that her position on the mighty lakes and her inexhaustible 
 supply of the best lager on the continent gives her the preference. 
 Peoria boasts her 'corn juice !' the only genuine American beverage, 
 to be purer, more abundant and cheaper than can be found any- 
 where else on the habitable globe and to give her pre-eminence over 
 all rivals. Cincinnati claims to possess the advantages of all the 
 rest — position, morals, whiskey — and in addition is the center of the 
 pork trade of the universe.' 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 151 
 
 The Mayor with a short communication for the com- 
 mittee, transmitted the resolution of the Councils expressive 
 of "the pleasure with which they and their constituents greet 
 his return to that country, whose rights and character he has, 
 during his absence, so eminently contributed to maintain 
 and establish. 
 
 "Gentlemen — I have received your obliging letter of this day 
 communicating certain resolutions of the Board of Aldermen and the 
 Board of Common Council, of the City of Washington, and in behalf 
 of my colleagues and myself, I beg you to present to the Corpora- 
 tion by thanks for the flattering manner in phich they have been 
 pleased to notice our services in the negotiation at Ghent. In 
 asserting that the issue of that owing to the determined spirit of 
 resistence manifested by this country, and the brilliant achieve- 
 ments of our military and naval forces. I am sure of the concur- 
 rence of my colleagues. A great object of the war has been accom- 
 plished in the establishment of the national character. 
 
 "The pleasure I experienced from the hearty and cordial wel- 
 come with which I have been so kindly received in this city and 
 wherever I have been since my return, is attended with the melan- 
 choly reflection that one of my colleagues unhappily can no longer 
 participate in the congratulations of our country. 
 
 "I thank you, gentlemen, for the sentiments you have obligingly 
 expressed concerning me, and am with great respect 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 H. Clay. 
 James H. Blake, Esq. ; J. Gales, Jr. ; and R. C. Weightman, Esqs. 
 Washington, 18th Sept. 1815." 
 
 "Washington City, Nov. 6, 1815. 
 
 "Sir — On behalf of the Corporation of this city, I have the honor 
 to present to you the enclosed Resolution of The 'Board of Alder- 
 men and Board of Common Council,' and to congratulate you on 
 vour return to your country and the bosom of your family and 
 friends. 
 
 "Your important services in your late mission, entitle you to 
 the gratitude of the American people— and we, whom you have 
 resided amongst for several years, and to whom you are personally 
 known, feel peculiar pleasure in felicitating you, and thus publicly 
 paying that respect which we consider you to have highly merited. 
 
 "Understanding that you are about to leave the city, I haste to 
 
152 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 express the regret I feel, in common with my fellow citizens, on the 
 occasion, and to assure you that our best wishes attend you. 
 "With every consideration of respect and esteem, I am 
 
 "Your obedient servant, 
 
 "James H. Blake. 
 "Honorable Albert Gallatin" 
 
 "Washington City, Nov. 6, 1815. 
 
 "Sir — I beg leave, through you, to return my thanks to the 
 Corporation of the City of Washington, for the favorable opinion 
 they entertain of the manner in which the duties enjoined on the 
 ministers employed in negotiating peace with Great Britain, have 
 been performed, and for the honor done me by the adoption of the 
 resolution which you have transmitted to me. 
 
 "I embrace with pleasure, this opportunity to express my grate- 
 ful sense of the civilities and kindness which during my residence 
 in the city, I have uniformly experienced from its inhabitants and 
 praying you to accept my sincere wishes for their prosperity, and 
 for your personal happiness. 
 
 "I have the honor to be, with respectful consideration, Sir, your 
 most obedient servant, 
 
 "Albert Gallatin. 
 "James H. Blake, Esq., 
 "Mayor of the City of Washington." 
 
 That the First Lady had unbounded popularity is evident. 
 "As Mrs. Madison will do Mr. Dwyer the honor of attend- 
 ing his performance, the public are respectfully informed 
 he will once more deliver G. A. Steven's Lecture on "Heads" 
 at one dollar per. October 26, 1816. 
 
 Upon the retirement of Mr. Madison, the citizens of the 
 municipalities of Georgetown and Washington, vied in their 
 homage to Mrs. Madison. "As a small tribute of their re- 
 spect, at Crawford's hotel" on March 13, 1817, the citizens 
 of Georgetown gave a ball in the direction of the committee : 
 John Peter, John Mason, John Cox, Walter Smith, William 
 Whann, and Charles Worthington. On the 25th was the 
 "City Ball to Mrs. Madison" by the citizens of Washington, 
 as a tribute of their respect, at Davis's Hotel with the man- 
 agers: James H. Blake, John Rodgers, John Graham, 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 153 
 
 Walter Jones, John P. Van Ness, John Tayloe, Richard 
 Bland Lee and William W. Seaton. 
 
 It was an admirable custom, full of courtesy — an address 
 to the departing Executive by the citizens through a com- 
 mittee of the common council or of the citizens prepared and 
 delivered by the Mayor and a response thereto. Mr. Adams, 
 upon completion of his remnant of a term, in pique ungal- 
 lantly stole away. This initiation of the custom is at the 
 end of Mr. Jefferson's administration. The committee of 
 the citizens waited upon Mr. Jefferson, March 4, 1809. 
 
 "To Thomas Jefferson. 
 "Sir, 
 
 "The citizens of Washington cannot forego the last opportunity 
 which may, perhaps, ever occur, to bid you a respectful and affec- 
 tionate farewell. As members of the great and flourishing nation, 
 over which you have so illustriously presided, your virtues, talents 
 and services command their esteem, admiration, and gratitude. 
 Embarked in the fate of this solitary republic of the world, they 
 have in common with their fellow citizens, rejoiced in its pros- 
 perous and sympathised in its adverse fortunes, as involving every- 
 thing dear to freemen. They have marked with exultation, the firm 
 column of its glory, laid on imperishable foundations, using as a 
 monument of the reign of principle in this quarter of the globe. 
 To you they have been instructed to ascribe the memorable act, 
 which, by declaring a gallant people free and independent, in a tone 
 that appalled tyranny, instilled those sentiments and principles, 
 which, inspiring every virtue, and urging every sacrifice, led them 
 to triumph and empire. 
 
 "We have since beheld you with parental solicitude, and with a 
 vigilance that never sleeps, watching over the fairest offspring of 
 liberty, and, by your unremitted labors, in upholding, explaining and 
 vindicating our system of government, rendering it the object of 
 love at home and respect abroad. 
 
 "It would be a pleasing task for us, as citizens of the United 
 States, to fill up and extend the outlines we have sketched. But, 
 it is, as citizens of the national metropolis, that we now appear 
 before you. In addition to every patriotic feeling that can warm 
 our breasts, we have still further inducements to open our hearts 
 to you on this proud, yet painful occasion. 
 
 "The world knows you as a philosopher and philanthropist ; the 
 
154 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 American people know you as a patriot and statesman— we know 
 you in addition to all this, as a man. And, however your talents 
 have extorted our respect, there is not one among us, whose pre- 
 dominant feeling at this moment is not that of affection for the 
 mild and endearing virtues that have made every one here your 
 friend, and you his. We should be lost to gratitude, did we not 
 acknowledge that it is to you we owe much, very much of that 
 harmony of intercourse and tolerance of opinion, which characterize 
 our state of society — of that improvement, which, amidst unpro- 
 pitious circumstances, has progressed with sure and steady steps, 
 and above all, of that spirit of enterprise, which your beneficence 
 and liberality have invariably aided, and which promises in a few 
 years to render this place the fairest seat of wealth and science. 
 
 "Deeply as we feel your retirement, we approve, nay applaud it. 
 Personal considerations aside, it was to be expected from the friend 
 and protector of republican institutions, that he would follow, and 
 by his co-operation strengthen, the example of the illustrious hero 
 of the revolution. 
 
 "May you, in the retirement to which you go, be happy! As 
 your fellow citizens will still took towards you with interest, and 
 pray for your felicity, so will you find it impossible to lose sight 
 of the arduous scenes through which we have passed, as well as 
 those in store for our country. Your heart will still beat with 
 patriotism, and the energies of your mind continue to be engaged on 
 rational objects. In your retreat may every anxious thought be 
 softened by the mild and tender occupations of private life! 
 Happy, thrice happy retreat! Where patriotism and philosophy, 
 friendship and affection, will animate, direct and soften the purest 
 feelings of the heart! With a grateful nation we pray that you 
 may be happy, and if the just Being, that presides over the universe, 
 insure to you but a portion of that felicity you have conferred on 
 others, our prayers will be fulfilled ! 
 
 "Robert Brent, Chairman. 
 "Nicholas King, Secretary." 
 
 "To the Citizens of Washington. 
 "I receive with peculiar gratification the affectionate address of 
 the citizens of Washington and in the patriotic sentiments it ex- 
 presses, I see the true character of the national metropolis. The 
 station we occupy among the nations of the earth is honorable, but 
 awful. Trusted with the destinies of this solitary republic of the 
 world, the only monument of human rights, and the sole repository 
 of the sacred fire of freedom and self-government, from hence, it is 
 to be lighted up in other regions of the earth, if other regions of 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 155 
 
 the earth ever become susceptible of its genial influence. All man 
 kind ought, then, with us, to rejoice in its prosperous, and sym- 
 pathize in its adverse fortunes, as involving everything dear to man. 
 And to what sacrifices of interest or convenience, ought not these 
 considerations to animate us! To what compromises of opinion and 
 inclination, to maintain harmony and union among ourselves, and 
 to preserve from all danger this hallowed ark of human hope and 
 happiness ! That differences of opinion should arise among men, 
 on politics, on religion, and on every topic of human inquiry, and 
 that these should be freely expressed in a country where all our 
 facilities are free, is to be expected. But these valuable privileges 
 are much perverted when permitted to disturb the harmony of 
 social intercourse, and to lessen the tolerance of opinion. To the 
 honor of society here, it has been characterized by a just and gen- 
 erous liberality, and an indulgence of those affections which, with- 
 out regard to political creeds, constitute the happiness of life. That 
 the improvements of this city must proceed with sure and steady 
 steps, follows from its many obvious advantages, and from the 
 enterprizing spirit of its inhabitants, which promises to render it 
 the fairest seat of wealth and science. 
 
 "It is very gratifying to me that the general course of my 
 administration is approved by fellow-citizens, and particularly that 
 the motives of my retirement are satisfactory. I part with the 
 powers entrusted to me by my country, as with a burthen of heavy 
 bearing; but it is with sincere regret that I part with the society 
 in which I have lived here. It has been the source of much happi- 
 ness to me during my residence at the seat of government, and I 
 owe it much for its kind dispositions. I shall ever feel a high in- 
 terest in the prosperity of the city, and an affectionate attachment 
 to its inhabitants. 
 
 "Th. Jefferson. 
 
 "March 4, 1809." 
 
 The address was presented on the sixth. 
 "To James Madison. 
 
 "We come, Sir, on behalf of the Citizens of Washington, to mingle 
 our congratulations with our respect at your political retirement- 
 congratulations that spring from our participation as Americans in 
 the untarnished glory that accompanies you — regrets that flow from 
 feelings alive to the loss we are so soon to experience. At this 
 event, as citizens of a great community, we feel a pride only sur- 
 passed by our affection as men. 
 
 "When we beheld you succeeding to the place and honors of the 
 illustrious author of the declaration of our independence, under the 
 
156 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 auspices of whose private virtues and public duties our local insti- 
 tutions were devised, we felt more poignantly the extent of our 
 loss from the uncertainty that always hangs over the future. We 
 had found in him the enlightened friend of a place, which, among 
 all the vicissitudes of its fortunes, he continued, with the great 
 man who founded it, to consider the key-stone of our union. 
 
 "In him, too, we had found one, who spread a charm over 
 society, by the urbanity, the hospitality, the kindness of his private 
 life. 
 
 "What, then, was our satisfaction on realizing, in his friend and 
 successor, a like devotion to principle, softened by the some ur- 
 banity, the same hospitality, the same kindness, and permit us, as 
 we hope without wounding female delicacy, to add, irradiated by a 
 grace and benevolence that have inspired universal respect and 
 friendship. 
 
 "We shall never forget that, when our city felt the tempest of 
 war, it was your wisdom and firmness that repaired the breach, 
 and, from the causes that menaced its ruin, extracted the elements 
 of the stability and expansion. May you long continue, yourself 
 happy, to behold, in the prosperity of others, the attestations of your 
 virtues, and, especially, to find in every heart in Washington, a 
 sanctuary of gratitude. 
 
 "Bound to the union by ties indissoluble, we trust, as they are 
 sacred, we cannot let this occasion pass without contrasting, for a 
 moment, the past and present state of our country. At the time 
 you were called to the Executive chair, the sky not only lowered, 
 but the storm had already burst upon us. The world was in chaos, 
 and violence and injustice busy in the work of destruction. At that 
 crisis, no one could feel the weight of responsibility more than you 
 did, or the obligations of that duty, which, while it vigorously 
 asserted a nation's rights, abstained from wantonly endangering 
 its vital interests. You had participated largely in forming that 
 Constitution under which we had flourished and must have been 
 fully sensible of the solemnity of an untried appeal which might 
 prematurely expose it to fatal perils. But the appeal became neces- 
 sary, and it was made. Its fruits are a solid peace, a name among 
 the nations of the earth, a self-respect founded upon justice and 
 conscious strength, and, above all, a conviction that our liberties 
 can never be lost so long as that character endures, which formed 
 by the first talents, is now cemented by the best blood of our coun- 
 try. At that era our rights were trampled upon — they are now 
 respected ; our property was plundered — it is now without danger 
 spread over the globe ; our martial character drooped — it is now 
 elevated ; our navy had gathered an ephemeral laurel — it is now 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 157 
 
 covered with immortal honor. Power and national glory, Sir, 
 have often before been acquired by the sword, but rarely without 
 the sacrifice of civil or political liberty. It is here, pre-eminently, 
 that the righteous triumph of the one, under the smile of Heaven, 
 secures the other. When we reflect that this sword was drawn 
 under your guidance, we cannot resist offering you our own, as 
 well as* a Nation's thanks, for the vigilance with which you have re- 
 strained it within its proper limits; the energy with which you have 
 directed it, to its proper objects, and, the safety with which you 
 have wielded an armed force of fifty thousand men, aided by an 
 annual disbursement of many millions without infringing a political, 
 civil or religious right. 
 
 "We remain, with the highest respect and regard, 
 
 "James H. Blake, Chairman, 
 
 "On behalf of the committee appointed by the general meeting 
 of the citizens. 
 
 "H. Carroll, Secretary." 
 
 Mr. Madison's reply. 
 
 "Gentlemen, 
 
 "I am much indebted to the citizens of Washington, in whose 
 behalf you speak, for the expressions of regard and respect ad- 
 dressed to me. These sentiments are the more valuable to me, as 
 my long residence among them has made me well acquainted with 
 their many titles to my esteem, at the same time that it has en- 
 abled them to mark more particularly the course of my public and 
 personal conduct. Their partiality has greatly overrated both; 
 but they do no more than justice to my honest zeal in the service 
 of my country, and to my friendly dispositions towards this city 
 and its inhabitants. I have ever regarded the selection for the 
 National Metropolis, made by its great Founder, as propitious to 
 the national welfare, and although I could not rival my immediate 
 predecessor in the aids he afforded, I was not less sincere in my 
 desire for its growth and improvement. The ultimate good flowing 
 from the disaster which at one moment clouded its prospects, is a 
 gratifying compensation to those on whom it fell; and is among 
 the proofs of that spirit in the American people, as a free people, 
 which, rising above adverse events, and even converting them into 
 sources of advantage, is the true safeguard against dangers of 
 every sort. 
 
 "On the point of a final departure from Washington, 'I pray its 
 citizens to be assured,' that every expression of their kindness will 
 
158 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 be held in lively remembrance with cordial wishes for their col- 
 lective prosperity and individual happiness. 
 
 "James Madison. 
 
 "James H. Blake, Esq., and the other gentlemen of the com- 
 mittee on behalf of the citizens of Washington." 
 
 Mr. Madison speaks of "a final departure." It was so 
 with Mr. Jefferson. Neither visited the national metropolis 
 after retirement. The responses of Mr. Jefferson and Mr. 
 Madison which are direct to the addresses, now and then us- 
 ing the same phraseology, offer interesting contrasts with 
 the present. In Mr. Jefferson's period the United States was 
 the sole republic upon the earth. He says the position "is 
 honorable but awful." He inclines to the belief it, as the 
 monument of human rights, will light up other sections of 
 the earth. So it has. Now are many republics; and the 
 monarchies have moderated and modernized with republican 
 principle. 
 
 Mayor Brent says the national metropolis promises in a 
 few years to be the fairest seat of wealth and science. Which 
 optimistic sentiment Mr. Jefferson repeats. A picture actor 
 of the present, Douglas Mac Lean, says that "the great out- 
 doors is very conducive to optimism," that nature inspires 
 and contributes to happiness. Perhaps that was what imbued 
 the Mayor and his constituents with exuberant hope, for the 
 city was but a few scattered settlements and the white 
 population including the women and children (1810) num- 
 bered no more than eight thousand two hundred. The frui- 
 tion of the hope was not so soon as expected yet it has now 
 fruition — it is "the fairest seat of wealth and science." 
 
 As a wonderful achievement, Mayor Blake cites that Pres- 
 ident Madison wielded an armed force of fifty thousand 
 men and disbursed many millions. The United States in 
 the World War had under arms 4,340,068 and raised by 
 liberty loans $21,448,112,800. 
 
 Dr. Blake determined not to be a candidate for re-election. 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 159 
 
 In his final message are the farewell words: "Permit me 
 then in taking leave of yon, from whom, as well as your 
 predecessors, I have received every aid — to congratulate you, 
 on our present happy and prosperous situation. Conscious 
 I am, that I have done all in my power, with my scanty 
 means for the best interest of the Metropolis. A retrospect 
 will shew that much good has been done, yet I know that 
 much remains to be done." May 19, 1817. 
 
 In the mayoral message, June 22, 1814, is: "as this is the 
 Metropolis of the Union, the source from which principle 
 ought to issue, so ought it to be distinguished for the correct 
 deportment of its inhabitants and afford an example, worthy 
 of imitation." The nation's city should be a model city — a 
 model in all respects. Mayor Blake specifies the citizens' 
 contribution — correct deportment. That is essential, but 
 that or anything else the citizens may contribute will not 
 make this a model American city — it still will be lacking in 
 an essential factor — the governmental factor. The American 
 basic principle is that "governments are instituted among 
 men deriving their just powers from the consent of the 
 governed." And the consent of the governed is everywhere 
 observed and practised except in the nation's one city. 
 
 At the organization meeting of that honorable institution 
 of learning, the Columbian Institute, Dr. Blake was tem- 
 porary chairman (October 7, 1816) and he was of the per- 
 manent officers. 
 
 Dr. Blake was of the first board of directors of the Bank 
 of the Metropolis (January 11, 1814). 
 
 Dr. Blake was of the preliminary organization of St. 
 John's Church. He was of the first vestry and of successive 
 vestries. 
 
 Dr. Blake graduated in medicine at the American Medical 
 Society, Philadelphia, 1789, in his twenty-first year. He 
 was of the sixteen who met, September 26, 1817, to form a 
 
160 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 Medical Society. At the organization meeting, Jaunary 5, 
 1818, he was elected Vice-President. He was of the incor- 
 porators. 
 
 The demands of his mayoral duties at a time requiring 
 incessant vigilance, caused Dr. Blake to take an associate. A 
 partnership was formed with Dr. George A. Carroll, who 
 resided at the corner of D and 12th Streets. January 26, 
 1814. Subsequently Dr. Blake associated with himself, Dr. 
 William Jones. Dr. Blake was appointed by President 
 Madison, the Medical Supervisor with a corps of doctors and 
 surgeons. Dr. Jones was of this corps. 
 
 Dr. Blake was the Collector of Internal Revenue from 
 December 25, 1813; and Register of Wills from July, 1818, 
 until his death. The salary as Mayor he relinquished. 
 
 Dr. Blake to absent son wrote : 
 
 "I am just able to sit up an hour or two, and have determined 
 to make an effort to write you once more. Some of my physicians 
 flatter me with the idea of a recovery, others I And despond ; I 
 consider there is but a possibility. In a day or two I shall be 
 fifty-two years old, which is but the meridian of man's life, but so 
 many depart earlier that I feel perfectly reconciled to my fate, and 
 I am ready to meet death. I shall leave behind me an honorable 
 name and fair reputation and many beloved friends and connec- 
 tions who must soon follow me. Thank God your Mother enjoys 
 good health and has an excellent constitution, and may reasonably 
 calculate on long life ; and I trust will live to raise to maturity our 
 younger children and instill into their minds proper sentiments. 
 I calculate I shall leave her a decent support and enable her to 
 raise and finish the education of our younger children. I pray 
 God to take you in his Holy Keeping, to preserve, bless and pros- 
 per you, and although I may never take you by the hand again, 
 yet I have your image daily before me. Do not be distressed at 
 this letter, recollect mine is the fate of all flesh." 
 
 Dr. Blake's valediction is sad and manly. It shows he 
 had the spirit to meet courageously the finality of life with 
 its enjoyments, affections and usefulness. 
 
 Dr. Blake died July 29, 1819, 3 A.M. He was in his 
 fifty-second year. His indisposition was fourteen months. 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 161 
 
 The funeral service was at his late residence, the 30th, at 
 10 A. M. The funeral was attended by the Federal Lodge, 
 F.A.A.M. No. 1; Brooke Lodge, No. 2; Columbia Lodge, 
 No. 3; Washington Naval Lodge, No. 4; Potomac Lodge, 
 No. 5 ; Union Lodge, No. 6 ; Lebanon Lodge, No. 7, with 
 a band. The Grand Master, Daniel Kurtz, was in attendance. 
 The pallbearers were Messrs. R. C. Weightman, James M. 
 Varnum, Ebenezer Stout, Samuel Anderson, Harvey Bestor 
 and John McLaughlin. The remains were interred in the 
 Methodist Episcopal Burial Ground, Georgetown, and were 
 removed, November 2, 1870, to the William A. Gordon lot 
 in Oak Hill Cemetery. 
 
 The National Intelligencer has the tribute : 
 
 "Of the character of one so well known, it is almost super- 
 fluous to speak. But to those who knew him not, we may be per- 
 mitted to say, that he was one of our worthiest and most respected 
 citizens. * * * In private life, in the relations of father, hus- 
 band, and friend, he was an ornament of society, and a bright 
 example to all around him." 
 
 Dr. Blake was high in the profession that lessens the ills 
 of life and adds to the length of life. He had legislative 
 experience which gave him the efficiency in his magisterial 
 duties — the mayorship. He was Mayor during the most 
 troublous period of the United States — in the most doubtful 
 days of existence — for it was then the least equipped to 
 cope with a powerful adversary. He was the Mayor of the 
 Nation's Capital, when the enemy's objective was the sacking 
 of the public buildings which it did. The "other family ser- 
 vants were accustomed to say that his residence was oc- 
 cupied by their officers, who cared for its contents and left 
 without having removed anything therefrom." All of the 
 record is that Dr. Blake did his part as Mayor as well as 
 could be done. He had thoughts and knew how to phrase 
 them in rhetorical finish. His public letters and his proclama- 
 tions are the proofs. "He was social and hospitable and his 
 
162 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 
 
 home the meeting place of men distinguished in public life, 
 as appears from letters of Henry Clay, John Forsyth, and 
 others." Dr. Blake lived near Pennsylvania Avenue on the 
 west side of Tenth Street. The widow was living at the 
 same place in 1822. In 1826, she resided at the northwest 
 corner of Eighth Street and Louisiana Avenue. In 1834 she 
 was the proprietress of the Congress boarding house, at the 
 southeast corner of Pennsylvania and Four-and-a-Half 
 street. 
 
 Five children survived. 
 
 Thomas Holdsworth Blake. From the Biographical 
 Congressional Directory. "Born in Calvert County, Md., 
 June 14, 1792; attended the public schools and studied law 
 in Washington, D. C. ; member of the militia of the District 
 of Columbia which took part in the battle of Bladensburg in 
 1814; moved to Kentucky and then to Indiana; began the 
 practice of law in Terre Haute; prosecuting attorney and 
 judge of the circuit court ; gave up the practice of law and 
 engaged in business; for several years a member of the 
 State Legislature of Indiana; elected as an Adams Republi- 
 can to the Twentieth Congress (March 4, 1827-March 3, 
 1829) ; appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office 
 by President Tyler, May 19, 1842, served until April, 1845; 
 chosen president of the Erie and Wabash Canal Company; 
 visited England as financial agent of the State of Indiana ; 
 on his return died in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 28, 1849." 
 In the District he had the title of colonel and in the early 
 years of his life has mention in the Intelligencer in the 
 social affairs. 
 
 James Heighe Blake engaged in gold mining in North 
 Carolina. Lie returned to Washington and was employed in 
 the General Land Office. 
 
 Dr. John Bond Blake had the authority, but never used it, 
 to prescribe. Born at Colchester, Virginia, August 12, 1800. 
 
Clark: James Heighe Blake. 163 
 
 University of Maryland, M. D. 1824. Incorporator of the 
 Medical Society of the District of Columbia under its second 
 charter. He was in the office of the Register of the Treasury. 
 Commissioner of Public Buildings under Presidents Pierce 
 and Buchanan; a member of the Board of Public Works, 
 Secretary of the Washington National Monument Society, 
 President of the National Metropolitan Bank and National 
 Metropolitan Fire Insurance Company. He was an organ- 
 izer of the Association of Oldest Inhabitants. He is re- 
 called by the writer of this paper as remarkable for dignity 
 without hauteur, courtesy and courtliness and cheerfulness 
 and that to all he was the same without distinction to coin or 
 color. He was the author of "Biographical Sketch of the 
 Late Dr. Wm. Jones." He died October 26, 1881. 
 
 Joseph Richard Blake, who entered the Navy as a mid- 
 shipman when eleven years of age, commissioned a lieutenant 
 when twenty and died when twenty-four from exposure in 
 service. 
 
 Glorvina Blake married William A. Gordon. Mr. Gordon 
 was born in Baltimore, 1803. He was a cadet at West Point 
 accredited to Maryland. From the Academy he came to the 
 Quartermaster General's Office, 1824, and there he remained 
 until his death, July 25, 1873, a shade less than fifty years. 
 He was at a time chief clerk. He lived on Fourteenth Street 
 between F and G Streets. From this aristocratic location 
 he went to a more aristocratic; that is, he went to George- 
 town. "He was a gentleman of unblemished reputation, and 
 possessed fine business abilities and social qualities, which 
 endeared him to a large circle of friends."* This enco- 
 mium is quoted, however we can safely bestow praises on 
 Mr. and Mrs. Gordon for besides their daughter we have 
 excellent copies and true of their characters in the talented 
 and respected lawyers of our local bar., William A. and J. 
 Holdsworth Gordon. 
 
 * The Evening Star, July 28, 1873. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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