Dr. John Skinner

John Skinner was an American official experienced in prisoner exchanges during the War of 1812. After Curt reached Fort McHenry with news that Dr. William Beans and Lucy were British prisoners, Skinner promised to help. He brought sworn statements describing Beans's kindness toward captured soldiers and enlisted lawyer Francis Scott Key to argue for release. British commanders accepted their case but detained Skinner, Key, Beans, and Lucy because they knew Baltimore would be attacked next. From the fleet, Skinner endured the long bombardment of Fort McHenry and feared the fort had fallen. At dawn, the American flag remained. His negotiation secured the prisoners' freedom while placing him beside Key during the night that inspired a famous poem about the surviving banner.