Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1879-02-04
n Maryland, and resided in George

town. Between him and DIR. Beane,
there existed warm personal friend
ship, and he applied to President Madi
son for leave to so on board Admira
Cockburn's flagship, under flag O
truce, to procure, if possible, the release
of his friend before the feet sailed. The
President promptly sanctioned the mis-
sion. Mr. Key was accompanied by
Mr. John S. Skinner, the Americar
agent for the exchange of prisoners
They reached the British fleet. at the
mouth Of the Potomac, aud found the
enemy preparing for the expedition a.
gainst Baltimore. They were received
in a respectful manner by Admiral
Cockburn. But when Mr.. Key made
known the object of his mission his ap.
plication was met with coldness, and
he almost lost hope of its success. Mr..
Skinner brought letters to some of tbs
enemy's people from the wounded Brit.
ish officers and soldiers left behind al
Bladens5urg, in the hands of the Amer.
leans. These ofiicsrs aud soldiers spok G
in high terms of the humanity and kind
ness extended to them by the Ameri.
cans. This intelligence touched the
heart of General Ross, and Mr.. Key,
perceiving the favorable change in the
Generals manner, again renewed his
plea for the release of his friend, DIR.
Eeanes, and urged the petition with
eloquence and effect. The General al
length said that he was sensibly moved
st the kindness of the Americans to his
wounded officers and soldiers in their
hands, and on that account, while he
thought DR.. Beanes' conduct deserved
greater punishment than he bad receiv-
ed, he would consent to his release
Mr.. Key was informed, however, that
neither himself nor any one else would
be allowed to depart for several days,
until after the impending attack on
Baltimore had taken place, The flag
ship was crowded with officers of the
army, and Admiral Cockhurn transfer
red Mr.. Key and Nfr. Skinner to the
frigate surprise" commanded by his
son, Sir Thomas Cockburn. Here they
remained until the hostile fleet had en-
tered the Patapsco, and the troops were
landed to march on Baltimore, while the
fleet moved up toward the city. The
Admiral now transferred his flag to the
frigate, in order that he might move
further l,p the river, and superintend in
person the attack on Fort McHenry.-
Mr.. Key and Mr.. Skinner were put on
DR.. Beanes, who thus far had been treat
ed like . cuprit, subjected to many in
iignities, and not allowed Il change of
clnthing from the time he was first seiz-
ed. A guard of British marines was
placed on their vessel to prevent the es-
cape of the Ana ericans during the con
flict. The vessel occupied a position
from which Mr.. Key could see the
American flag. as it fioated proudly over
Fort McHenry. At length, when the
night had set in, and the land forces had
already been for some hours engaged ia
battle with the Americans, who were
painting with ardor to wipe out the de-
feat of Bladensburg and the outrage OF
Washington, the British fleet advanced
to the bolnbard,nent Of the fort, and the
darkness was made lurid with shot and
shell.
Our American friends waite ed each
shell as it was fired, and listened, breath
less, to hear ii an explosion followed
AS the mbardment continued through
the night with unabated fury, theywere
ut least satisfied that the fort had not
been surrendered. All night long they
p%ced their deck;a weHe filed witss
the conflicting emotions of fear and
hope. At last, some time before the
dawn, the bombardnent suddenly ceas
ed. Whether the fort was reduced or
the attack abandoned could NOT be de-
termined, for our friends had 40 COM
munication with the eneiny's vessels,
and it was yet too dark to see the fort,
s.hd to discern whether the Star and
Stripes or the English flag fioated above
its ramparts Every eye was strained
with that eagerness which patriots alone
feel under such circumstances, peering
through the "psrilous night" for the
first dawn of day Finally it came,
streaking the east with the russell hues,
and it told the delighted watchers that
''our flag was still there!'
Mr.. Key began to write his lines when
he beheld the starry flag floating saucily
over Fort MeHenry's frowning battle
ments, and he continued TO write on the
back Of q letter which he had in his
pocket as it became apparent the Brit
isl were retreating in evident haste and
confusion to their ships, bearing back
many wounded with them. The in
spiration of genius was kindled at the
glorious spectacle Of his country's PROV
ess. The Americans were soon told they
could go where they pleased, that the
army was re embarking. General Ross,
who had burned Washington, was kill
ed, and the attack Oh Baltimore had
ended in failure. Thus the Vandal
deeds which were enacted in the capital
of the United States by the British sol
diery, were answered for with their
blood in the splendid defense of Baltl
more.
Before he reached the shore Mr.. Key
had completed his glowing number. On
landing, he went to the hotel, copied of
the poem from the back Of his lister, and
giving it to friend to publish or throw
in the waste basket, as the friend'sj sjudg-
ment might decide, our poet went to bed
and was soon sound asleep. The un-
known bard arose the next morning to
find the whole town ringing with his
lines. The nation echoed the praises OF
the town, and the world the acclama
tions Of the nation. Francis Scott Key
was among the immorta!s as the author
of the "Star Spangled Banner. ."-Prince
Georgian.