The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

ASSAULT ON FORT MCHENRY

During the War of 1812, Fort McHenry, Baltimore was garrisoned by 1000 men under Major Armistead and guarded Baltimore against an attack by sea. On September the 13th, 1814, Admiral Cochrane with sixteen heavy war-vessels opened bombardment upon the fort. Its guns failed to reach the fleet until some of the British vessels approached nearer. They met so warm a reception that they withdrew, badly damaged. A force of 1000 men, landed to surprise the fort in the rear, but was repulsed. At midnight the firing ceased and the next day the British withdrew and Baltimore was safe. The only damage was on the American side, four killed and twenty-four wounded. During the bombardment Francis Scott Key, a prisoner on board the British fleet, wrote the current words of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Research Assault on Fort McHenry