Revelation: Courage in the face of opposition.
September 1, 1814
“President Madison? Mr. Francis Scott Key is here to see you.”
“Send him in, Edward,” Madison said.
The thirty-three-year-old Virginia lawyer nervously entered the President’s makeshift office.
“Sit down, Mr. Key,” said the President. “What can I do for you?”
“Well, sir, the British have arrested my friend Dr. William Beanes. He’s being held on one of their ships in Baltimore Harbor. His ‘crime’ was capturing their stragglers after they had burned Washington.”
“He’s a hero, in my book,” said Madison.
“I quite agree, sir. But he’s quite elderly and his friends and neighbors are concerned about him. I’d like your permission to go to the British flagship and negotiate his release. I will also deliver some letters from our British prisoners. Many of them state that we’ve treated them with kindness. They may be influential in getting my friend back.”
“That sounds like a good incentive, Mr. Key. I’ll arrange to have a sloop flying a flag of truce take you to their vessel. And good luck to you on your mission of mercy!”