Ralph J. Bunche Library to begin a collection of laws of the states, and $25 for the purchase of foreign gazettes and subscriptions to American newspapers that would be sent to American representatives overseas. In that same year, the Library also became, by law, the office of record to receive laws, public documents, and copyrights. During the War of 1812, the invading British burned the Capital, the White House, and other government buildings including that which housed the State Department and its library on August 24, 1814. While Dolley Madison famously saved the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington hanging in the White House,
USS Wasp (1814) She remained at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, until late spring awaiting sailing orders and, upon receipt of them, put to sea on 1 May 1814 for a war cruise to the western approaches to the English Channel. "Wasp" captured her first vessel, the 207-ton barque "Neptune", on 2 June 1814, embarked her crew as prisoners, and burned the prize at sea. On 13 June 1814, she took "William", a 91-ton brig, and burned her as well. "Wasp" encountered the 131-ton armed brig "Pallas" on 18 June 1814, captured her, apparently without resistance, and scuttled her. Her fourth victim, 171-ton galiot "Henrietta",