The success of the attack on Washington encouraged the British general,
Ross, to undertake an expedition against another city. Baltimore was
the object of attack. The approach to that city by water was defended
by Fort M’Henry, garrisoned by one thousand men, under Major Armistead;
and by other temporary works. On the 11th of September, Admiral
Cochrane appeared at the mouth of the Patapsco, with a squadron of
fifty sail, and a strong body of British troops was landed at North
Point, about fourteen miles below Baltimore. At sunrise, on the 13th,
the bombardment of the fort commenced. The bomb vessels of the enemy
were stationed about two miles from the fort, and were consequently
beyond the reach of its guns. Though compelled to remain inactive, the
troops in the fort were steadfast to their posts. The bursting of a
shell within the southwest bastion creating some confusion, the ships
of the enemy attempted to profit by it, but they were soon compelled
to retreat to their former stations, where they continued a tremendous
bombardment until the morning of the 14th. During the night, some
barges and rocket vessels succeeded in passing the fort, but they were
driven back with severe loss, by the fire from the smaller works.