JOHN GADSBY (1766-1844). (FRANCIS SCOTT KEY RELATED). Celebrated American tavern keeper and hotelier, proprietor of Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia, the Indian Queen Tavern in Baltimore, and later Gadsby's Hotel in Washington, D.C., whose establishments served as gathering places for the leading political and military figures of the early republic.
The Indian Queen Tavern was at this time the Baltimore residence of Francis Scott Key, and this receipt measures about 6.5 x 4 inches and dates to the very period of the British Bombardment of Fort McHenry, Baltimore on September 13-14, 1812, Choice Very Fine. During the Bombardment of which Francis Scott Key witnessed the assault from a British vessel, and upon his return famously wrote the verses that later became "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The fact that this handwritten receipt documents a U.S. Army Dragoon's dinner at Key's Baltimore residence during the precise days of the bombardment gives it an extraordinary historical resonance. Gadsby's Indian Queen Tavern was among the most prominent hostelries on the Eastern Seaboard, hosting presidents, generals, and diplomats throughout the early American republic. Original period receipts from this establishment on its printed letterhead are rarely encountered.

This Printed Letterhead with its Handwritten receipt is Signed, "Tho. Turner / for J. Gadsby" boldly written on this clean lightly folded printed wove period letterhead sheet of the Indian Queen Tavern, Baltimore. Here, issued on its handsomely engraved letterhead of the Indian Queen Tavern, Baltimore, records a charge to the “United States” of $1.25 for "Dinner for one Soldier & 3 Dragoon horses”. It is Signed by a Tho. Turner for the proprietor/owner John Gadsby, and noted on this receipt as “Received payment”. The verso with docket: "Gadsby's Bill / No. 1 / U.S. / Gadsby's Baltimore / $1.25."