Major Armistead's Report on Battle Fort McHenry-- Part 2: A Cannon Dismounted

"It affords me the highest gratification to State, that though we were left thus exposed, and thus inactive, not a Man Shrunk from the conflict.

"About 2 OClock, P.M. one of the 24 pounders on the South West Bastion under the immediate command of Capt. Nicholson, was dismounted by a Shell, the explosion from which killed his 2nd Lieut and wounded several of his Men; the bustle necessarily produced in removing the Wounded and remounting the Gun probably induced the Enemy to suspect that We were in a state of confusion, as he brought in three of his Bomb Ships to what I believed to be good striking distance, I immediately ordered a fire to be opened, which was obeyed with alacrity through the whole Garrison, and in half an hour those intruders again Sheltered themselves by withdrawing beyond our reach.

"We gave three Cheers and again ceased firing."

Finally, A Chance to Fight Back.  --Brock-Perry