It was aboard "Tonnant" that the Americans, Colonel John Stuart Skinner and Francis Scott Key, dined with Vice Admiral Cochrane, Rear Admiral Sir George Cockburn and Major General Robert Ross, where they negotiated the release of a prisoner, Dr. William Beanes. After his release, Skinner, Key and Beanes were allowed to return to their own sloop, but were not allowed to return to Baltimore because they had become familiar with the strength and position of British units and knew of the British intention to attack Baltimore. As a result, Key witnessed the bombarding of Fort McHenry and was inspired to write a poem called "Defence of Fort M'Henry", later named "The Star Spangled Banner". During the bombardment, provided the "rockets red glare" whilst "Meteor" provided at least some of the "bombs bursting in air" that feature in the lyrics.