Broadside and newspaper printings of the verses appeared and it was widely performed by a traveling music company. His first draft of what became the national anthem was written on the back of a letter to the tune of an English drinking tune "The Anacreontic Song," by John Stafford Smith. When the smoke of battle died down and the flag could be clearly seen, Key's emotions were powerfully stirred. During the British assault, a large stars and stripes flag flew over the fort but during the bombardment it was obscured by smoke. During of the bombardment, Key was detained and spent the night on deck, watching the British rain shells onto the fort. Key, a young lawyer, had boarded a British vessel ship to seek the release of an American physician held prisoner. Francis Scott Key's stirring verses were inspired by a shipboard vigil on the night of September 13-14, 1814, while British warships bombarded Fort McHenry, outside Baltimore.
Early printing of The Star Spangled Banner.
Housed in a chemise and morocco backed box. Expert paper restoration at the lower corner and edge. of two leaves (final page blank as issued), with lyrics to the complete four stanzas.
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