Existing comment:
Another Day on Duty... 1814:
Two soldiers have finished guard duty and should be cleaning their weapons. Instead, they talk to a servant, enslaved to one of the militia officers. A sergeant overhears their conversation and prepares to rebuke them for talking instead of working.
Some rhythms of the Army never change. Cleaning weapons, enduring stern sergeants, and serving on guard duty were part of daily life. During the summer of 1814 soldiers fought boredom and routine while preparing for an attack from the British.
Fort McHenry has changed over time. The earthen walls were reinforced with granite blocks in 1829 and a brick wall was added to shore up the parapets. |