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Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film6s en commenpant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impres^ion ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole — »- signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Stre film^s d des taux ds reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtro reproduit en un seul clich6, il est filmd d partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants iilustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ■• HE I S T O le. ^X" •'^ _v*. OF THE lattle of lake ^ -. lir. ■ (September lO, 1813,) AND REMINISCENCES OF THE Flagship Lawrence/' r BY O-A-OPT. "W. "W". IDoBBiisrs. , .'- >". ERIE, PA.: AsHBY & Vincent, Printers, Stationers and Binders. 1876. ^Fimf^^^m^m .^ ,„ . , 'Wmm^^^^ ir ^ (M/O*^ U^f> (^./f^/\ H I S T O K; "52" OF THE Battle of Lake Erie, (September lO, 1813,) AND REMINISCENCES OF THE Flagship "Lawrence." BY O^i^T. "W. "W. IDoBBii?rs. ERIE, PA.: AsHBV & Vincent, Printers, Stationers and Binders. 1876. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year .876 by X. J. VI ERS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. ASHBY & VINCENT, Printers, Biuders aud Stationers, SBIK, PA. PREFACE. ■■•♦♦- by n. N offering this pamphlet to the public, it may be deemed ^ necessary to offer some apology. There have been many accounts of Perry's Victory, Sept. 10th, 1813, published. Yet in consequence of the unfortunate feud existing between Perry and Elliott and their friends, the accounts partook some- what of an ex parte character. This is not a correct way to hand down passing events to posterity. In writing history, facts should be given as nearly as possible, not fiction. My father. Sailing Master Daniel Dobbins, was a pioneer in the construction of the squadron, and served actively upon the upper lakes during the war. From conversations during his lifetime, as also memoranda and other papers left by him— in connection with the accounts given by McKenzie, Cooper and Lossing, I have compiled this little book. I hope the reader will excuse the commonplace style of com- position, as it is the effort of an illiterate sailor. W. W. DOBBINS. I '% mer of n trea , Unil ; lutic :fron milij Nav the regu HIP.TORY OF THE Battle of Lake Erie, AND REMINISCENCES OF TEE Flagship "Lawrence. fy CHAPTER I. T THE time war was declared with Great Britain in ■1812, the Canadian frontior was in advance of us in com- merce and agriculture. A goodly portion of our supplies of merchandise, particularly groceries, came to us from Mon- ^treal. In regard to agriculture, the tory emigration from the United States at the commencement of, and during the Revo- lution, had done good work in this line, assisted by emigration from the old country, and the Canadian French Then their military posts were well kept up, and having something of a Navy in the way of several heavily armed vessels, classed by |he British Government as a ''Provincial Navy," and not Jegular. Thesa vessels also transported passengers and 6 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. merchandise. In another point of view, they were well pre- pared, viz : they were on the best of terms wi^h the numerous tribes of Indians, net only in Canada, but many on this side of the line ; as the British Government pursued a course calcu- lated to attach the Indians to their interests. Their treaties with their red brethern were always strictly kept, and no Indian agent was allowed to defraud them ; consequently their sup- plies were of the best. For one hundred years they have had little or no trouble with their Indians, although the British possessions are full of them. There the trader was safe at his post in the wilderness, and the Poman Catholic Priest on his mission through their midst. I would say here, how different has been the course and results with us since we have been a Government. The answer might be given thus : — badly kept treaties, corrupt Indian agents, miserable supplies, and a vacil- latiTig policy. Thus, the conseqi'cnce is, bloody Indian wars, at a cost of thousands of lives and millions of money ; and, from the present out-look, no likelihood of getting better. On the American side of the line, say from Black Ptock on the Niagara River, to Sauit St. Mary's River, the outlet of Lake Superior, things were in a poor condition to go to war with our neighbor. A sparsely settled country, with all the wants and deprivations incident thereto, full of wandering tribes of Indians, the object of whom was, with few exceptions, to watch the chances, and were ready the moment war commenced, to plunder and massacre. To show how deficient we were in the way of postal communication, the first news of the decla- ration of war along t>.e frontier west of Black Rock, N. Y., was through Canadian dispatches to their several posts. When f'il HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. ' Mackinaw was taken, the first notice of the declaration of war was a heavy force of British and Indians landing upon the eastern and uninhabited portion of the island in the night, and capturing the post without the firing of a gun. But I have digressed from my proposed account of Perry's Victory, and will now begin with a short account of the early work of constructing and fitting out the squadron. In giving this matter, it is, in a measure, necessary to relate some of the incidents ; and as Captain Daniel Dobbins, of Erie, was a pioneer in the construction of most of tho vessels, it is well to give his eaWy connection therewith. In July, 1812, Captain Dobbins v/as at Mackinaw in com- mand of a merchant vessel named the Salina, belonging to himself and a merchant of Erie, named R. S. Reed, and (who, together with a relative named W. W. Reed, were on board the vessel) was taken at the surrender of that post. His vessel, and one other of the captured, were made cartels to convey the prisoners and non-combatants to Cleveland, Ohio. Upon their arrival at Detroit, they were taken possession of by General Hull, and again fell into the hands of the enemy, on the surrender of that important post. Captain Dobbins now obtained a pass for himself and the two Reeds through the influence of Colonel Nichols, of his Majesty's service, (an old acquaintance previous to the war) and accompanied Colonel Lewis Cass and Captain Saunders, who were in charge of paroled prisoners surrendered at Detroit and at Van Horn's defeat, including the wounded — to be transported across the head of the lakes in open boats, to Cleveland. Passing from island to island, they arrived safely at Cleveland on the third 8 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. day, after a perilous voyage. Here, Cass and Saunders were in honor bound to destroy the boats, and Capt. D. navigated a small sloop bound down the lake. After alarming the inhab- itants along the coast at the sight of a vessel, be she ever so small, after they had heard of Hull's surrender, he arrived safely at Erie. After remaining a few days with his family, he was sent with dispatches to Washington City by General David Mead, who was then in command of that post, and gave the first authentic information of the surrender of Mackinaw and Detroit at the seat of Government, having passed Colonel Cass, who was the bearer of dispatches from General Hull, sick by the way. Immediately upon his arrival a Cabinet meeting was held, to whom he gave a full account of matters, including the situation of the frontier, and the most suitable point for a naval depot upon the upper lakes. He recommended Erie, which was adopted. He was then solicited to accept a sailing master's position in the navy, which he accepted, and was at once ordered to Erie with instructions to immediately commence the construction of gun boats, which work he speedi'y began late in October following. Upon his arrival at Erie, was or- dered to report to Commodore Chauncey at Sackett's Harbor, or to the commanding officer at Black Rock, for further in- structions ; which order he obeyed and received the following reply : " Black Rock, Oct. 2d, 1812. " Sir ; — Your letter of the Ibih ultimo, directed to Commo- dore Chauncey or the commanding officer on Lake Erie, I have received, together with its enclosed — a copy of your instructions from the Honorable the Secretary of the Navy, each of which, 'I HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 9 I M> ^1 ' together with a copy of this letter, I have enclosed to him for his consideration. '' It appears to me utter 'y impossible to build gun boats at Presqu 'ile. There is not a sufficient depth of water on the bar to get them into the !ake. Should there be \vater, the place is at all times open to the attacks of the enemy, and in all probability when ready for action, ultimately will fall into the hands of the enemy, and be a great annoyance to our forces Duilding and repairing at this place. From a slight ac- quaintance 1 have with our side of the lake, and with what information I have obtained from persons who have long navi- gated it, I am under the impression Lake Erie has not a single harbor calculated to fit out a naval expedition ; and the only one convenient, I am at present at, which is in between Squaw Island and the Main, immediately in the mouth of Niagara River. I have no further communication to make upon the subject. Probably in a few days I shall be in possession of Commodore Ghauncey's impressions, when you shall again hear from me. " With esteem, yours, &c., "J. D. Elliott, U. S. N. ''^Sailing Ilaster Daniel Dobbins.'''' Mr. Dobbins (that being the modest title applied to sailing master) at once replied as follows, viz : "Erie, Oct. 11th, 1812. " Dear Sir : — Yours of the second inst. is received. In regard to the idea entertained by you, that this place is not a suitable one to build gun boats at, allow me to differ with you. There is a sufficiency of water on the bar to let them into the lake, but not a sufficiency to let heavy armed vessels of the enemy into the bay lo destroy them. The bay is large and spacious, and completely land-lockei, except at the entrance. I have made my arrangements in accordance with my own convictions, for the purpose of procuring the timber and other material for their construction. I believe I have as perfect a 10 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. li' knowledge of this lake as any other man on it, and I believe you would agree witn me were you here, viz : That this is the place for a naval station. " I remain yours, very respectfully, &c., " Daniel Dobbins, U. S. N. " Ideut. J. D. Ellintt, U. S. iV." This letter from Elliott was the only information Mr. Dobbins got from that quarter ; and not being satisfied, he hastened to Black Rock, where he found a Lieutenant Angus in command ; and as he (Angus) had not heard from Commodore Ghauncey, or from any other source, of the building of gun boats at Erie (Presqu 'ile) he was at a loss what course to pursue. Mr. Dobbins, however, employed a skillful ship carpenter — the only one to be obtained — and returned to Erie, determined to urge forward the work with such house carpenters and laborers as he could obtain. Feeling the importance of the occasion, and not receiving instructions from any quarter, he wrote the Department, asking for such, and for funds, having expended what he had at first received. The v\^ork was nov^ pushed as rapidly as possible, having received instructions and funds from the Department. The winter was a very severe one, which retarded the work in many respects. It being still urged at the Department that Black Rock was a more suitable place than Erie for a naval station, Mr. Dobbins wrote the Secretary upon the subject, of which the following is an extract : "Erie, December 19th, 1812. *' To Hon. the Secretary of the Navy : '' Sir : * * * ii^ regard to the vessels cut down, and in ^i\ ' . HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 11 an unfinished state at Blaci: Rock, there can be but little confi- dence placed in their safety. The yard is within reach of the enemy's batteries, and if finished, the vessels could be cut tO pieces in passing up the rapids into the lake." * * * It will be remembered that Commodore Ghauncey com- manded on Lake Erie as well as Ontario, and continued in command until after the battle, in fact, until April, 1814. CHAPTER II. V CA/BOUT the 1st of January, 1813, Chauncey, accompanied -^-^by Henry Eckford (Naval Constructor) officially visited Erie — approved the work of Mr. Dan'l Dobbins and gave in- structions to get out timber, and prepare for the building of two "sloops of war;" which additional work was rapidly pushed, and the keels ready to lay, with much of the timber on hand, when Mr. Noah Brown, master ship builder from New York, v/ith a gang of twenty-five carpenters, arrived about the 10th of March. In a letter from Mr. Dobbins to the Department under date of March 14th, 1873, we find the following, viz : * * " The keels of the two sloops of war are ready to lay, with most of the timber on hand — the gun boats are ready for calking, and everything looks encouraging in that respect ; and yet, I have 12 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. my fears of the secret incendiary, as well as the prowling spy of the enemy, and in an unguarded moment our labor may be destroyed. As a substitute for a guard, I have made arrange- ments with the workmen in the yard to stand guard until I hear from you. Mr. Brown joins me in my opinion in regard to the danger, and the course I intend to pursue." This guard, in connection with a well armed volunteer company com- manded by Captain Thos. Forster, composed of sixty citizens, constituted for some time the only protection of the town and vessels on the stocks. Commodore Perry arrived on the 27th from Black Rock, and at once assumed command. The defenceless condition of the vessels and the town at once claimed his attention, and he immediately sent for General Mead, the military commander in that portion of Pennsylvania ; the result of which conference was the calling out of the military force under his command, or sufficient for a guard, and in a short time one thousand mititia were in camp, which was ultimately reinforced by sev- eral hundred volunteers from the interior of the State. Although Erie (Presqu 'ile) had twice been occupied as a Fiilitary post — first by the French as early as 1760, and subse- quently by the United States in 1798, and where the latter had a stockade-fort with three small block-houses and other military fixtures — yet not a single piece of ordnance remained, and the only thing in the shape of a cannon was a small iron boat hoivitzer, with which the villagers celebrated the Fourth of July, and other occasions, belonging to General Kelso, it having been found by him on the beach of the lake, where probably it had been left by the wrecking of an armed French batteau. HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 13 Nothing now remains of the French fort, but portions of some earthworks. The American fortifications, though gone to ruins, were put in condition and occupied. In comparison with the great facilities for ship building of the present day, we can form but a remote idea of the diff' puI- ties Commodore Perry and his compeers had to encountei in building, and equipping, his squadron. All the carpenters and blacksmiths in the country having been employed by Mr. Dobbins in building the gun boats, and all the stores in the village ransacked for iron, and then forced to get the most of it from Pittsburgh, Commodore Perry found but little to work with, the great responsibility resting upon his shoulders, and the gigantic task before him. He, however, managed to get a small supply for immediate use from Pittsburgh and Buffalo. But the gallant young hero was equal to the task, and started into the work with all the energy and determination his future achievements demonstrated. He at once wrote the Secretary of the Navy what was immediately required, when carpenters and blacksmiths were ordered from Philadelphia. Mr. Dobbins was dispatched to Black Rock for seamen and chests of arms, and such ordnance as he could manage to transport, which was a heavy task, considering the bad condition of the roads incident to the breaking up of spring through a new country. On the 30th of March, Sailing Master W. V. Taylor, a very skillfnl officer and thorough seaman, arrived from Sackett's Harbor, with twenty officers and seamen. Perry now deter- mined to leave him in command and proceed to Pittsburgh, to hasten the workmen en route from Philadelphia, and make further arrangements for supplies. Upon his arrival at Pitts- 14 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. m m ill! 'M i I ; burgh made arrangements for canvas for the sails to be brought from Philadelphia, including cables, anchors and other supplies. He met with a Captain A. R. Woolley, an intelligent ordnance officer of the army, from whom he received valuable aid and advice in the way of procuring armament, and matters per- taining to it, and from whom he obtained four small field pieces, and some muskets. Captain Woolley also volunteered to supervise the casting of the carronades and shot, and other requisites. Perry started on his return to Erie on the 7th of April, and on his arrival found the work upon the vessels rap- idly progressing; though Mr. Dobbins had been able to get through with but one 12-pounder from Buffalo, and three chests of muskets, — floods, sweeping away of bridges, and almost impassable roads having to be overcome. Perry now, in conjunction with General Mead, had a redoubt thrown up at the point where the land lighthouse now stands ; and Mr. Dobbins having in the meantime arrived from Buffalo with two long 12-pounders, they were mounted upon it. On Garrison Hill another was thrown up, with the four pieces obtained at Pittsburgh mounted thereon. Perry also had a rude block house erected upon the bluff overlooking the yard where the large vessels were constructing, and where a brigade of troops were encamped. There was also another redoubt thrown up on the bluff commanding the yard where the gun boats were still on the stocks, with an encampment of troops to garrison it, and guns mounted as fast as they could be obtained from Buffalo. The two "sloops of war" were built at the mouth of the Cascade Creek, about one mile above the village, as a greater , HISTORY or THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 15 I depth of water could bo obtained at this point for launching. The gun boats were constructed upon a wide beach of the bay, at a point now known as " Reed's Dock," near the village. Mr. Dobbins having been awarded the task of transporting the heavy ordnance from Black Rock, or the temporary naval station at Gonjaquades Creek, just below that place, to Erie ; and after managing to get a few through by land, notwithstand- ing the almost impassable roads, and then by open boats, as soon as the ice in the lake was out sufficiently for a passage, called forth the best energies of Mr. Dobbins, as it was done in the face of the enemy, they being aware of what was [^oing on ; and as soon as the ice permitted, their Spies were constantly on the lookout. As a sample of one of these hazardous trips, he started to bring up two long 32-pounders, weighing 3,600 pounds each. In the way of a craft, he was only able to pro- cure an old "Derham boat, so-called, which had been used to boat salt from Schlosser to Fort Erie ; and after fitting her up as best he could, with timbers placed lengthwise in her bottom, got the guns on board, including a quantity of naval stores. When ready, tracked up the rapids of Niagara River and started for Erie, having a four-oared boat in company. He kept near the American shore, but dare not show his sail except at night. When off Cattaraugus, in the night, it came on to blow heavily from northwest, and in order to keep her off the beach, they made what sail they could with two planks for leaboards, and, after a struggle, succeeded in getting an offing. But their troubles were not ended : the great steering- oar unshipped, and the boat fell off into the trough of the sea. The heavy rolling soon carried away the step of the mast 16 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. iiH before they could get the sail down. But the repairs were soon made and they got sail on again, when it was found she was leaking badly, caused by the heavy rolling, with so much weight in her bottom, and likely to founder. As the old maxim has it, "necessity is the mother of invention," Mr. Dobbins took a coil of rope they had on board, and passing the rope round and round her, from forward to aft, and heaving the turns taut with a gunner's hand spike, thus managing to keep her afloat, with all hands bailing. At daylight they found themselves some ten miles below Erie, with two of the enemy's cruisers in sight in the offmg to windward. However, the wind had veered more to the eastward, and they made port with a fair wind — their consort, having parted company with them in the night, safely made port, and reported Mr. Dobbins' boat lost. Gangs of additional carpenters, blacksmiths, sailmakers, riggers, &c.,soon arrived from New York and Philadelphia and the work went bravely on. / > i h li 1 * I ill • in CHAPTER III. ON THE 23d of May, Perry suddenly took his departure for Lake Ontario, taking Mr. Dobbins with him, and leaving Sailing Master Taylor in command at Erie. They left that % , HISTORY OF THE BATTIE OF LAKE ERIE. 17 evening in a four-oared boat. At the contemplated sortie upon Fort George, Perry having been offered by Ghauncey the com- mand of the seamen and marines that might land. After a trip full of discomforts and dangers, they reached Schlosser on the third day. It being impossible to get a conveyance from there, Mr. Dobbins managed to procure an old Ganadian pony, and an old saddle, with a rope girth, which the sailors had fitted from the painter of the boat. On this old Rosinant Perry mounted, in full loniform. Mr. Dobbins smiled at the Quixotic appearance of his chief, as also did Perry, and pleas- antly remarking, " Any port in a storm, Mr. Dobbins ; this is the best we can do." Mr. Dobbins advised him to take the boat's crew with him as a guard, the banks of the river being infested with prowling Indians and spies, but he refused, how- ever allowing Mr. Dobbins to accompany him on foot for some distance, both being armed. Perry then gave Mr. Dobbins orders to return to Schlosser and procure boats to take up a draft of seamen to Black Rock, which he said would be sent up in a few days, or directly after the affair of Fort George. On the 27th of May, Fort George fell. The part Perry bore in this telling capture is a matter of history ; and the first twig of the cluster of laurels, soon to adorn his brow. On the 28th, the detachment of officers and men arrived at Schlosser, and were immediately embarked for Black Rock, where they arrived the next day ; Perry had already arrived at Black Rock, having gone up by land. After the capture of Fort Gebrge, the enemy evacuated the Niagara frontier to a great extent, and Perry at once determined to get the vessels purchased by the Government and prepared for 18 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. Ill li i'; war purposes by Henry Eckford, and blockaded in Gonjaquades Greek by the batteries of the enemy on the opposite ?hore, up to Erie, if possible. At once the guns were dismounted on the batteries, and mounted upon the vessels, and the naval stores got on board. On the 6th of June, the vessels being ready, the tedious work of tracking them up the rapids commenced. This arduous task lasted a week. In addition to ox-teams and sailors, they had the assistance of two hundred soldiers, under the command of Captains Brevoort and Youngs. On the morning of the 13th, the last vessel got safely out of the rapids. The officers and soldiers detailed by General Dearbourn to assist in getting the vessels up the rapids, were, at the request of Perry, allowed to remain on board to assist in navigating and defending the vessels on their passage to Erie. This little flotilla was composed of the following vessels, viz: Brig " Cale- donia," (prize) armament two long 24-pounders and one long 12-pounder ; schooner " Samers," (formerly " Catherine ") two long 1 8 -pounders ; sloop " Trippe," (formerly "Contractor") one long 24-pounder ; schooner "Ohio," one long 24-pounder; schooner " Amelia," one long 24-pounder. I have not the names of the commanders at hand, except that the " Caledonia" was made the flagship for the time, and of course was commanded by Perry, the ''Ohio" by Mr. Dobbins ; the rest of the commanders were ordered from Erie. On the evening of the 15th they sailed for Erie, but were driven ba '\y a heavy wind the next day. On that evening they sal. .i. Great vigilance was necessary in order to elude the of the enemy then cruising at the foot of the lake, and constantly on the lookout for them. The British iii i I HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 19 fleet consisted of the following vessels, viz : " Queen Charlotte," armament 17 guns ; '* Lady Provost," 13 guns ; " Hunter," 10 guns ; " Little Belt," 3 guns ; schooner " Chippewa," 1 gun. Had they encountered our little flotilla there would have been some warm work, but the disparity of force was too great, consequently, victory would have been with them, ; nd British ascendancy on the upper lakes would have been prolonged. However, fortune favored the gallant Perry, and he managed to elude them. So near were they to meeting, that when off Dunkirk, the wind being light ahead, and the weather hazy, Perry anchored his vessels close in shore in order not to be seen from the offing. While there, a man made his appearance on the bank of the lake and made signals. Perry sent a boat for him, when he gave the information that the enemy had been at anchor the night before off the 20 mile creek below Erie, and sent on shore to get fresh supplies — that from an in- termediate point he could see both fleets at the same time. But good luck was on our side ; Perry with his little squadron entered the harbor of Erie, all safe, on the morning of the 19th of June. Every preparatior and precaution had been attended to by the ever vigilant young hero. Ho had arranged a line of battle, when sailing abreast or in line ; also a code of signals, which were as follows : " One gun — Underway to get. Green at the fore — Form the order of sailing ahead. Green at the main — Form the order of sailing abreast. Green at the main peak — Form the order of battle on the starboard tack. Green in the fore rigging — Form the order of battle on the larboard tack. Green in the main rigging — Close more the present order. IP! ' W ml j!; III ^in 20 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE EniE. White at the fore — Open more the present order. White at the main — Tack. Wliite at the main peak — Follow the motions of the flagship. Ensign at the main gaff — Engage the enemy. White at the main, with stop in the middle — Chase. Ensign in the fore rigging — Repair on board flagship, all Commanders. Green and white at the main gaff — Gome within hail. It is expected Command 's will pay stiict attention to the order of sailing. No property other than public, or passengers to be received on board any of the vessels under my command. 0. H, PERRY." When at the lower end of the lake, the British squadron usually rendezvoused at what is known as " Mohawk Bay " below Grand River. This is an indentation of the main, with a small island in front, and a long reef extending off" to the easlward — making a fine lea, with sea room inside and good holding ground. From here they would sail to keep watch of the movements on the American side. They were rampant on hearing of Perry arriving safely at Erie v/ith b*s little fleet, despite their vigilance. The vessels to comprise the squadron were now all within the bay at Erie, and the equipping and arming went on rapidly^ The court house had been converted into a sail loft ; the sails were nearly completed, while the rigging was being fitted on board the vessels. It will be remembered that Commodore Chauncey was the senior officer on Lake Erie as well as Ontario ; and that every- thing of importance connected with building and equipping the squadron had to come through him, instead of coming direct to Perry from the Department. Thus the delay of many HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 21 all matters, particularly in procuring crews for the vessels. The two "sloops of war" — afterward named "Lawrence" and " Niagara " — were built after the same models, being 100 feet straight rabbit, 110 feet between the perpendiculars, 30 feet beam, and 9 feet hold, fiush deck, and pierced for 20 guns with two stern ports. Mr. Brown, the efficient and enterpris- ing master builder, gave them this shallow depth of hold in order to have a good heighth of "quarters" or bulwarks, and at the same time avoid showing a high side above the water, and also to secure a light draught of water. They were hastily constructed of such timber as came handy, though staunchly built. In the language of Mr. Brown to one ot the workmen, who was somewhat particular in finishing his job, "We want no extras — plain work is all that is required ; they will only be wanted for one battle ; if we win, that is all that is wanted of them ; if the enemy are victorious, the v/ork is good enough to be captured." CHAPTER IV. Ca)n error has got into sc -^-^name — claiminer it as "St. some accounts of the old ship's -claiming it as "St. Lawrence," after the river of that name, as the other vessel was named " Niagara " after the Niaga^'i River. The name was given by the Navy Department ml \! ' i : 22 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. li'i ; \'ii i ■;;;■ 1 I I II ■ ■'Hi' i 1 !«! 1 in honor of Captain James Lawrence, who fell mortally wounded while in command of the frigate " Chesapeake " in her unfortunate encounter with the British frigate " Shannon ;^' and Perry adopted Lawrence's last words as a motto for his lighting flag, viz : *' DonH give up the Ship^ The schooner "Ariel" (of pilot boat model) and "Scorpion" were about 63 tons burden ; the " Porcupine " and •' Tigress " about 52 tons. The tonnage of the vessels brought from Black Rock were as follows, viz: Brig '* Caledonia" (captured by Lieutenant Elliot from under the guns of Fort Erie) was 85 tons ; schooner "Somers," 65 tons; sloop "Trippe," 63 tons; schooner " Ohio," 62 tons ; schooner " Amelia," 72 tons. This latter vessel was cordemned on examination after reaching Erie, and sunk in the harbor. The gun boats being completed, were launched about the last of April — immediately fitted out, armed, and rendezvoused with the other vessels in the vicinity of the yard where the sloops of war were on th? stocks, to defend them in case of an attack. There appears some discrepancy between authors and those who should have a correct knowledge of the date when the " Lawrence " and " Niagara " were Ij^n-ched. Mackenzie has it " on the 24th of May," and most accounts have adopted that date. From circumstances, and in fact, direct data^ as also the opinion of living witnesses who were connected with their construction, the " Lawrence " was launched on or about the 25th of June, and the " Niagara" on the 4th of July. Full crews f-^" the vessels was now the Important mat- ter, and up to the 25th of June, there had been but HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 23 m .11 about one hundred and fifty men and officers received from Lake Ontario, the point they were expected from, and many of these were on the sick list. Perry was every day receiving communications from the Navy Department, urging him to hasten the equipment of his squadron, so as to act in conjunction with General Harrison, in a combined movement against the enemy by land and water. This was very perplex- ing to Perry, as he was short of officers and men ; and to make matters worse, the 200 soldiers, with Captains Brevoort and Youngs, whom had gone up in the vessels from Black Rock to Erie, and Perry had made application to retain, and be dis- tributed through the squadron as marines, were recalled to Black Rock. On the 10th of July, Perry had received a letter from General Dearbourn, saying, " by order of the War De- partment, the officers and soldiers must return," excepting Captain Brevoort, whom he permitted to remain, as Captain B. had navigated the lakes several years in command of the brig "Adams" under the auspices of the War Department, and would be of great service. The troops were sent off immedi- ately in boats under the command of Captain Youngs. This was a sad blow to Perry. However, after writing urgent letters to Chauncey, he got news of a draft of men and officers being forwarded, and on the 17th dispatched Mr. Dobbins with two boats — to be joined by others at Buffalo, and bring them to Erie. The fofiowiug is the order : ''Erie, July 17th, 1813. " Sir : — You will repair to Buffalo with the two boats, and there wait until the officers and men destined for the vessels of war at this place, arrive. You will upon your arrival at Buffalo endeavor to collect, in conjunction with Mr. Carter, boats, in 'W ■IS Ml Hi M I 11 1 ;| 24 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. addition to the four belonging to the Navy, for the transporta- tion of the men, say three or four hundred, from that place to Erie. The boats to be collected at Buffalo Greek. Great cau- tion will be necessary on your way up, to prevent being intercepted by the enemy. Should they appear off this harbor, I will send an express to Cattaraugus and the 20 mile creek, to give you information. " Very respectfully, &c., "0. H. PERRY. •* Sailing Master Daniel Dobbins^ As an excuse for frequently mentioning the name of Sailing Master Dobbins, will state, that I have his papers and memo- randa made at the time ; and as he was actively engaged in getting up and equipping the squadron, and in operations on the upper lakps during the war, valuable information is ob- tained therefrom ; including the fact that he was the only officer at the time who was familiar with the navigation and coast on both sides. Thus, he was invariably detailed for duty on all occasions away from Erie, requiring a knowledge of the navi- gation, locality, and people ; as also a good proportion of self- reliance and experience. Perry's officers were mostly young, without a knowledge of the lake navigation and the difficulties incider t thereto, though at home upon the deck of a man-of-war at sea. The average age of Perry's officers is given by Dr Usher Parsons, the medical officer of the flagship " Lawrence," viz : *' The average ago of the commissioned officers of Perry's squadron was less than twenty-three ; the average age of the warrant officers was less than twenty years." HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 25 CHAPTER V. n '^^Y THE 25th of July the vessels were completed, and -L^ armed, but only partially officered and manned. At the same time Perry was in frequent receipt of communications from the Department and General Harrison, urging him to a forward movement ; and to add still more to Perry's anxiety, Harrison informed him, "The enemy would in a few days launch their new ship " Detroit," and had just received a rein- forcement of experienced officers and prime seamen." This ivas truly annoying to Perry, as Ids vessels were not fully manned ; however, those he had were being well disciplined. Everything in the way of completion and preparation was fully attended to. The supplies of ammunition, stores, &c., were stowed temporarily, to get the best trim of the vessels. This was done that everything could be replaced with alacrity, as they would have to be taken on shore in getting the large vessels over the bar. The enemy made frequent visits near the roadstead off the harbor, and sometimes the " Queen Charlotte " would visit alone. At other times the whole squadron v/ould make the menace. On the 21st of July, they made one of these '^ calls," when the gun boats ran down to the bar at the entrance, and exchanged shots with them, with but little effect, on our side at least, when they bade adieu, and >:quared away for Canada, probably to report. Previous to the war the English had upon the lakes what they termed a "Provincial Marine;" the vessels had a light 26 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. s armament, and were used to transport troops, Indian goods, and frequently individual property, as there were but few merchant vessels at that period ; several of the British squadron were of this class, though they had subsequently been refitted and armed. Here again was a lack of knowledge of the frontier on the part of the Government. The naval force upon Lake Erie should at first have been placed under a separate command, as Ghauncey had his hands full upon Lake Ontario, and of course could give but little attention to the operations on Lake Erie. Again, the men should have been sent direct from Philadelphia, instead of round by New York and Sackett's Harbor to Erie — making nearly double the distance. Many of the carpenters, sailmakers, blockmakers, &c., came from Philadelphia, then why not the seamen ? Had this course been pursued. Perry would have been on the lake with his squadron and captured the enemy's fleet before they could have got out their large ship, " Detroit ;" as also have co-operated with Harrison, and relieved the western end of the lake of the continued harassing they suffered. Once supreme upon the lake, the enemy would havo withdrawn his forces to Maiden and the Detriot River. Perry having established a recruiting station on shore to enlist landsmen from the troops, with the permission of the com- manding officer, had succeeded in getting about one hundred. In the meantime. Lieutenant John Brooks, Perry's chief marine officer, had enlisted some forty men as marines. Perry now concluded he had enough — some three hundred, after landing the invalids — to cope with the enemy before they got their new ship ^" Detroit ") out ; and a further incentive for a forward \ HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 27 goods, ut few uadron refitted on the ke Erie land, as ' course :e Erie, ielphia, I Erie — Denters, a, then I, Perry aptured ir large 3n, and irassing r would River. enlist le com- ' idred. marine ry now landing ?ir new brward move, was that there was a report that the enemy were en- deavoring to concentrate a heavy force at Long Point, from whence the troops were to be transported with the fleet to some point near Erie, where the troops and Indians were to be landed and act in conjunction with their fleet in an attempt to destroy the village and vessels. Perry hastily informed the Department that he apprehended no danger of their getting possession of the vessels, provided they did capture the village, as the vessels were off at anchor in the bay, where their fleet could not enter, and he could defend them against an attack from the shore. The enemy not being in the offing, and everything being ready for a move. Perry got bis vessels under way and moved down to the entrance of the channel, when preparations were immediately made for getting the heavy vessels over the bar. This was on Sunday, August 1st. In the afternoon General Mead and staff visited the Lawrence, and were received with a salute. The General was much pleased with the warlike ap- pearance of the vessels, particularly the "Lawrence" and "iuagara." The General had rendered valuable services in various ways in the building of the squadron, and in prepara- tions for their defense; and Perry availed himself of this opportunity to tender him hearty thanks, not only on his own account, but in behalf of the Navy Department. The " Lawrence" and " Niagara " were twin vessels in every respect — built from the same models, fitted and armed alike, and were full-rigged brigs. At the present day they would be considered small, but at that period they were immense. The people from the interior, on hearing the report of the guns in 28 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. inil m\ I 111! 1 !■« ilB . > firing tlie salute for General Mead, hastened to the village, expecting that the enemy \vas making an attack. The large vessels were a great curiosity, and looked formidable, in their eyes, in comparison with the small craft they had been accus- tomed to see ; and the big guns were giants of destruction in their estimation. They felt proud of the formidable appear- ance of our " war ships," and rejoiced that we now had a naval force able to cope with the British fleet, which had so long controled the lakes, and menaced us so frequently — "Gould meet the enemy and make them ours." They felt that there would soon be an end to the frequent alarms, and the imaginary war-whoop of the Indian would no longer haunt their midnight slumbers. They could now go to their homes and feel a security they had not felt for the last year. Early on the morning of the 2d, Mr. Dobbins took charge of the " Lawrence " as pilot, and kedged her to the entrance of the channel, he having sounded and buoyed it out the day before. The water was found to be quite low, in consequence of the east wind. The " Niagara " was then kedged up near the bar and moored with springs upon her cables, her port broadside facing the roadstead. The smaller vessels were then moored in a somewhat similar manner, and preparations made to defend the " Lawrence " while on the bar. The work of getting out the guns, ballast, and other heavy matter went on briskly on board the " Lawrence," and in three hours every- thinff ^'. ^o removed to the sand beach, the guns being rolled up on timbers so that they could be quickly reshipped should oc- casion require. The fallacious yarn of the guns being " hoisted out with the charges in them and placed in boats which were \ HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 29 > dropped astern," is novel in the extreme, and does injustice to the intelHgence of Perry. The absurdity, if not danger^ of rousing loaded guns about in this way, particularly amongst the sand, must be obvious to any one, but more particularly to those familiar with handling and practicing with ordnance. This attempt to show extraordinary preparation for an attack condemns itself, as it is well known it takes but a few moments to load a gun with prepared ammunition. Again, it has been recorded that a " water battery of three long 12-pounders hud been mounted upon the beach," &c. This is also error; they were mounted in the redoubt on the bank of the lake, where the land lighthouse now stands, some 100 feet above the water, and completely commanding the channel. There was also the " field battery " on Garrison hill, directly abreast of the channel. The " camels " were immediately got alongside of the " Law- rence," timbers placed athwart the vessel, with the ends resting upon the "camels," and the necessary preparations made for lifting. These '' camels " were an invention of Mr. Brown ; were oblong, with square ends, 90 feet long, 40 feet wide, and six feet depth of hold, with a strong deck. They had two holes cut through the bottom, six inches square, with curbs to guide the long plugs to the holes when required. The " camels " were placed one on each side, as before stated, the plugs taken out and the " camels " filled, the heavy timbers thrust through the port-holes, the blocking and lashing secured, when the holes were plugged up, and the pumps set at work. Thus, as the water was discharged, the vessel was lifted. Owing to continued easterly winds, causing low water, the operations 30 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. with the " camels" had to be repeated before the " Lawrence " could be floated. After a laborious task, night and day, she was got over on the morning of the 4th, and towed out to her anchorage. As a sample of the never-flagging energy of Perry, by two o'clock P. M. everything was replaced, guns mounted, a salute fired, and she ready for action. The "Niagara" was now towed to the entrance of the channel, and preparations made to lighten her, while the " camels " were being prepared for their work. CHAPTER VI. m ill; ili it IN THE meantime, early in the morning, the enemy made their appearance in the offing, and hove-to to reconnoitre, when about eight miles out. The smaller vessels having been taken over the bar with but little trouble, were all anchored with the " Lawrence ;" the wind was from the southeast and weather hazy. Perry, expecting them to attack, made hasty arrangements to give them as warm a reception as possible ; and, if necessary, to run the " Lawrence " ashore ijnder the guns of the battery on the bank, which, with the field battery on Garrison hill, and many of the " Niagara's " guns (the bal- ance being still on board) which had been hastily mounted upon the beach, including the heavy guns of the smaller ves- HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 31 sels, the enemy would have had their hands full. After reconnoitering for an hour or so, they bore up and stood across the lake. At this moment Mr. Dobbins had arrived alongside with a launch loaded with shot. Perry called him aft to make enquiries in regard to the appearance of the coast from the offing, he (Perry) having never had an opportunity to observe. Mr. D. told him " The shoreline would show quite indistinct at the distance the enemy were ou^ in consequence of the hazy weather and the high land in the rear ; he then called Perry's attention to the fact that the vessels were all heading the same course of the " Niagara," and she hard aground on the bar. Perry at once exclaimed, " They have been deceived — they think the vessels are all gver the bar, but not quite ready ; bear a hand sir with the lighters — hurry up everything on the beach," &c. Perry wishing to know the course they would take, dispatched the schooner " Ariel," Lieutenant Packett, to follow them at a distance and ascertain, if possible. On the return of the " Ariel " Packett reported that they had gone to Long Point, which was afterwards ascertained to be the fact. It was afterwards known, also, that after landing a courier they bore up the lake for Maiden, and never showed themselves outside of the mouth of Detroit River until their encounter with our squadron on the 10th of September. Some authors have it, that " Perry sent out the schooners " Scorpion," Sailing Master Ghamplain, and " Ariel," Lieutenant Packett, to annoy the enemy at long shot, and keep them at bay,' ' &c. This is error ; the above is correct. The absence of the enemy was more to the liking of the gallant Perry ijhan their presence at this particular time. It would have been con- 32 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. .S-ft- sidered an absurdity to send two small schooners off into the lake to " annoy and keep at bay " the whole British fleet. Should they have got within range of the enemy, they must necessarily be within range of the enemy's long guns ; and a little crippling of the schooners would be sure to lead to capture, as the wind was ahead to return. Besides, by being delayed, they might have discovered the true position of our vessels ; as the sun rose it \, ould clear away the haze, with probably a shift of wind, when the vessels afloat would swing to the wind and show the position of the " Niagara." This would be poor strategy, and Perry knew his business better than to adopt such. These facts have been stated to the writer by Mr. Dobbins — and he has heard other officers conversing upon the subject, including Lieutenant Packett. Besides all this, Mr. D., in a conversation with Lieutenant Rollett, a Provincial officer in his Majesty's service, with whom he was acquainted previous to the war, says he " was attached to the " Lady Provost " at this time, and that they were deceived precisely in the same relation Perry had conjectured — that they well knew the purpose for which the " Ariel " had been sent out, and endeavored to de- ceive her until she was well out of sight on her return." The enemy having made off, the work of lightening on board the " Niagara " went on rapidly — in a few hours every- thing was on the beach, and the " camels " at work. In the nieantime the wind had shifted to the westward, which raised the water, and the next day she was floate^l, armed, and fully equipped for battle. The schooners " Ohio " and "Amelia" were left inside for the present, the " Amelia " being con- demned as unseav/orthy. \ HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 33 Perry now had his squadron all safely in the lake, and, with the exception of the proper complement of men, was ready to meet the enemy. When the British squadron had made their last visit but one to Erie, they went to Port Dover, on the Main, in the rear of Long Point, where Commodore Barclay and officers had been invited to dine with the inhabitants. In reply to a compli- mentary toast, Barclay said, " I expect to find the Yankee brigs hard and fast aground on the bar at Erie when I return ; in which predicament it will be but a short job to destroy them." The result of this " return " 1 have already stated. However, had he made the attempt, he would have found it more of a " job " than he anticipated. CHAPTER VII. ;ed 11 /TAHE whole country was in a blaze of glory over the victory J- of the 10th of September, and yet Perry was deservhig of full as much credit for having got up his squadron under such unfavorable circumstances. Had the Government placed the operations on the upper lakes under a separate command, many of the difficulties would have been obviated. It is but natural to presume that Ghauncey would not send fidl supplies from Lake Ontario, unless there was a surplus over and above 3 34 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. '$ H-* Porcupine," 50 "Tigress," 50 n 20 •< <( 4 <( (( 3 <( <( 2 K (< 2 (( <( I ex (( I < . (( I (( " Queen Charlotte," .260 "Lady Provost," 96 Brig " Hunter," 75 " Little Belt," 60 "Chippewa," 35 17 13 10 3 I 63 Tonnage 840 54 9 vessels. Tonnage 826 6 vessels. Which shows 9 guns in favor of the British squadron, and 14 tons in favor of the American squadron. It is well known to be. better to have a battery concentrated on board of one heavy vessel than in several small ones ; and the British had three formidable vessels, as the " Lady Provost " was classed as a regular man-of-war schooner, mounting thir- HISTORY OF THE RATFLE OF LAKE ERIE. 73 teen guns, most of which were of heavy calil)er. She wouki have been a match for any three of the A? ^rican vessels, ex- cepting the " Lawrence " and " Niagara." As for crews, the force of each squadron was a])Out equal, viz : 500, all told ; though the British had the advantage, as 116 in the American squadron were on the sick list on the day of the battle, seamen suffering the worst, as the change from salt to fresh walcr had a bad effect upon them, and many were down with the bilious fever, &c. Whereas, the Brih"sh had but that day left port, and of course, all in good liealth. In re- spect to the number ot seamen, say 150, there was but little difference ; and in regard to the balanro of the crews, the American, like the British, were mostly made up of soldiers and landsmen. There was, however, one other ijreat advantage they had, viz : The " Queen Charlotte," '' Lady Provost," and brig " Hun- ter" were regularly built war vesaels^ and had been cruising for several years — but monj particularly since the declaration of war. During the spring and summer of 1813, and while Perry was getting up the American squadron, they we^e constantly cruising off Erie. Thus, you see, they must have been in complete condition, and the crews in a good -late of discipline. In regard to Elliot leaving the " Niagara " to bring up the smaller vessels, then some distance astern into close action, some of Elliot's enemies claim that he was ordered to do so by Perry. This is evidently error. It would be a matter of great delicacy — to say the least of it — to order an officer of nearly his own rank from his ship under such circumstances- to perform such duty. The evidence of Perry, in his note to Elliot, of the \ *,-*«, .-<■-- lilka- ...«. 74 HISTORY OF THE RATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 18th of September, at Put-in-Bay gives undoubtedly the truth, viz: "Your anticipating my wishes to bring up the small ves- sels into close action, thereby contributing largely to our victory," &c., as also using the same language in substance in his report to the Secretary of the Navy. Again, it was but characteristic of Perry to use the language imputed to him by Captain Bre- voort, viz : After the action and Captain Elliot returned on board (the " Niagara ") Captain Perry caught him by the hand, saying, " I owe much of this to you," &c. This was the outpouring of a generous and chivalrous nature. Perry had gained a grand victory, and he felt like embracing every one who had contri- buted to the brillant achievement. Most certainly the volun- teering to bring up the distant smaller vessels into close action, and the prompt manner it was executed, and their efficient services afterwards, (Barclay claiming "the raking fire of the gun boats to be terrific on board the ' Detroit,' ") Elliot having ordered them to cease firing on the smaller vessels and direct it at the " Detroit ' ' and " Queen Charlotte." Then, if from any implied improper motives he had not closed with his antagon- ist, the "Queen Charlotte,'' this gallant act should aid in cover- ing up the sin to some extent. V. CHAPTER XV. u ¥0E nf -n ERR is human, to forgive is divine," and that " none of -us are infallible," should ever be uppermost in our minds. Perry, with all his nobleness of character, gallantry HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OP LAKE ERIE. 76 < and truthfulness of purpose, erred in accusing Elliot of cowardice after mentioning him in the most complimentary terms in his report to the Secretary of the Navy and subsequent letters, as also in conversations. It should also be borne in mind that the previous and subsequent conduct of Elliot, on Lake Ontario, and capturing the two vessels fmm under the guns of Fort Erie, as also on Lake Erie, evinced anything but cowardice. The writer, had a conversation with a naval officer of high rank, (now deceased) a few years since, who said : " It is a mistake to accuse Elliot of being a coward. I made a cruise with him some years since, and think I know him like a book ; coward- ice is the last sin that could be laid at the door of " Old Jesse." He was somewhat egotistical and austere, yet a good othcer and thorough seaman. He was no coward, I assure you." Then as to the accusation of treachery, made by some of the accusers of Elliot, we will only give the facts and ci7'Gumstanc,es, and leave the reader to come to his own conclusions. In the first place, Elliot did not close with his allotted antagonist the " Queen Charlotte," as per order of Perry, and which was ex- pected by not only every intelligent officer in the American squadron, but also the British, but kept out of carronade-range until Perry boarded her — leaving the " Lawrence " to fight the enemy's heavy vessels almost single-handed. In the second place, he should have passed to leeward of the " Lawrence," or, between her and the enemy, when endeavoring to reach the head of the enemy's line, and thereby have drawn the heavy fire of the enemy from that crippled vessel. Then, on seeing that the " Lawrence " was silenced, and no signal thrown out from her, presumed the " commanding officer was killed," WliMi'.' - ■■ HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. intended to assume command. Tiiese accusations are vital in their importance, and should be well considered. Immediately after the battle the conduct of Elliot with the " Niagara " become the general topic of conversation, and Elliot criticised. Perry, with all the kindness of his forgiving nature, was anxious to stop this censuring of Elliot, and cau- tioned the officers to silence on this subject. The strongest defense Elliot had \vas the language of Perry himself. In a letter to Elliot at Put-in-Bay, under date of September 19th, in answer to one from Elliot of the previous day. Perry said : * * " I am indignant that any report should be in circulation prejudicial to your character, as respects the action of the 10th inst. It affords me pleasure that I have it in my power to assure you that the conduct of yourself, officers and crew, was such as to meet my warmest approbation. T consider the circumstances of your volunteering: to bring up the smaller vessels into close action as contributing largely to our victory. I shall ever believe it a premeditated plau of the enemy to disable our commanding vessel by bruiging all their force to bear upon her; and I am satisfied had they not pur- ;3ued this course the engagement would not have lasted thirty minuti's. I have no doubt if the '' Charlotte " had not made s, il to engage the " Lawrence " the "Niagara" would liave ta'cen her in twenty minutes. "V^iy respectfully, &c., ' 0. H. PERRY. " Capt. J. D, Elliot, U. S. S. ' Niagara: " It was afterwards claimed by Perry that these letters were given at the time to soothe the wounded feelings of Elliot, but not to be used for publication, which use u'a.v made of them. And furthermore, the complimentary matter in the letters was after vvards withdrawn, and the conduct of Elliot threatened to V \ HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 77 V I N be the subject of a court-martial, the charges preferred by Perry. We will also give some extracts from the lengthy letter of the officers of the '' Niagara " to the Secretary of the Navy — giving a detailed account of the battle from their standpoint: ''U. S. S. "NuGARA," 13th October. 1813. | "At Anchor off Detroit. / "Respected Sir: — We have with regret seen the condensed, and, suffer us to add, the partial statements of the late action on Lake Erie ; and, induced by motives of the warmest admi- ration and great respect for our commander. Captain J. D. Elliot, we take the liberty of laying before you our combined observations on the above late action, and knowing, as we do, your power of discrimination and impartiality of judgment, we commit it to you with full contldenceof its universal confidence and consideration. (Here is given a detailed account of the action, v/hich, as said before, is given from their standpoint, but of too great a length for insertion.) * * * We are unwilling to quit the subject without expressing our esti- mation of our noble commander. W^e feel it our duty to him and to ourselves to express our opinion of his conduct during the action, which was manifested by his cool, brave and judi- cious deportment, and are firmly of the opinion that his valor could not be surpassed by any ; and that in him the American flag has a most zealous, skilllul, and heroic defender. We have here endeavored, sir, to give you a succinct and minute account of the action from the commencement to the close; in doing this we have been actuated by unprejudiced love and respect for Captain Elliot. " We have the honor to be, sir, " Your obedient servants, kc "J. E. SMITH, Lieutenant, " H. MAGRATH, Purser, "J. J. EDWARDS, Lieutenant, "NELSON WEBSTER, A. M., "A. B. BREVOORT, Capt. 2d Reg t V. S. Tnamtry. ^^ Hon. Wm. Jones, Sec'y of the Navy, Washington Cifi/, JJ. CV 78 HISTORY OF THE BATl'LE OF LAKE ERIE. These officers were honorable, high-minded, and patriotic men ; therefore, their statements should not, by any means, be ignored ; and if treachery or cowardice was manifested by their commander, if for nothing else, for their ovm reputations, it is to be presumed, they would not have sanctioned or en- deavored to cover up such manifestations of conduct. Some little excuse for these statements may be given thus "v^^se, viz : To treat this grave question with a lighter hand and to some extent illustrate in accord with human nature, we will state that it is pro'3rbial with the officer, as well as Jack, to regard the reputation of his ship, when assailed, with the same feel- ing, and defend lier with the same spirit, he would his wife. But we will take leave of this unforti^nate controversy and re- vert to more pleasant and interesling incidents of the action. Had all been like the noble and g'enerous Perry this bad feel- ing would have been strangled in its infancy, and never have gone out to th/' public. W CHAPTER XVI. /TVO SHOW how raged the battle on board the " Lawrence,'' JL we will give some statements of Dr. Parsons, her surgeon . " The wounded began to come down before the '' Lawrence" opened her battery, and, for one, I felt impatient at the delay. HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 79 In proper time, howe^^er, the war-dogs were let loose from their lash, and it seemed as though heaven and earth were at logger-heads. For more than two long hours little could be heard but the deafening thunders of our own broadsides, the crash of balls dashing through our timbers, and the shrieks of the wounded. These were brought down faster than I could attend to them, other than to stay the bleeding, or support the shattered limbs with splints, and pass them forward upon the berth-deck. Two or three were killed near me after being wounded. Among those early brought down was Lieut. Brooks, son of the late Gov. Brooks of Massachusetts, a most accomplished gentleman and officer, and renowned for personal beauty. A cannon-ball hit him in the hip ; he knew his doom, and inquired how long he could live ; I told him a few hours. He inquired two or three times how the day was going, and expressed a hope that the Commodore would be saved. But new comers from deck brought dismal reports, until finally it was announced that we had struck. In the lamentations of despair among the wounded I lost sight of poor Brooks for a few minutes ; but when the electrifying cry was heard that the enemy s two ships had struck, I rushed on deck to see if it was true, and then to poor Brooks to cheer him, but he was no more." " When the battle had raged an hour and a half, I heard a call for me at the small sky-light, and stepping forward, saw it was the Commodore, whose countenance was as calm and placid as if on ordinary duty. ' Uoctof,' said he, ' send me one of your men,' — meaning one of the six that were to assist me, — which was done instantly. In five minutes the call was repeated and obeyed, and at the seventh call, I told him he had them all. He then asked if any one could pull a rope, wlien two or three crawled upon deck and assisted at the last guns. When the battle was raging most severely, Midshipman Laub came down with his arm l)adly fractured ; I applied a splint, and requested him to go forward and lie down ; as he was leaving ine, and while my hand was upon him, a cannon-ball struck him in tlie side, dashing him against the other side of the room, which instantly terminated his sufferings. Gliades T- a 80 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. Pohig, a Narraganselt Indian, who was badly wounded, suffered in like manner. " There were some incidents, less painful to witness. Lieut. Yarnell had his scalp badly torn, and came below with the blood streaming over his face ; some lint was hastily applied and confined with a bandanna, with instructions to report for further dressing after battle. He at once returned upon deck. The hammocks stowed on deck had been knocked to pieces with the cannon-balls, and let loose the contents of some mat- t)'asses filled with flag-heads or cattails, which floated in the air like feathers. These gathered upon Yarnell's blood-covered head, and made it resemble that of a huge owl. " When the smoke cleared away after the battle was over, the two fleets were found completely mingled. Our own shattered ship, lying to the windward of them, was once more allowed to hoist her colors, which was cheered by the few feeble voices on board — making a melancholy sound to the boisterous cheers that preceeded the battle, when Perry's fighting flag, ' Don't give up the Ship,' was first mastheaded." It has been erroneously recorded by some authors that Perry took his little brother (Alexander) with him when he left the " Lawrence " for the " Niagara." This is error, I will give the language of Df. Parsons in regard to it, and none knew better: " After his return to his shattered ship. Perry walked aft, when his first remark was made to his intimate friend, Purser Ham- ilton, then lying wounded on deck, 'The prayers of my wife have saved me.' Then casting his eyes about, he inquired, < 'Where is my brother?' This brother was a young midship- man of thirteen years. He had, during the battle, acted as a sort of aid to Perry in running will: orders to diffe.-ent parts of tlie ship, for you must know that in the din and uproar of battle orders can be heard but a little distance. We made a general stir to look the boy up, not without fears that he had been knocked overboard, but he was soon found in his berth asleep, exhausted with the fatigues and excitement of the day, v^k HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 81 as also having received a severe thump from a hammock a cannon-ball had thrown against him." The hand of an all-wise providence had been held over the heads of the two brothers, and they were saved. The day after the battle, as some of our officers were con- versing with the British on board the " Detroit," one of the latter asked his comrade, " What has become of the Indians ?" Search was made and they discovered snugly stowed away in the cable tier. They were brought upon deck, much alarmed. However were soon assured they would not be hurt, and then became quite communicative.- When asked how they liked the sport, said, " No more come with one-armed captain (Bar- clay) in big canoe — shoot big gun too much. Gemokomon* (American) much big fight." This sort of warfare was not to their tastes. They had evidently been taken on board as *' sharp-shoofers," to pick off the officers. They were sta- tioned in the maintop of the " Detroit," and when the bullets began to fly aloft thought they wore all aimed at them, and hastily retreated to the deck, whore they found it no better, and then to the hold. They were sent to Maiden with some paroled officers who had familits there. The trip of Perry from the ** Lawrence " to the " Niagara " in a boat, it appears to us, is not properly understood or ap- preciated ; or rather, the act is eulogized instead of the '(/i/Aive. " If a victory is to be gained Til gain it," said Perry as he left the shattered " Lawrence." Such was his intention, " Gemok'unon/' signifying "Long-Kaife" or sword, an implement of warfare unitnown to them previous to their early wars with the whites. It is the name given to the " Vankees," 6 ''^'?■^ 82 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. and therein laid the merit. The passing from vessel to vessel had been frequently done where squadrons were engaged, and had been done that same day ; and furthermore, Elliot took the same boat, and twice traversed the length of our line, then stopped on board the " Somers " and took command of her in person. As for personal danger, it was everywhere on that occasion, and less, if anything, in a boat than on the deck of a vessel, particularly the "Lawrence." CHAPTER XVII. >r(i HE victory of the 10th gave us the command of the lake, J- and now Harrison was about to push matters for a victory on land. He had called upon the venerable Gov. Shelby of Kentucky, for volunteers, and invited the " veteran of King's Mountain " to command them in person, to which he respond- ed in the affirmative, though in his sixty-sixth year. The patriotic state of Kentucky was in a blaze of enthusiasm when the Governor issued his proclamation for volunteers, and twice the i' imber required showed themselves ready for the "war- path.' Soon he was on his winding way for the banks of Lake Erie, at the head of 3,500 mounted men, with such men as Henry, Desha, Allen, Caldwell, King, Ghilds, Trotter, R. M. and J. Johnson, Adin, Crittenden, McDowell, Walker and Barry, as subordinates. At Fort Ball (now Tiffin) they got news of Perry's victory, which hurried them on to Camp Por- tage, and where they arrived on the 15th. Harrison had some HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 83 > ' friendly Indians, of the Wyandot, Shawneese, Seneca and Delaware tribes, under their chiefs, as before named. The prisoners being disposed of, the wounded and sick cared for, every exertion was now made to put the available vessels of both squadrons in proper condition, and make the necessary arrangements for transporting Harrison's army, then encamped at Portage River and Fort Meigs, to the Canada shore. The vessels were "Niagara," "Caledonia," "Sotn^rs," "Ohio," "Trippe," "Scorpion," "Ariel," "Tigress," and "Porcupine," of the American, and " Hunter," " Lady Provost," " Little Belt," and " Chippewa," of the late British squndron. Perry made the "Ariel " the flagship, and sailed with her on the morning of the 19th for Camp Portage, in advance of the squadron, to counsel with General Harrison. It having been arranged to transport the army to Put-in-Bay first, the embark- ation commenced on the 20th and by the 24th the army of 4,500 men were all landed at Put-in-Bay, the horses to be left at Camp Portage, except the regiment of Col. R. M. Johnson, which was to go round the head of the Lake to Detroit and join the army there, provided the place could be re-captured. Harrison and staff took passage in the "Ariel." On the passage of the "Ariel " to Put-in-Bay, a little incident occurred which goes to confirm the saying, viz : "A kind and brave heart are apt to occupy the same breast." On board were a company of young Virginians, one of their number, who was but just recovering from a fever, approached Maj. Chambers, with whom he was acquainted, and who was then conversing with Lieut. Packet, commander of the "Ariel," and asked him in a mild and courteous manner " if it could be ^-MttttttlLi it fr li H J MI-m' 84 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. possible to obtain a cup of coffee from the cabin ; that'the cold, coarse food they were confined to in accordance with army regulations, he could not eat." The Major, being but slightly acquainted with Perry, asked Lieut. Packet, who hesitated, as there was such a crowd of officers on board, and the matter was apparently dropped. Perry happened to be seated near by and overheard the conversation, and without saying a word to either party, quietly ordered the steward to prepare supper for the whole squad, and in a short time they were all seated as best they could in the small cabin, enjoying a warm meal^ with Perry by their side attending to their wants. The next move concluded upon was to transport the army to an island called " Middle Sister," about twenty-five miles from the Canada shore, and where they were all safely landed by the 26th. Arrangements for transportation and debarkation being complete, on the morning of the 27th, the weather being favorable, the army was again embarked on the vessels and in boats, the vessels taking the boats in tow, and by two P. M. arrived at the point of destination, when the vessels were moored, with springs upon their cables, one-fourth of a mile from the shore, to cover the landing of the troops. The troops were successfully landed ; not finding any of the enemy in the neighborhood took up their line of march fur Maiden. They soon heard General Proctor had evacuated that post, and was in rapid retreat up the Canadian side of the Detroit River, leaving only a rear guard to destroy the barracks, navy yard, and stores. The squadron immediately moved round into the river, and followed the army as they advanced. On the 29th they reached Sandwich, when some vessels were dispatched HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 85 I with McArthur's brigade to take possession of Detroit. Colonel Johnson having joined the army, the movement was rapid in pursuit of the enemy. Perry having dispatched several of the small vessels to transport stores and assist with their arma- ment if necessary, and himself volunteered as aid to Harrison. Then followed the battle of the Thames, and the defeat of Proctor and deatti of Tecumseh. Harrison and Perrv now a/ returned to Detroit and issued a joint proclamation, dated Sandwich, October 17th, 1813, saying to the people of Upper Canada, that " all ar med resistance having ceased, and the country in the quiet possession of the Americans, thiit the laws and customs that existed previous to the conquest were hereby declared in force, and the inhabitants guaranteed protection in person and property so long as the district remained in possess- ion of the United States." Harrison also issued a proclamation, dated Detroit, September 29th, 1813, to the inhabitants of Michi- gan, establishing the laws in force previous to the surrender of Hull, and replacing the officers. After the defeat of Barclay and Proctor, and the death of Tecumseh, the Indians with the British army felt quite humble and disposed for peace. CHAPTER XVIII. /\0L. LEWIS CASS was now installed civil and military ^^ governor of Michigan, with his brigade, one thousand strong, as also to hold that portion of Canada just captured. -— ?s-:r- 86 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. The volunteers under Governor Shelby, and such portions of the militia as were not needed, were now disbanded. A portion of the squadron were now prepared to transport the remainder of the army to the lower end of the lake, to assist in the operations on the Niagara frontier, and were em- barked as soon as possible. The " Ohio," " Somers," " Scorpion," " Tigress," and " Porcupine " were left under the supervision of Colonel Lewis Cass to transport prisoners to Gamp Portage, and supplies from Cleveland. A letter awaited the gallant Perry, at Detroit, from the Sec- retary of the Navy, couched in flattering terms, announcing to him his promotion to the rank of Post Gaptain, and granting him leave of absence to visit his family in Rhode Island. Nothing now to detain him, Perry took Harrison and staff on board the '' Ariel " and sailed. On his way down, called at Put-in-Eay and found Barclay much improved, and able to be moved. Perry now informed Barclay of his success in obtain- ing a parole for him to return home. The wounded Commo- dore, with his attending surgeon, was then taken on board the " Ariel," when she sailed for Erie, the rest of the squadron having proceeded on their trip ; however, the " Ariel " being a fast sailor, arrived at Erie some hours in advance of the squad- ron. As she made her appearance off the point of the penin- sula the citizens assembled on the bank of the bay, when a salute was fired, as it was presumed the Commodore was on board. Perry and Harrison were received with great enthusi- asm on landing, and Perry, with Colonel Gaines, assisted the invalid Barclay up the hill to the shore quarters of Perry. In the evening the village of Erie was in a blaze of rejoicing, though I im l«H>-OIM». "• *■ HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 87 T Perry requested to have no demonstrations made near his quarters, to annoy his unfortunate guest, which was strictly observed, and which grateful attention Barclay duly appreci- ated. Here the intrepid Perry had built and equipped his vessels, and now he had relnrned for the first time after sailing mith the laurels upon his hrou\ His ambition had been satisfied — he had " met the enemy and made them his.'' CHAPTER XIX. WFTER making a hasty visit to view the shattered remains of his gallant old " flagship " in Misery Bay, and memory taking him back to the stirring scenes of the 10th — the still blood-stained deck of his shattered ship, a.: 1 he, himself, es- caping unscathed amid the storm and destruction, he raised his hands and gave thanks to the Preserver of all things. They sailed for Buffalo the next day, Perry bidding a final adieu to Erie, as he never returned. On the 24th the squadron arrived safe at Buffalo, where the troops were landed. Perry now, in an official letter, turned over the command on the Upper Lakes to Elliot, and then pursued his journey east, amid a blaze of rejoicing, to his home in Rhode Island. The prizes " Detroit " and " Queen Charlotte " being badly cut up, it was deemed inexpedient to try and remove them to - " r^%>. ^, ^W- IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) y A O /. ,<" * V, t LO i.l 25 h,: Jf la iiM ■Ir' IM !l.6 -»»■ m 0% Vi -/;#^ r ^ c^: c*l r ^A % o\ ;;> ^. % % V// Photographic Sciences Corporation wV 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 :716) 872-4503 "% s^^ «^ \M t '"fe^ %^\ "^^ I L ,j ^ ,].._ n ! 1 W h^f HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 91 and assit in fitting out the prizes " Detroit " and " Queen Char- lotl.e," and navigate them to Erie. They arrived about tlie 1st of May, and after some time were taken over the bar and moored in Misery Bay. The temporary post at Put-in-Bay \n as then broken up and the troops removed to Detroit. CHAPTER XXI. LV/FTER much difficulty the squadron sailed on the Mack- -^j-inaw expedition on the 25th of June, and reachefl Detroit on the 4th of July, where they took on board six hundred troops, under the command of Colonel Croghen. When on their passage up they encountered much difficulty in crossing the St. Clair flats, in consequence of shoal water. On reaching Fort Gratiot they took on board five hundred additional troops, under Colonel Cotgreave and Captain Gratiot, an engineer offi- cer. After visiting several posts on the Canadian side, and finding them abandoned, they sailed for Mackinaw, where they arrived about the 25th of July. Finding the post well fortified, \v^ith plenty of troops and a horde of Indians, they made an attempt to take it by landing upon the east side of the island. After a severe brush, in which the gallant Major Holmes was killed, they retreated to the vessels and abandoned the expe- dition. The sruadron then sailed for the lower end of the lake. At Nautawassaga, a block house was destroyed, and caused the enemy to burn the schooner " Nancy." laden with 92 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OP LAKE ERIE. stores and ammunition for Mackinaw. Lieutenant Worseley, Royal Navy, commanded at this post, who retreated to the in- terior with his forces. The squadron now sailei on their return, leaving the schooners " Scorpion " and " Tigress," Lieu- tenant Turner and Sailing Master Ghamplin in command, to cruise and watch, for the present, the movements of the enemy. Unfortunately, they were both surprised and captured at anchor one night, by a heavy body of troops and Indians in boats. In this unfortunate encounter the gallant young Ghamplin was severly wounded. The squadron proceeded on down to Buffalo, conveying a portion of the troops thither. The " Lawrence," however, being in bad condition, having nearly foundered in a blow on Lake Huron, was left at Erie, and went into ordinary. The schooners " Somers," Lieutenant Gonklin, and " Ohio," Sailing Master Golwell, were left at the lower end of the lake, while the rest of the squadron returned to Erie. Shortly after the departure of the squadron, a party of the enemy came down along the Ganada shore in the night in boats and captured both these schooners while laying at anchor at Fort Erie, thus mak- ing four schooners the British had captured since the victory of the 10th of September. Much has been said and sung in regard to the execution of Sergeant James Bird. The truth is something like this : The writer having heard frequent conversations between the offi- cers in regard to this affair, as also has heard his father, who was an officer attached to the squadron, relate the same. Bird came to Erie with a brigade of volunteers from the intarior of the state, was detailed with a squad of men to guard stores in HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 93 a small block house at the Cascade, where the large vessels were built. Though in command, he sanctioned the pilfering of the stores he was sent to protect ; and when information was given to the military commander he, with his party, made mutinous demonstrations, but soon were conquered. Lieut. Brooks, of the marines, was recruiting for the squadron, and Bird being a man of pluck. Brooks wished to secure him. Bird, with others, were told that "the offense would be over- looked, provided they would enlist as marines/' which they did. Bird served gallantly on board the "Lawrence" during the action, and was wounded. At the time the squadron was preparing for the Mackinaw expedition. Bird was placed with a file of marines to guard the Government store, and from where he deserted, taking John Rankin, one of the guard* with him. A youngster belonging to Erie was on his way to school at Washington, Penn'a, on horseback, having spent his vacation at home, and passed the two men at a tavern near Butler Having seen the men while on duty at the store, he knew them. He pushed on his journey, and soon met Sailing Master Golwell with a draft of seamen in wagons, destined for Erie to join the squadron, and to whom the youngster gave the information. Colwell sent a party in advance in disguise, captured, and brought them to Erie. They, with a sailor named John Davis, who had deserted a number of times, and committed other offenses, were tried by court martial on board the ' Niagara," v/hile on the passage of the squadron to De- troit. They were all three condemned to death. Efforts were made to have Bird's sentence commuted to imprisonment, in consequence of his gallantry in the action of the 10th of Sep- 94 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. tember, but without success. The President claimed that "he had deserted from off his post while in charge of a guard, in time of war, therefore, must suffer as an example for others." They were all three executed on board the " Niagara " while at anchor in the roadstead at Erie, in October, 1814. The enemy having nothing, comparatively, in the shape of a "flotilla," — in fact but a few small craft, which seldom ven- tured beyond their harbors, — our squadron consequently done but little cruising, making their headquarters at Erie, that, in case of need, it was known where they were to be found. The season of storms soon came round, when they went into winter quarters at Erie, late in November. CHAPTER XXII. ON THE 24th of December, 1814, peace was declared betv/een the United States and Great Britain, and matters began to be quieted down. In July, 1815, an order was for- warded from Washington to dispose of some of the smaller vessels, and sink the "Detroit," "Queen Charlotte," and " Lawrence," in some suitable place in the harbor, for preser- vation. Mr. Dobbins received an order to supervise the sink - ing, which order was fully complied with, and the three sunk side and side in Misery Bay. The "Niagara" being kept afloat as a sort of receiving ship. An incident occured in connection with the sinking which HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 96 at "he ird, in hers." while pe of a ii ven- y done :hat, in found. 3nt into declared matters vas for- smaller and n preser- he sink - roe sunk !ing kept ig which smacked a little of the marvelous, and which was the origin of jokes and comments. The '' Lawrence " was moored upon the west or out side of the other two, and notwithstanding her supposed safe moorings, shifted her berth, though against a current, round athwart the sterns of the other vessels. She was again brought back to her moorings, but shifted back again^ though additional security had been added. It was said in commenting, that she was determined to get a raking posi- tion, etc. In 1820 an order was received from Washington reducing the station. In 1825 it was entirely broken up and the prop- erty disposed of at auction. The " Lawrence," '' Detroit," "Queen Charlotte," and " Niagara " were purchased by a Mr. Brown, of Rochester, and subsequently sold to Captain George Miles, of Erie, in 1836, who raised the three vessels, intending to fit them up for the merchant service. He found the two prizes in tolerable condition, but the " Lawrence " so badly riddled she would require docking and a thorough repair. Besides, she was too shallow in the hold for a merchant vessel of her size, being but nine feet — therefore was allowed to sink again to her watery grave, and there she should ever have rested — the waters of the lake on which she had gained her glorious renown surrounding her shattered hull. But the cupidity of man must bring her to the surface again, to be gazed upon by unsympathizing eyes, her splintered timbers cut up into fragments for relics, and her identity lost. What remains of the gallant old hulk has been cut into pieces and transported via railroad to Philadelphia, where it has been put together and is now on exhibition at the Centennial grounds. 96 HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. In closing this little historical work the author would say to his readers that it was got up hastily for disposition at the Centennial, where all, who, in taking a last look at the " Law- rence," may ohtain a history of her glorious career. f*^ TITLE OF THE PARTIES OWNING. Bill of sale from Benjamin H. Brown, of Rochester, New York, to A. Q. D. Leech, (who transferred to George Miles) of "Lawrence," "Niagara," " Detroit," and "Queen Charlotte," said bill of sale being made to George Miles separately, bearing date as per acknowledgment, June 20th, 1835. (Signed, , , ,, ' B. H. BROWN. Acknowledgment by Geo. Mumford, Commissioner Deeds. Letter of Colonel Thomas Forster, Collector of Customs for the District of Presqu' ile (Erie), to the Secretary of the Navy, in regard to any claim the Government might have to said ves- sels. The inquiry being made for information enabling the Collector to grant r)r«pers to the brig " Queen Charlotte," then to be fitted out fo. the merchant service, bearing date Aoril 7th, 1835. (Signed) -^ THOS. FORSTER, Collector. ■ Also answer of Mahlon Dickinson, Secretary of the Navy, disclaiming any interest of the Government in said vessels, bearing date April 23d, 1835.^ r it; .^vfe^'i ;:»-/' >. Also transfer of all right, title and interest of George Miles in said vessels to Leander Dobbins, bearing date December 9th, 1857 (Signed) " ' - - ' • ' GEO. MILES. Also transfer of hulk of " Lawrence " to Thomas J. Viers and John Dunlap, bearing date September 10th, 1875. (Signed) LEANDER DOBBINS. V Id say to n at the e " Law- E?r, New- Miles) of arJotte," bearing )WN. Deeds. :oms for e Navy, aid ves- ling the e," then te April ector. 3 Navy, vessels, Miles in 3er 9th, LES. J. Viers IINS.