Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1879-03-18

him of under close guard, treated him win
great cruelty, and consigned him to the fore
castle of one of their ships. amorg the sail
ors and soldiers. Admiral Cock burn, with
that bloodthirsty spirit which has rendered
his name, from that day to this, the synonym
of violence and cruelty along the shores of
the Chesapeake Bay, was 10 favor of hang
ing DR.. Beanes from one of the yard arms OF
the ship, but General Ross, q more humane
man, and perhaps fearing retaliation on the
part OF the Americans. prevented the murder
of the unfortunate prisoner.
Francis Scott Key, man of rare accom-
plishments, aud of much poeticai genius, was
at that time practioing law in Maryland aud
resided iu Georgetown. Between him and
DR.. Beanes there existed q warm personal
friendship, aud he applied to President Mad>
son for leave to 60 on board Admiral Cock
burns flagship, under flag OF truce. to pros
cure, if possible, the release OF his friend
before the fleet sailed. The President
promptly sanctioned the mission. Mr.. Key
was accompanied by Mr.. John S. Skinner.
the American agent for the exchange of
prisoners. They reached the British feet,
at the mouth of the Potomac, and found the
enemy preparing for the expedition against
Baltimore. They were received in 4 respect-
full manner by Admiral Cockburn. But
when Mr. Key made known the object OF his
mission his application was met with colds
ness. and he almost lost hope of its success.
Mr.. Skinner brought letters to some of the
euemy's people from the wounded British Of
fcers and soldiers left behind at BadensburR,
in the hands of the Americans. These Off
cers aud soldiers spoke in high terms of tha
humanity and kindness extended to them by
Americans. This intelligence touched the
heart of General Ross. aud Mr.. Key. pers
h. favo cha in tho Generala
manner. again renewed his plea for the ro-
lease of his friend, DR.. Beanes. and ur"ed
the petition with eloquence and effect. Tho
General at length said that he Was sensIbly
moved at the Kindness of the Americans to
his wounded officers and soldiers in their
hands. and on that account, while he thought
DR.. Beanes' conduct dss rved greater pun
ishment than he had received, he would con-
sent TO his release.
Mr.. Key was informed. however. that nei-
ther himself nor any one else would be al
lowed to depart for several days, until alter
the impending attack on Baltimore had taken
place. The flagship was crowded with ofi
GERS of the army, aud Admiral Cockburu
transferred Mr.. Key and Mr. Skinner to tho
trigate Surprise" commanded by his son.
Sir Thomas Cock burn. Here they remained
until the hostile feet had entered the Patap-
SEQ, and the troops wero landed to march on
| Baltimore, whiie the feet moved toward the
city. The Admiral now transferred his flag
| to the frigate, in order that he might move
further up tho river, sud supcriuteDd fu per.
| son the attack on Fort McHenry. Mr.. Key
aud Mr. Skinner were put on board Of their
own vessel, together with DR.. Beanes, who
thus far had been treated like a culprit. sub
jected to many indignities. and not allowed
a change of clothing from the time he was
r1 IF
was placed on their vessel to prevent the es-
cape of the Americans during the conflict.
The vessel occupied position from which
Mr. Key could see the. American flag, rs it
f1ated proudly over Fort McIIenry. At
length, when the night had set in, and the
land forces had already been for some honrs
engaged in battle with the Americans, who
were painting with srdor to wipe out the de-
feat of BIadensburg and tho outrage of
Washington, the British feet advanced 10
the bombnrdment of tho fort, and the dark
ness was made Iurid with shot and she'll
Our American friends watched each she'll
as it was fired. and listened, breathless, to
hear if an explosion followed. AS the bonn
bardment continued through the night with
uuabating fury. they were at least satisfied
that the fort had not been surrendered.-
All night long they paced their deck, and
were filed with the conflicting emotions of
fear aud hope. At last, some time before
the dawn, the bombardmeut suddenly ceased.
Whether the fort was reduced or the attack
abandoned could not be determined, for our
friends had no communication with the ene>
my's vessels, and il was yet too dark 20 see
tho fort, and to discern whether the Stars
aud Stripes or the English flag foated above
its ramparts. Every eye was strained with
that eargerness which patriots alone feel un-
der such circumstances, peering through the
'perilous night" for the first dawn Of dsy.-
Finally it came, stresking the east with the
russell hues aud it told the delighted watch
ers that "our flag was still tberew
Dir. Key began 10 Write his lines when be
beheId the starry flag floating saueily over
Fort McHenry's fro1ning batt'ements, and
he continued to write on the back of letter
which he had in his pocket, as it became ap>
parent the British were retreating 10 evident
haste and confusion to their ships, bearing
| back many wounded with them. The inspi-
| ration OF genius WAS kibdled at that glorious
spectacle of his counry's prowess. The
Americans were soon told they could go
| where they pleased, that the ermy was re-
embarking. General Ross, who had burned
Washington, was killed, and the attack on
Baltimore had ended in failure. Thus the
Vandal deeds which were enacted in the cap
| lIal OF tue Onlteu Stbte Dy tuo DShIo" ~
diery, were answered for with their blood in
the splendid defense of Baltimore.
| Before he reached the shore Dir. Key hsd
completed his glowing number DO Iand-
ing, he went to the hotel, copied oh the
poem from the back Of his letter. aud giving
it to a frierd to publish or throw 10 the
waste basket, as the friends Judgment
might decide, our poet went to bed aud was
soon sound asleep. The unknown bard arote
\ L II.