Early Days Of Washington by S. Somervell Mackall

Author:S. Somervell Mackall [Mackall, S. Somervell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Geschichte
Publisher: Jazzybee Verlag
Published: 2019-05-19T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XV.

Francis Scott Key, author of the "Star Spangled Banner," lived on Bridge Street not far from the Aqueduct Bridge, and the house is still standing. He was subsequently made District Attorney. Mr. Key was a volunteer in the Light Artillery commanded by Major Peter. The company was composed of citizens of the District of Columbia, who had uniformed themselves and offered their services to the Government and were employed in active service from the time the British fleet appeared in the Patuxent, preparatory to the movement upon Washington. Mrs. Key was a sister of Mrs. Judge Nichelson. The chain of circumstances which led to the writing of the "Star Spangled Banner" began at a convivial dinner party in the quaint old town of Marlboro. The following leaf from the history of the county seat of Prince George's County, Maryland, has been carefully preserved by an old inhabitant of Marlboro:

The day the British army passed Marlboro en route from Benedict to Washington, Dr. William Beanes, prominent physician and citizen, was dining a party of his friends at his residence, among whom were Dr. William Hill and Mr. Philip Weems. Excitement in the neighborhood ran high, and a feeling of intense hostility was awakened against the soldiery, who, during their ascent of the Patuxent and their march across the country, had acted more like a party of marauders than a disciplined army. The main body of the army, on the day referred to, encamped at the "Wood Yard," about five miles from this place, and a party of stragglers roamed into Marlboro. Some of the convivial guests of Dr. Beanes' seeing the redcoats in town, suggested that the party go out and arrest them, and the suggestion was adopted and put into execution without delay. When they were released they hastened to rejoin the army and reported the treatment they had received in Marlboro, and a squad was sent back to arrest the ring-leaders of the arresting party. Accordingly, Drs. Beanes, Hill and Mr. Weems were taken into custody and hurried off to Bristol, some miles from Marlboro, on the Patuxent, at which place Admiral Cochrane's flag-ship lay at anchor. As a special indignity. Dr. Beanes was forced to ride the entire distance on a bare-backed horse. When they were taken on ship-board and the case was reported to Admiral Cochrane, he was disposed at first to use severe measures with the prisoners, but better counsel prevailed, and when the ship reached Benedict, Dr. Hill and Mr. Weems were released. Dr. Beanes, however, did not fare so well. He was retained on the ship and carried to the City of Baltimore, which had been marked for destruction. At that time Francis Scott Key, a nephew of Dr. Beanes, was living in Georgetown, D. C, and was a prominent member of the Georgetown Glee Club, which was composed of the best musical talent of the place. Hearing of the arrest and detention of his uncle, Mr. Key hastened to the scene of

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