I suggest that Mr. Walker familiarize himself with the Corps of Colonial Marines, units of runaway slaves that served in the British Army during the War of 1812. Those units were especially active in the series of engagements --- Bladensburg, Washington, North Point --- leading up to the Battle of Baltimore memorialized by Francis Scott Key. Their participation in these battles caused a wave of fear that spread throughout the slaveholding elites in Maryland and Virginia. Given that Key was a member of that class, it's quite reasonable to conclude that the third verse of the anthem does indeed celebrate the deaths of runaway American slaves. History is history, no matter how much one might want to sugarcoat it. As you suggest, let those who can read, read ... especially before posting invective of the sort supplied by Mr. Walker.
I suggest that Mr. Walker familiarize himself with the Corps of Colonial Marines, units of runaway slaves
ReplyDeletethat served in the British Army during the War of 1812. Those units were especially active in the series of engagements --- Bladensburg, Washington, North Point --- leading up to the Battle of Baltimore memorialized by Francis Scott Key. Their participation in these battles caused a wave of fear that spread throughout the slaveholding elites in Maryland and Virginia. Given that Key was a member of that class, it's quite reasonable to conclude that the third verse of the anthem does indeed celebrate the deaths of runaway American slaves. History is history, no matter how much one might want to sugarcoat it. As you suggest, let those who can read, read ... especially before posting invective of the sort supplied by Mr. Walker.