OCR Text |
Show pesideni Was Plat; Tdedicalnp to Francis Toi fleet was at the Tuac river, and Key Bp-cut oul in a vessel HFof truce to negotiate mol prisoners, the British BT ing on board a number of Ftaken in the attack on Night was coming on Vtsncmj was preparing to fire McHenry, near Baltimore, when Communicated his message. The BPMmish required ihe American to anchor an-chor his vessel within the line of war ships. From the deck of the ship, Key and Skinner saw Old Glory fired on as the sun was sinking. At the twilight's last gleaming, the broad stripes and bright stars were gallantly streaming. Through the I night the rocket's red glare and bombs j bursting in air. gave proof that the Hag was still there. Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, )' and Key is inspired to write his im-j im-j mortal words The bombardment ceased and thej j! American vessel was released. On j landing, the author of the verses read , wf his production to a friend who re-I re-I quested the privilege of having them I printed Within an hour the "Star, Spangled Banner" was being distribut I ed on the streets of Baltimore and (he i I people were thrilled by the patriotic sentiments : I ' 'Tis the star spangled banner. Oh' I long may it wave 1 O'er the land of the free and the home m of the brave |