Society; the first, on his estate in Frederick County, to open,
in 1806, a Sunday-school for slaves; who set free his own slaves;
and who was, throughout his whole career, the highest
contemporary type of a modest Christian gentleman. This
religious side of Key's character found expression in that find
hymn found in the hymnals of all Protestant denominations,

Lord, with glowing heart I'd praise thee.

*In Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.


Foote, in his "Reminiscences," leads us to think highly also of
Key's personal appearance, and of his powers as a public speaker.

Francis Scott Key was the son of John Ross Key, a Revolutionary
officer. He was born in Frederick County, Maryland, August,
1780. He studied law, was admitted to the bar at Frederick,
subsequently moved to Georgetown, and was district attorney for
three terms. He was frequently intrusted with delicate missions
by President Jackson. A volume of his poems was published in
1856. He died in 1843, and is buried in the little cemetery at
Frederick, Maryland. Efforts have been made in his native State
to erect a monument over his grave, but unsuccessfully. In
justice such a memorial shaft should be the gift of the whole
American people.

As it is, his grave is not without tributes which are curious and
honorable. During the war Frederick was quietly a "rebel town,"
but it contained one good patriot besides Barbara Frietchie.