Receipt for flags made for Fort McHenry, to Mary Pickersgill from James Calhoun

Description

A receipt for the American flag that would come to be known as the Star-Spangled Banner, made by Mary Pickersgill in Baltimore, Maryland. The order was placed with United States Deputy Commissary James Calhoun (previously the first Mayor of Baltimore) after Major George Armistead expressed wishes for a large ensign to fly over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. With the help of family, including niece Eliza Young, Pickersgill crafted a large garrison flag for the fort, as well a smaller storm flag to be flown in inclement weather.

Full transcription:
Mr. James Calhoun, Jun., Deputy Commissary / To Mary Pickersgill / To 1 American Ensign 30 by 42 feet first quality Bunting $405.90 / To 1 do do 17 by 25 feet do do 168.54 / for Fort McHenry $574.44 / August 19th, 1813 / Baltimore, 27th October 1813 Received from James Calhoun, Jun., Deputy Commissary, five hundred and seventy four dollars and forty four cents in full for the above bill / signed duplicates / for Mary Pickersgill / Eliza Young

Verso transcription: Fortifications / Voucher no. 10 / Mary Pickersgill Flags / 27th October 1913 / $574.44 / Received the within flags, signed duplicates / Gr. Armistead, Major Comm[andin]g