Revising History

Why would Francis Scott Key, the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner”, point our attention to a band of mercenaries and slaves as the foul foe in the rarely sung third verse of this historic song? In his third verse, it is difficult to understand why the British fleet attacking America was not the clear enemy in Key’s account of their invasion at our Star Fort. One could offer many explanations for the author’s convictions as he enthusiastically detailed the events just witnessed.

Perhaps in Key’s long detainment at sea he considered his dire situation while watching the bombardment ensue. Then later, following his release without harm, perhaps he felt he owed Old England a gentleman-like criticism regarding the battle he’d just witnessed. Thankful that his life was spared, and the lives of the two acquaintances with him, Key may have simply opted instead to point his pen at the lowest ranking British troops who fought on land during the attack in place of proclaiming a naval victory over the civil commanders who had so graciously just freed him from captivity.

Or, perhaps his intention truly was to vilify the Royal Navy’s hired mercenaries and a group of runaway slaves that signed allegiance to England in hopes of earning their freedom. We may never know the truth. However, it should be noted that the escaped colonial slaves who fought for England in the Battle of Baltimore also helped lead enemy troops the week prior into Washington D.C. to assist in the burning of both the White House and the U.S. Capitol, and they were few in number - less than 200. 

In our current day, this storyline is cause for considerable grief throughout our Union as the beloved National Anthem continues to be protested. And while a rewritten third verse may not dull the pain of injustice many feel as the original third verse contains the word “slave” and yet remains protected by lawmakers, the words penned below simply offer a chance to read a slave-free version of our anthem and still keeps with the author’s patriotic theme of declaring victory over a boastful adversary.

Francis Scott Key’s  Speech - 20 Years Later

On August 6, 1834 Francis Scott Key returned to his hometown of Frederick, Maryland in company with his former law partner, fifty-seven year old Roger Brooke Taney.  They had come to partake in a celebratory dinner on the Frederick Courthouse lawn. At one point Judge Taney stood up during dinner and introduced Key, who needed no introduction as the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

In a brief speech, Key, for the only known moment in his life after the War of 1812, expressed his feelings and how he came to be inspired to write the nation’s song so celebrated on the “Defence of Fort McHenry.”

Herein are the words taken from Francis Scott Key: Life and Times by Edward S. Delaplaine, published in 1937.

“You have been pleased to declare your approbation of my song. Praise to a poet could not be otherwise than acceptable; but it is peculiarly gratifying to me, to know that, in obeying the impulse of my own feelings, I have awakened yours. The song, I know, came from the heart, and if it has made its way to the hearts of men, whose devotion to their country and the great cause of freedom I know so well, I could not pretend to be insensible to such a compliment.

You have recalled to my recollection the circumstances under which I was impelled to this effort. I saw the flag of my country waving over a city – the strength and pride of my native State – a city devoted to plunder and desolution by its assailants. I  witnessed the preparation for its assaults, and I saw the array of its enemies as they advanced to the attack. I heard the sound of battle; the noise of the conflict fell upon mylistening ear, and told me that “the brave and the free” had met the invaders. Then did I remember that Maryland had called her sons to the defense of that flag and that they were the sons of sires who had left their crimson footprints on the snows of the North and poured out of the blood of patriots like water on the sands of the South. Then did I remember that there were gathered around that banner, among its defenders, men who had heard and answerred the call of their country – from these mountain sides, from this beautiful valley, and from this fair city of my native Country; and though I walked upon a deck surrounded by a  hostile fleet, detained as a prisoner, yet was my step firm, and my heart strong, as these recollections came upon me.

Through the clouds of war, the stars of that banner still shone in my view, and I saw the discomforted host of its assailants driven back in ignominy to their ships. Then, in that hour of deliverance and joyful triumph, my heart spoke; and “Does not such a country, and such defenders if their country, deserve a song?” was its question.

With it came an inspiration not to be resisted; and even though it had been a hanging matter to make a song, I must have written it. Let the praise, then, if any be due, be given. not to me, who only did what I could not help doing; not to the writer, but to the inspirers of the song!”

…I again thank you for the honor you have done me; but I can only take the share of it. I was but the instrument in executing what you have been so pleased to praise; it was dictated and inspired by the gallantry and patriotism of the sons of Maryland. The honor is due, not to me who made the song, but to the heroism of those who made me make it…

Source: Francis Scott Key: Life and Times by Edward S. Delaplaine (New York: Biography Press, 1937), 378-380. Mr. Delaplaine’s archival source of Key’s remarks remains a mystery.