During the War of 1812, I, Francis Scott Key, a young lawyer, was asked to negotiate the freedom Dr. William Beanes, an American physician. Dr. Beanes was impressed by the British navy, and some of his friends and neighbors persuaded me to help release him. Colonel John Skinner accompanied me to negotiate the doctor’s freedom. After about a week of debating with the captain, Dr. William Beanes was agreed to be released, but not until Fort McHenry fell. Previous to our arrival on the British ship, Britain had suffered an embarrassing defeat, which led them to attack Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. On the next night bombs began to attack the fort. Bombs bursting in the air, illuminated the flag. Torn and ragged, the flag proudly waved above
