Sam Smith fought heroically in the American Revolution and was personally close with George Washington. He was one of the most successful businessmen in Baltimore. As a politician, he worked closely with Thomas Jefferson and served for 40 years in Congress, with 18 years in the House and 22 in the Senate.
After the British burned Washington, D.C., in the War of 1812, he rallied the people of Baltimore to defend the city. Under his inspired leadership, Baltimore withstood British attacks from both land and sea. This is the story of how he inspired citizens from all walks of life to work and fight together, and is a tale of extraordinary leadership and heroism—not just of Smith himself, but those he led, too.

Hank H. Cox worked as a journalist, writer, and editor in Washington for 50 years. He lives in Takoma Park, Maryland.

Hank H. Cox
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 223
Bibliographic Info: 14 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2024
pISBN: 978-1-4766-9313-2
eISBN: 978-1-4766-5075-3
Imprint: McFarland

Preface 1
Introduction 5
1. Declaring War 7
2. Something Wicked This Way Comes 19
3. The Battle of Bladensburg 33
4. A Man for All Seasons 48
5. A City in Transition 61
6. The Son Also Rises 75
7. Acquiring Wealth 90
8. The Political Life Beckons 100
9. Tom and Sam’s Excellent Adventure 112
10. Madison Takes Over 123
11. Three Distinct Cannon Shots 134
12. The Rockets’ Red Glare 150
13. Once More into the Breach 164
14. War Without End, Amen 178
15. Parade? What Parade? 188
Epilogue: Silence on the Patapsco 201
Chapter Notes 207
Bibliography 211
Index 213