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?

لا

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?

4. During the night several rocket vessels and barges, with fourteen hundred men, supplied with scaling ladders, passed silently by the fort, and entered the Patapsco. Suddenly as they drew opposite the six gun battery, Lieut. Webster, its commander, opened upon them with terrible effect. The fort and ten gun battery, also poured in their fire. The havoc was dreadful. One of the barges was sunk, and the cries of the wounded and drowning, could be plainly heard upon the shore. rest, having suffered a heavy loss, retreated to the fleet.

The

5. Just previous to the bombardment, Francis S. Key, Esq., had, under a flag of truce, gone on board of the enemy's fleet, to obtain the release of a friend who had been taken captive.

He was

himself detained until after the bombardment.During the night he composed the national song, "THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER," descriptive of the scene which was passing, and of his own excited feelings.

6. Baffled by land and by water, the enemy determined to abandon the expedition. The troops were embarked on the 15th, and, on the 16th, the hostile fleet dropped down the Chesapeake, leaving the city filled with joy at her triumphant preservation, mingled with sorrow for the brave men who had died to defend her.

Questions.-4. What was done during the night? How were they received? 5. What national song was composed this night? 6. What is said in this section?

7. Early in the ensuing year, the war was closed. The treaty of peace was signed at Ghent on the 24th of December, 1814, and ratified by the United States, on 17th of February, 1815.

peake and Ohio Canal Rail Roads - Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road - Other Rail Roads - Colonization Society-Pecuniary Crisis-Mexican War.

1. The people of Maryland began now to turn their attention to the affairs of their own State. Baltimore had grown very rapidly and under the existing constitution, her representation in the legislature was not proportioned to her population.

2. By the system of that day, a minority of the people could determine the choice of the senate, the governor and council, and the legislature.

3. The senate was not chosen directly by the people, but by electors, two from each county, and the governor was appointed by the legislature; thus the influence of ten small counties, if brought to bear, could overpower that of the larger.

Questions.-1. What is said of Baltimore? 2. What of the senate and governor? 3. How were they chosen?