The patriot who feels himself in the service of God, who acknowledges Him in all his ways, has the promise of Almighty direction, and will find His Word in his greatest darkness, a lantern to his feet and a lamp unto his paths.’ He will therefore seek to establish for his country in the eyes of the world, such a character as shall make her not unworthy of the name of a Christian nation…”

Francis Scott Key, February 12, 1812

After penning the lyrics to the United States’ national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, Key was appointed as a United States District Attorney from 1833-1841. In 1832, Key served as the attorney for Sam Houston during his trial in the U.S. House of Representatives for assaulting another Congressman. In 1835, Key prosecuted Richard Lawrence for his unsuccessful attempt to assassinate President of the United States Andrew Jackson and from 1818 until his death in 1843, Key was associated with the American Bible Society.