Existing comment:
In the Heat of Battle:
Francis Scott Key's song emerged from his dramatic personal experience of the British attack on Baltimore.
In the summer of 1814, after two long years of war with America, the British increased their destructive military campaign in the Chesapeake, raiding along the coastline and attacking Washington, DC. They hoped to divert US troops from invading Canada and strengthen their position at the peace negotiations.
In early September, Key accompanied John Skinner, US Exchange Agent for Prisoners, on a special mission to negotiate the release of a friend, Dr. William Beanes, being held captive. They learned from British commanders of plans to attack Baltimore. The British detained Key and his companions aboard the American truce vessel until after the battle to prevent them from alerting the American forces.
From the ship about three or four miles distant, Key watched helplessly during the 25-hour British bombardment. He knew friends, families and fellow citizens were fighting for their homes and lives. To his astonished joy he saw the American flag still flying on September 14. Moved to record the events, Key wrote a few lines of verse as the British fleet withdrew. Upon returning to Baltimore, he completed a song, little knowing the lasting impact his words would have on the nation.
"Does not such a country and such defenders of their country deserve a song?"
-- Francis Scott Key, recalling his reasons for writing "The Star-Spangled Banner," from a speech given in 1835 |