Francis Scott Key was a well-known Washington lawyer. He lived just outside the city center in Georgetown, where he was also a lieutenant in the Georgetown light artillery.

On Aug. 31, there was a sharp knock on the door. Key flung it open to find Richard West, his brother-in-law. "The British have arrested Dr. Beanes!" said West. "He's a prisoner on one of their ships."

"Why?" asked Key.

"Dr. Beanes was looking after wounded British soldiers. After the army left, three stragglers began making trouble. The doctor had them thrown in jail. The British got angry and took him away."

"Something must be done!" said Key.

"A few of us hoped you might use your influence with President James Madison."

The next day Francis Scott Key mounted his horse and rode into Washington. The smell of burning was everywhere. The Capitol was gone, along with the executive mansion. Temporary presidential quarters had been set up at the French Minister's house; and when Francis walked inside, he saw that everyone looked worried.

Key made his request. The president turned and smiled sadly. "I give you permission to visit the British fleet under a flag of truce as an official American envoy. John Mason, commissary general of prisoners, will allow Colonel John S. Skinner, his agent in charge of prisoner exchange, to go with you."

"Thank you, sir." said Key. The following day, he set off through stifling heat for Baltimore.

General Samuel Smith was busy preparing his men for the defense of Baltimore and Fort McHenry when Key arrived. Skinner was also there and listened carefully to the president's instructions. He mentioned that he knew Dr. Beanes personally and had in his possession letters from wounded British soldiers describing the doctor's kindness to them after the Battle of Bladensburg. He hired a small boat so he and Key could sail down Chesapeake Bay to meet the British.

The British flagship, H.M.S. Tonnant, was sighted at the mouth of the Potomac. Francis boarded, under a flag of truce. The British admiral refused to release Dr. Beanes.

Letters of praise written by wounded British officers were then presented to General Ross, co-commander of the expeditionary forces. He was moved by the letters and agreed to release the prisoner but said all three men would have to remain on the ship until after the attack on Baltimore. They were placed in the ship's hold, along with Dr. Beanes.