A few weeks later, on September 13, 1814, the British bombarded Fort McHenry, as Francis Scott Key wrote of “bombs bursting in air.”
On November 16, 1814, Madison proclaimed a National Day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer:
“The two Houses of the National Legislature having by a joint resolution expressed their desire that in the present time of public calamity and war a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States as a Day of Public Humiliation and Fasting and of Prayer to Almighty God
for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessing on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace …
I have deemed it proper … to recommend … a day of … voluntarily offering … humble adoration to the Great Sovereign of the Universe, of confessing their sins and transgressions, and of strengthening their vows of repentance.”