Current mood:
gallant
“Thus, after bombarding the forts and harbour of Baltimore for twentyfour hours, the squadron of frigates weighed, without firing a shot, upon the forenoon of the 14th, and were immediately followed by the bombs and sloops of war. In truth, it was a galling spectacle for the British seamen to behold. And, as the last vessel spread her canvas to the wind, the Americans hoisted a most superb and splendid ensign on their
battery, and fired at the same time a gun of defiance.”
Account by Midshipman Robert J. Barrett, age 15, aboard HM Frigate Hebrus during the bombardment of Fort McHenry, September 13-14, 1814.
http://www.americanflagfoundation.org/_media/pdf/educationalresources/SaveOurHistory.pdf