Evening star., 1938-09-11

Asquith's sharpshooters, who were
concealed in hollow, and he died in
the arms Of his favorite aide.
THIS is but one of several versions
of how Gen. Ross was killed.
Edward S. Delaplaine of Frederick,
Md, in his well-written work on
Francis Scott Key, Life and Times"
says of this incident:
Hearing the sound of musketry,
the officers dashed to the door. Gen.
Ross mounted his white charger, and
turning to Cockburn, shouted he would
bring up a column of men; but Just
as he wheeled his horse a shot rang
out. Gen. Ross fell with a bullet in
his arm and chest. He was carried
back toward the river. An oflcer
galloped madly, calling for surgeon.
But before Ross reached the shore
ne was dead. The loss of the gallant
Sir Robert affected the morale of the
British troops and turned the tide of
the war;
THE bombardment of Fort McHenry
began about sunrise on the
morning Of September 13 and con-
tinued with slight Interruptions until
the following morning at am, and
two hours later the enemy's fleet got
under way and stood down the river
repulsed. But during the bombard-
ment it is calculated that from 1900
to 1900 shells were hurled at the
fort.
Maj. George Armistead, U. S. A.,
then "a years of age, in command Of
Fort McHenry, had to assist him
about l,00c men. He Immediately
returned the British fire but soon
found that our shells fell short of
the enemy, and his gunners were
thus inactive though constantly ex-
posed to tremendous shower CT
shells. During this time and under
these conditions Col Armistead states:
mot man shrank from the con-
flictl"
At one time the British were de-
ceived into believing that the fort
was about to surrender and came
| in closer. Only then were our guns
| able to reach them, which they did
With such good effect that the enemy
retired out of range of the American
| guns, continuing the bomardment,
| however, until 7 am. September IA.
when it ceased. and about 9 am. got
under way and stood down the river
repulsed. During the bombardment
force with scaling ladders attempt
ed to storm the fort, but the batteries
drove them back, the gunners direct
| ing their FIRE by the blaze of the
enemy's rockets and the flashes Of
their guns.
Briefly, such were the conditions
under which THE Star-Spangled
Banner" was written by Francis Scott
Key, who was detained with the
British feet. And the dear old gar
rison flag that inspired this stirring
poem may still be seen on display at
the National Museum in this city.
EOR his successful defense Of Fort
McHenry. Maj. Armistead was
brevetted lieutenant colonel, though
he survived but few years to enjoy
his well-earned honors. He died April
25, 1918, and four days later the
National Messenger Of Georgetown
tells of his death as follows:
ut is with feelings of the deepest
sorrow and regret that We perform
the painful duty of announcing to
the public the death of Col. George
| Armistead, the gallant defender Of
Fort McHenry.
"On this melancholy occasion the
recollection Of the ever-memorable
14th September naturally occurs to
our mind-when the Star Spanrled
Banner waved in proud defiance to a
formidable foe; and after a furious
bombardment of % hours, continued
to float triumphant on the ramparts-
then it was that Baltimore was saved
| and a wreath of er-fadinp laurei
encireled the departed hero's brow
Participating in the general arief.
the brigsdier general ordered out tina
Sd Brigade to attend the funeral
which took place yesterday (SundayI
afternoon, with the honors Of war
The procession of military and citi.
zens was the most numerous ever
witnessed in Baltimore. The Rev
Clergy announced the mournful event
to their respective congregations N
the conclusion OF the morning service y