Francis Scott Key born, 1780

August Tenth

To defend your birthright and mine, which is more precious than domestic ease, or property, or life, I exchange, with proud satisfaction, a term of six years in the Senate of the United States for the musket of a soldier.

John C. Breckinridge

General Lyon killed and his army defeated by General Ben. McCulloch at Wilson Creek, Mo., 1861

August Eleventh

Against the night, a champion bright,
The glow-worm, lifts a spear of light;
And, undismayed, the slenderest shade
Against the noonday bares a blade.
John B. Tabb
(Heroes)

August Twelfth