This Month in the War of 1812: A Big Month for the Star-Spangled Banner

SEPTEMBER 10, 1813

**  The Battle of Lake Erie

SEPTEMBER 11, 1814

**  Battle of Lake Champlain, New York

SEPTEMBER 12,1814

**  Battle of North Point, Maryland

SEPTEMBER 13, 1814

**  Bombardment of Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland

SEPTEMBER 14, 1814

**  The flag was still there.

--Brock-Perry

About That Controversial Third Verse of the 'Star-Spangled Banner'

From the June 12, 2022, Twisted Sifter.

You've heard the "Star-Spangled Banner" countless times in your life.  It was written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key as a poem after he witnessed the U.S. flag flying high and proud over Baltimore's Fort McHenry after a long night of bombardment in the War of 1812.

But, we only hear the first of three verses and some folks today have a real problem with one part of the third verse.  Who was Key talking about when he wrote:  "Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.  No refuge could save the hireling and slave from terror of flight  or the gloom of the grave."?

According to the Library of Congress, Key could have been talking about how the British recruited escaped slaves to fight Americans in the war and Key could have seen them as enemies just like British soldiers.

It should be noted that Key was a lawyer and later in life helped slaves fight for their freedom.  (He also owned slaves.)

--Brock-Perry

Richard Hill Gets His Due for War of 1812 Service-- Part 1

From the September 15, 2002, Central Maine.com "War of 1812 veteran gets his due" by Beth  Quimby, Portland   Press Herald.

Taps was finally played for Richard Hill on Saturday, some 151 years after his death.  He was a black War of 1812 sailor and these military honors were delivered at the so-called "Colored Ground" burial area at Portland, Maine's Eastern Cemetery.

Hill is believed to have witnessed the British attack on Fort McHenry in 1814 which led to Francis Scott Key writing the words to what is today known as the "Star-Spangled Banner."

He and his grave site were forgotten after his death in 1861 at the hands of his son, who murdered him outside their home on Munjoy Hill.  Unfortunately, all is not yet correct with him as his new stone is engraved with his death year as being 1881.

Military honors were  provided by the Harold T. Andrews American Legion Post 17 of Portland and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859 0f Portland.

His new stone was paid for by the  federal government and stands  beside Portland's black American Revolutionary War veterans at Congress and Mountfort streets.

--Brock-Perry

Black War of 1812 Sailor Richard Hill gets His Due in Portland, Maine

From the September 15, 2012,  WMTW Channel 8, ABC, Portland (Maine)  "War of 1812 veteran gets his due." 

Yesterday, I included the name Richard Hill, a seaman on the Gunboat 47 in the New York Flotilla during the War of 1812, who is buried at Portland, Maine's Eastern Cemetery.

Seaman Richard Hill, a black man who fought in the War of 1812,  has finally received honors at Portland, Maine's Eastern Cemetery,  150 years after his death in 1861.

The honors were delivered Saturday by the local American Legion and veterans of Foreign Wars posts.

His new headstone, paid for by the federal government,  stands beside the graves of Portland's Black American Revolution veterans who are buried in the historic cemetery.

The Portland Press-Herald newspaper said Larry Glatz of  South Portland came across Hill's name while researching Portland residents who served in the country's federal forces during the War of 1812.

Richard Hill is believed to have witnessed the British attack on Fort McHenry which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner."

He was killed by his own son in 1861.

His gravestone says that he served on Gunboat 47 of the New York Flotilla.  I can't find out anything about this gunboat.

--Brock-Perry

This Month in the War of 1812: Two Big Naval Victories and 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

From the September 2021 American Battlefield Trust calendar.

These events took place in September during America's "Forgotten War."  I say it's not so forgotten.

SEPTEMBER 10, 1813

Battle of Lake Erie, Ohio  "We have met the enemy...."

SEPTEMBER 11, 1814

Battle of Lake Champlain, New York

SEPTEMBER  12, 1814

Battle of North Point, Maryland

SEPTEMBER 13, 1814

Bombardment of Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland

--Brock-Perry

Caroline Abbott and the War of 1812-- Part 2: Burning of Washington, D.C. and Battle of Baltimore

**  The completion of the USS General  Pike following the Second Battle of Sackets Harbor.

**  President Madison receiving the news of the British invasion of Washington, D.C. after the Battle of Bladensburg.

**  First Lady Dolley Madison, who saved several important papers as well as the Lansdowne portrait of George Washington before fleeing the White House.

**  The burning of Washington, D.C., and its impact on American citizens.

**  Mary Pinkersgill who was commissioned by George Armistead to create a flag "so large the British will have no difficulty seeing it from a distance", resulting in the "Star-Spangles Banner" flying over Fort McHenry.

**  The Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry on September 13, 1814,  witnessed by Francis Scott Key, and the presence of the flag following the battle, signaling that Fort McHenry had not been captured.

**  "Defence of Fort McHenry", a poem Francis Scott Key wrote following the Battle of Baltimore and later set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven",  a popular drinking song of the time.

**  The formal adoption of "The Star-Spangled Banner"  as the national anthem of the United States  on March 3, 1931.

These Girls Will have a Good Understanding of the War of 1812 After Reading This Book.  --Brock-Perry

The Jewish Patriots of Fort McHenry-- Part 1

From the June 3, 2020, Jewish Press  by Sail Singer.

The Battle of Baltimore is probably better known as the Battle of Fort McHenry, but it was fought both on the sea in the British bombardment of the fort and the land attack on defenses.  But thanks to that poem by Francis Scott Key, the fort's role is better known.  Of course, "The Defence of Fort McHenry" whose words were put into our National Anthem.

Baltimore was defended by about 1,000 volunteer citizen-soldiers, including several Jews  who made important contributions to ensure that "the star-spangled banner yet wave[d]."  There is no definitive list of Jews who fought at Fort McHenry, or even the War of 1812 for that matter, but it is known that many Jews did serve on the American side in that war (out of a probable total population of just 10,000 in the country at the time).

According to the book"A History of Jews in the United States," there is a definite record of 43 Jews who served in the military during the war, and a special group in Baltimore who enlisted in the home defense  force of the city when it was attacked.

--Brock-Perry

First Printing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' Goes to Auction at a Fraught Time-- Part 1

From the June 2, 2020, WBUR by Andrea Shea.

"We all know  the words penned by Francis Scott Key more than 200 years ago.  As school children, we sang about the dawn's early light and the rockets red glare.  We've heard countless celebrities and millions of sports fan belt it out how--even through it all-- our flag was still there.

"Professional football players (and many others) have refused to participate in that tradition as an act of cultural dissent  against racial  oppression and police-involved killings of unarmed black Americans.  Now, after a pain-filled weekend of peaceful-turned-violent protests against enduring racial  injustice  and deadly inequality, people across the nation are stoking questions about what freedom and patriotism mean in 2020."

But, now, one of the few original newspaper printings of Keys' lyrics are going up for auction online at Christie's Auction House.  It opens for bid on June 2 and runs through June 18.

The American Antiquarian Society in Worcester owns two of the three original copies known to exist.  They are putting one up for sale and never would have believed this would happen at the same time as a pandemic and wide spread social unrest.

What is at auction is a September 20, 1814, copy of the Baltimore Patriot & Evening Advertiser.

--Brock-Perry

How the British Invasion of Maine in 1814 Led to Statehood-- Part 2

In Castine, prior to its eight month occupation by the British, town officials had condemned  the declaration of war and held a dim view of President James Madison and his predecessor, Thomas Jefferson.  They were Democrat-Republicans whom they felt were "anti-commerce" and "anti-New England."

The War of 1812 interrupted New England trans-Atlantic trade.

After Napoleon's defeat in 1814, the British ramped up their efforts in North America and sailed into several Maine ports with no opposition.

In early July, British ships, including the bomb ship HMS Terror sailed into Passamaquoddy Bay and took control of Fort Sullivan, Eastport and all the islands and towns along the bay.  In September, the HMS Terror took part in the Battle of Baltimore which led to "The Star-Spangled Banner."

--Brock-Perry

Baltimore Celebrating Defenders Day This Weekend

From the Baltimore Sun.

This weekend is the 205th anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore and the attack on Fort McHenry.  It will be celebrated where a lot of it took place, at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Site.

September 13 they had a parade to the fort.

September 14 had family-friendly activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by an evening of music, photo ops with U.S. Army soldiers, living history exhibitions and a flag-raising, all culminating with  an 8:25 fireworks display.

Today, September 15, there are more family-friendly activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission to the grounds is free.  Admission to the fort is $15 and free for kids under 16.

A Great Victory and the "Star-Spangled Banner."  --Brock-Perry

Sept. 14, 1814: By the Dawn's Early Light, "The Star-Spangled Banner"

On this date in 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote his poem "The Defence of Fort McHenry" after witnessing the British bombardment of Baltimore's McHenry in Maryland during the War of 1812.

It was later set to music and renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and, you know the rest.

--Brock-Perry

Other Baltimore War of 1812 Monuments-- Part 3: The "Star-Spangled Banner" House and Wells-McComas Monument

**  The "Star-Spangled Banner" flag was designed and primarily sewn at Baltimore's Flag House.  The historic house was once occupied by Mary Young Pickersgill and her successful flag making business.

**  The Daniel Wells / Henry McComas Monument.  These two men were members of Captain Edward Alsquith's Militia Rifle Compnay and are credited with killing British General Robert Ross, who had led the sacking and burning of the Washington, D.C..

The monument was completed in 1873 and is made of Baltimore County marble.

--Brock-Perry

Baltimore's George Armistead Statue: Fort McHenry

From Wikipedia.

The Armistead Monument at Baltimore's Fort McHenry, is a bronze statue of Col. George Armistead done by Edward Berge and dedicated September 12, 1914.

Its inscriptions read:

"Erected September 12, 1914 by the City of Baltimore Soc. of War of 1812 contributing in commemoration of the gallant defense of Fort McHenry under the command of Col. George Armistead which was the inspiration of the National Anthem The Star Spangled Banner.

To George Armistead April 10 1779 April 25 1818.  Commander of this fort during the bombardment by the British fleet Sept. 13-14 War of 1812.

--Brock-Perry

Defenders Day in Baltimore-- Part 1: Battle of North Point and Fort mchenry

From Wikipedia.

Is a legal holiday on September 12 in Baltimore, Maryland.  It commemorates the successful defense of the city September 12-14, 1814.

In September 1814, just three weeks after the burning of Washington, D.C., the British Army, under Major General Ross landed at North Point, near present-day Fort Howard, and began an advance on the city from the southeast.  They were met almost immediately by American forces, commencing the Battle of North Point.

Later, Fort McHenry was shelled and, of course, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Baltimore Was Saved.  --Brock-Perry

Private Walter Farnandis, Defender of Fort McHenry-- Part 2

In those days, , infantry militia service was compulsory for men, but men of means often opted  to serve in self-equipping artillery or cavalry units that were considered a cut above the common infantry.  Walter was one of those men of means who mostly made up the Baltimore Fencibles.

And this unit was even more special as they were the only militia unit who were a part of the Fort McHenry garrison at the time of the attack.  As such, they participated in the famous Battle of Baltimore, defending Fort McHenry (and the famed Star-Spangled Banner) against the British Royal Navy during the 25-hour bombardment. that inspire Francis Scott Key to write our "National Anthem."

He is listed as a private in the Baltimore Fencibles in Monumental City, Baltimore.

After the battle, he made a small fortune in the dry goods business.  Upon his death in 1856, he was able to give each of his eight children $10,000.  That $80,000 would be equivalent to $1.8 million today.

--Brock-Perry

4th of July: Part of It Is About The Flags

And,, I have plenty of U.S. flags and items up for today outside the house.

Plus, I have a 34-star round flag from 1861-1863.

And, since June 16 I have been writing about that most famous of U.S. flags, the one that flew over Fort McHenry that inspired that song.

Happy 242nd birthday, U.S.A..

In the Mood for Patriotism.  --Brock-Perry

George Armistead-- Part 4: A Flag So Large British Would Have Problem Seeing It From a Distance

When he arrived at Fort McHenry, he immediately ordered "a flag so large the British would have no difficulty seeing it from a distance."  This became the "Star-Spangled Banner" made so famous by Francis Scott Key.

During the nearly 25-hour bombardment which began before dawn September 13, 1814, and the morning of September 14, Armistead alone knew that the fort's magazine was not bombproof.  When a shell crashed through the roof of it, but failed to explode, Armistead ordered the powder barrels cleared out.and placed under the rear walls of the fort.

Remarkably, only four of his men were killed when two shells smashed into the fort's southwest bastion.

Some 2,000 shells were fired by the British fleet.

--Brock-Perry

Civil War General Cornelius Gilbert Attwood Received Remnants of the Star-Spangled Banner

On June 22, I wrote about George Preble giving this man pieces of the flag that flew over Fort McHenry.

Cornelius Attwood fought in the Civil War with the 2nd Massachusetts.

I have been writing about him in my Saw the Elephant Civil War blog and you can check him out by going to My Blog List to the right of this and clicking on the Civil War blog.

--Brock-Perry

George Armistead-- Part 1: Commander of Fort McHenry

Well, what about the commander of Fort McHenry, the one who wanted the giant garrison flag which became "The Star-Spangled Banner?"

From Find-A-Grave.

Born 10 April 1780 in Caroline County, Virginia.

Death 25 April 1818 (age 38)  Baltimore County, Maryland

Buried Old St. Pauls Cemetery, Baltimore.

United States Army Officer.  Served as Major and commander of Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland.  He was in command of the Fort in the War of 1812 when the British unsuccessfully attempted to force its capitulation by a naval artillery bombardment.

The attack was witnessed by Francis Scott Key, who immortalized it in the words of "The Star-Spangled Banner."  Major Armistead was the uncle of Civil War Confederate General Lewis Armistead, who is buried next to him.

--Brock-Perry

The Star-Spangled Banner Flag-- Part 7: Eben Appleton and Georgianna Appleton

Eben Appleton donated the flag with the request that it always remain on view for the public.

From Find-A-Grave.

Full Brock-Perryname:  Ebenezer Stuart "Eben" Appleton.

Born 19 August 1845 in Baltimore.  Death 1 June 1925.

Buried at Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.

Mother Georgeanna Louise Frances Armistead.  Born 1817, Died 25 July 1878.  Buried Old St. paul's Cemetery, Baltimore

Given the Fort McHenry flag by her father, Lt. Col. George Armistead.  The flag was presented to the Massachusetts Historical Society.  (Not sure about this.)

--Brock-Perry