Expecting American troops to have lost the battle, Key was astounded to see the American flag flying over Fort McHenry the next morning. So, Key and Beans remained on the ship through the night witnessing the intense attack on Fort McHenry. While Key’s negotiation was successful, the British troops would not allow him to disembark the ship out of fear he may disclose the Brit’s battle plans to American forces. William Beans, a prisoner of war accused of misleading the British troops. Maryland attorney Francis Scott Key found himself aboard a British sea vessel negotiating the release of Dr.
Let’s take a step back in time to the evening of September 13, 1812.
