Series I: Francis Scott Key Manuscripts

The items in the Francis Scott Key legal papers span 165 years, from 1812 to 1977. The materials consist of incoming business correspondence, family letters, receipts, and descendants’ genealogy research.

The bulk of the papers centers on Key’s legal practice and spans the years 1820-1850. The legal documents include land claims and disputes, a writ of Habeas Corpus, wills, letter testimonies, deeds of indenture, military pensions, the minutes of a court martial, and insurance claims.

Other items in the collection have to deal with Key’s personal expenses such as his receipts for magazines, newspapers, groceries, properties, and schooling. The collection also contains printed material and genealogy research. Some of the printed materials are sheet music of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a facsimile of the manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and a memorial of John E. Smith to Congress.

Additionally, there are three documents in Key’s handwriting: a poem entitled “The Worm’s Death Song;” a letter from Key to his children; and a Prospectus to publish a newspaper.