DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.

223

2. They were commanded by General Samuel Smith, who had distinguished himself in the revolution by his gallant defence at Fort Mifflin. One division of the army was confided to General Winder, the other to General Stricker.

3. As soon as it was announced that the British were approaching the city, the militia flocked in from all quarters in such numbers, that neither arms, ammunition nor provisions could be supplied them, and the services of many were necessarily declined.

4. The fleet threatening Baltimore consisted of about forty vessels-the largest of which anchored across the channel-and landed troops at North Point, about fourteen miles from the city.

5. On the 12th, eight thousand troops were ready for marching, and sixteen bomb vessels proceeded up the Patapsco, and anchored within. two and a half miles from Fort McHenry.

6. The defences of the city consisted of this fort, commanded by Lieut. Col. Armistead; two batteries were erected on the south side, one at the Lazaretto, under Lieut. Rutter, the other a six gun battery under Lieutenant Steuber. Lines of entrenchment were hastily thrown up; along these

Questions.-2. By whom commanded? How were the divisions commanded? 3. What was the effect of the announcement of the approach of the British? 4. What did the fleet consist of? How many troops were landed? 5. What is said in this section? 6. Of what did the defences of the city consist?

breastworks were stationed about four thousand

men.

7. As the British advanced towards the city, General Stricker was ordered forward with three thousand two hundred men, to oppose their progress. He took a position about eight miles from the city, his right resting on Bear Creek, and his left covered by a marsh.

8. In a skirmish with the rifles, who were thrown in the advance, the British commander, Gen. Ross, was killed. Among these rifles were two apprentice boys, named Wells and McComas. There is a tradition that these boys, concealed behind some bushes, fired upon the General as he was advancing, and that then rising to see the effect of their shot, themselves received the fire of a whole platoon. Their remains are buried in the City of Baltimore.

9. General Brook, the second in command, continued to advance, and, at half-past three, action commenced with the main body by a heavy cannonade.

10. The fifty-first regiment having fallen into confusion, while executing an order, failed to keep its ground, and by its retreat the American force was reduced to about one-third of the enemy.— Notwithstanding this disparity the line maintained

Questions.-7. Who was ordered forward? 8. Who was killed? What is said of Wells and McComas? 9. Who succeeded him? 10. What is said of the fifty-first?

GENERAL ROSS KILLED.

225

its ground with the greatest firmness, pouring in a destructive fire upon the advancing columns of the enemy. The artillery opened with terrible effect upon the left, which was opposed to the gallant fifth. This regiment sustained the laurels won at Bladensburg. The front ranks of the enemy were frequently observed throwing themselves upon the ground to avoid the unerring fire that was poured upon them.

11. Finding his force unable to make head against the superior strength of the enemy, and having given them a severe check, Gen. Stricker ordered his line to retire to the position occupied by the reserve. This position being too exposed, he fell back nearer to the city.

12. The enemy did not attempt pursuit, and the brigade assumed a position near the entrenchments, ready for another struggle with the invader. Although the American loss was heavy, it bore no comparison to that of the British. The loss of the former was twenty-four killed, one hundred and thirty-nine wounded, and fifty prisoners; that of the latter was nearly twice as great. The British lost their leader, General Ross, who had boasted that he would take up his winter quarters in Baltimore.

13. On the morning of the 13th, the British made their appearance within two miles of the

Questions.-10. What further is said? 11. What did Stricker now do? 12. Did the enemy pursue? What was the loss on each side? 13. Where did the British next appear?

entrenchments, on the Philadelphia road, as if endeavoring to gain the flank of the American position; but being baffled by Gen. Smith, they retired to their former position.

BOMBARDMENT OF FORT MCHENRY.

1. Having failed to take the city by land, the enemy hoped that an attack by water would be more successful, and on the evening of the 13th, the fleet began to bombard the fort.

Question.-1. What took place on the 13th?

BOMBARDMENT OF FORT MCHENRY. 227

2. The garrison was composed of three companies of United States artillery, and three volunteer city companies, under Capt. Berry, Lieut. Pennington and Capt. Nicholson, besides six hundred infantry; in all about one thousand men, under Col. Armistead.

But a

3. The fleet being anchored two miles from the fort, and out of reach of its guns, the latter was compelled to receive the fire in silence. supposed advantage having been obtained, several vessels were brought within range. The batteries immediately opened upon them with such effect, that they were driven back to their former position.

Questions.-2. What composed the garrison? 3. What is said in this section?