Francis Scott Key was a very busy man.
What Francis saw inspired him to write a poem that would become America\'s national anthem This Step 3 reader is perfect for children who are ready to read independently..
For 25 hours they watched in awe.
Francis and his friends could only sit on a boat and observe the battle.
But they couldn\'t return home just yet because the Battle of Fort McHenry was starting If the British captured the fort, America might very well lose its independence.
One fateful night Francis and his friend helped talk the British Navy into releasing a prisoner of war.
He was well-respected and often called upon to help keep the peace as the war between the United States and England raged on.
When the War of 1812 broke out, Francis became even busier.
He loved writing poems.
But whenever he had a moment, he would jot down a line of poetry.
He was a lawyer and many people came to him for advice.
He and his wife had 11 children.
Francis Scott Key was a very busy man