|
"It is my desire to have a Flag"
During the War of 1812 and after his arrival at Fort McHenry in June 1813, Major George Armistead lost no time in preparing Fort
McHenry's defenses. To the commander of Baltimore's militia, General Samuel Smith, Armistead offered a reassuring note:
"We, Sir, are ready at Fort McHenry to defend Baltimore against invading by the enemy. That is to say, we are ready except
that we have no suitable ensign to display over the Star Fort, and it is my desire to have a flag so large that the British will have no difficulty in seeing it from a distance."
Major Armistead's request was taken to Mary Young Pickersgill, a Baltimore maker of "Silk Standards & Cavalry Colors, and
other Colors of every description" at No. 60 Albemarle Street. With the help of her daughter, Caroline Purdy, Mrs. Pickersgill filled her commission. On August 19, 1813, Armistead had his flag of 15
stars and 15 stripes which measured 42' x 30'. In addition, a small storm flag was acquired that measured 17 x 25 feet.
September 1814: Two accounts tell the story
It is not known if the large flag was ever flown prior to the bombardment. Besides Key's account, two others survive to tell
us the story of what happened on September 14, 1814, at 9 a.m., two hours after the bombardment had ended:
"... the morning gun was fired, the flag hoisted and Yankee Doodle played." Isaac Monroe, Baltimore Fencibles, September 17, 1814
"...as the last British ship hoisted her canvas to the wind, the Americans hoisted a most superb and splendid ensign on their
battery....." Midshipman Robert Barrett, HMS Hebrus
|
