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■•

HE I S T O le. ^X"

•'^ _v*.

OF THE

lattle of lake

^ -. lir. ■

(September lO, 1813,)

AND

REMINISCENCES

OF THE

Flagship Lawrence/'

O-A-OPT. "W. "W". IDoBBiisrs.

, .'- >".

ERIE, PA.:

AsHBY & Vincent, Printers, Stationers and Binders.

1876.

^Fimf^^^m^m

.^ ,„ . , 'Wmm^^^^

^ (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."

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.

■■•♦♦-

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.

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Nav

the

regu

HIP.TORY OF THE

Battle of Lake Erie,

AND REMINISCENCES OF TEE

Flagship "Lawrence.

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

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

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,

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

I M>

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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-

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

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.

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

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

1 *
I
ill •

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.

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

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

Ill

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

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

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!

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j!;

III

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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.

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

\! ' i :

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

li'i ;

\'ii i

■;;;■

1 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.

.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

■IS

M I

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.

CHAPTER V.

'^^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

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

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.

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

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

inil

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.

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

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.

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.

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-

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.

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

/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

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

H-<i

a sufficiency to fully arm, equip, officer and man his own im-
mediate command ; consequently Perry usually received but a
scanty share. And, to make matters worse, seamen on the
seaboard were averse to this lake service, and volunteering was
up-hill business. These were some of the many difficulties
Perry had to labor under; and frequent appeals to Ghauncey
had but little effect. Although but twenty-seven years of age,
Perry had the decision of character and promptness to act of a
veteran — to give or obey an order was imperative. Of a sedate
and serious turn of mind, he never was addicted to profanity
or light levity ; of courteous .ind charitable impulses, his de-
portment was such as to command respect under all circum-
stances.

The squadron being fully armed and equiped, but only about
half manned, and many of these enlisted from the militia, and
receiving, almost daily, communications from the Department
and General Harrison urging him to move and co-operate with
Harrison, and those from the Department almost amounting to
ccnswre, his state of mind can well be imagined. Overworked
in both body and mind, it is astonishing that he did not break
down under his troubles. However, he was determined to
do his duty to his country, and make the best of the circum-
stances.

It was now ascertained through General Porter, of Black
Rock, that the enemy were concentrating a force at Port Dover
or Long Point, to be moved by, and act in conjuction with, their
squadron in a move upon Erie. However, it failed for the
want of ? sufficiency of troops at the proper time.

Perry determined not to be idle while waiting for officers

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

and men, and concluding he could cope with the enemy before
they got their new heavy ship out, made ready to sail for Long
Point and the Canada shore in pursuit. His vessels being but
half manned, he got a supply of volunteers from the army, and
sailed at four o'clock A. M. on the 6th of August. The com-
manders of the several vessels on this short cruise were as
follows, viz : " Lawrence," (flagship) Commodore Perry ; " Ni-
agara," Lieutenant Daniel Turner ; " Caledonia," Purser Hum-
phrey Magrath; "Ariel," Acting Lieutenant John Packet;
"Scorpion," Sailing Master Stephen Champlin ; "Somers,"
Sailing Master Thomas Almy ; " Tigress," Master's Mate A.
McDonald ; " Porcupine," Midshipman George Senat. The
" Ohio " and " Trippe " were left behind for want of crews.
Upon reaching Long Point, and seeing nothing of the enemy,
stood for the mainland, and after sweeping the coast for some
distance and making no discoveries returned to their anchorage
at Erie and av/aited the expected reinforcements.

Immediately preparations were made for another cruise, and
during the 7th and 8th provisions and stores were got on board.
It has been said by some authors, that a large amount of mili-
tary stores for General Harrison's army at Sandusky were
tiken on board. Thir. is erroneous ; there were but little, if any
such at Erie, and furthermore, the vessels had only capacity
for their own supplies, and berth-deck room for their crews —
to say nothing of their expecting to meet the enemy on the
cruise up the Lakes ; and with the vessels hampered up with
extra "stores, of course their efficiency would be very much
decreased.

Perry now hesitated about assuming the responsibility of

IP'I

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

encountering the enemy with his vessels but half manned,
particularly as they would be soon reinforced by their new ship
^'Detroit," ?.nd was discussing the matter with Purser Hamilton
at his lodgings on shore, when Midshipman John B. Mont-
gomery made his appearance and presented him a letter from
Lieutenant Jesse D. Elliot, then on his way to join the squadron
with a number of officers and ninety men. This was joyful
news for Ferry, and he immediately repaired on board, to
dispatch the "Ariel," Lieutenant Packet, down the coast to
meet them and hasten their arrival. The " Ariel " returned
on the 10th, and the officers and men were immediately dis-
tributed among the squadron. They proved to be a much
superior class to those previously recieved, which was very
gratifying to Perry. Elliot immediately superseded Turner in
command of the " Niagara. "

At this time the commissions, which had been made out for
some time, were received via. Commodore Ghauncey. By these
changes. Elliot became Master-Commander, (the same grade as
Peny) Holdup, Packett, Yarnell, Edwards, and Conkling, were
promoted to the rank of Lieutenunt — they having been previous-
ly acting as such.

Mr. Dobbins, who had been actively engaged on general duty
while getting the vessels over the bir, v/as now ordered to the
" Ohio," to " get her over the bar as soon as possible, and to
engige three good pilots immediately." The pilots engaged
wove Azial Wilkinson, James Lee, and one other, the name not
remembered.

The squadron now being ready sailed on a course to the
head of the lake on the morning of the 12th of August, and

the
and

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

)

consisted of the following vessels, including their commanders
and armament, viz : " Lav/rence," (flagship) eighteen 32-pound
canonades and two long 12-pounders, Commodore O. H. Perry ;
"Niagara," same armament. Captain Jesse D. Elliot; "Cale-
donia," three long 12-pounders, Purser Humphrey Magrath
"Ariel," four long 12-pounders, Lieutenant John Packett
" Trippe," one long 32-pounder, Lieutenant Joseph E. Smith
" Tigress," one long 32-pounder, Lieutenant A. H. M. i !onkling
"Somers," one long 24-pounder and one long l2-pounder,
Sailing Master Thomas C. Almy ; " Scorpion," one long 24-
pounder and one long 12-pounder, Sailing Master Stephen
Champlin ; "Ohio," one long 24-pounder, Sailing Master Daniel
Dobbins ; " Porcupine," one long 32-pounder, Midshipman
George Senat. The order of sailing, attack, recognition in the
^ight, «fcc., was fully and ingeniously arranged, much to the
credit of so young a commander.

On the 16th, the squadron arrived off Cunningham's (Kelly's)
Island, without having seen or heard of the enemy. The wind
was ahead, and as the vessels were working up there was a
small schooner discovered coming out of Put-in-Bay, when
the " Scorpion," being a fast sailor, gave chase, and would have
captured her, but, unfortunately, grounded on a reef off Mia« "j
Boss Inland, and Ihe little craft made good her escape to
Cap ; She proved afterwards to be the " Ottawa," pre-
vioas^ r ntured at Maumee, and was cruising among the
islands to ,/atch the motions of our vessels.

The next day the squadron anchored off Sandusky, and
Perry dispatched an officer with a boot to Lower^Sandusky to
inform General Harrison of his arrival with the squadron. On

i I

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

the day following the General and staff, including Jolonels
Cass, McArthur and Gaines, as also Major Craghan, and some
twenty chiefs of the Wyandotte, Shawnee, and Delav/are
Indians, came down. Among the chiefs were Crane, Blackfoot,
Captain Tommy, and others. The object of bringing down
the Indians was that they might see the " big canoes " and the
" big guns," and then report to those of their tribes who had
joined the enemy, what they might expect when a fight
took place. The Indians expressed great astonishment, more
particularly when the salute was fired in honor of General
Harrison's visit. After due consideration it was agreed to
make Put-in-Bay the present rendezvous, to which place Perry
moved with his squadron and "^^^rrison and party returned to
camp.

CHAPTER VIII.

I»l

ON THE 25th, Perry got underway with his squadron from
Put-in-Bay, and stood across the head of the lake for
Maiden, to see if he could not draw the enemy out. He dis-
covered them at anchor inside of Bar Point, and directly in
the mouth of Detroit River, and there being a heavy battery
on Bar Point, within range, he concluded it to be not practi-
cable to make an attack at this time. He could see from the
offing that they were not yet reinforced by their new ship.

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OP LAKE ERIE.

At this juncture much sickness was in the squadron, con-
sisting of bilious fever, dysentery, and chills ; those mostly
affected were from the seaboard. The change from salt to
fresh water, coupled with impure salt provisions and few veg-
\ etables, was fruitful of disease, and Perry was taken down

himself, and a number of his officers, including Surgeons Bar-
ton and Parsons ; the latter, with honorable self-devotion,
continued his work, though he had to be carried in a cot to
visit the sick. ^

On the 31st the f^quadron received a welcome reinforcement
from General Harrison's army, in the way of fifty volunteers,
including several officers and one doctor, viz : W. T. Taliaffero.
They were mostly from Kentucky, and many of them had been
boatmen on the Western rivers, which, as " watermen," gave
them a slight knowledge of the duties they were required to
perform. They were immediately distributed throughout the
squadron to serve as " marines," in place of the " marine
guard " which had been promised from Lake Ontario. This
brought the muster-roll up to about 490, all told. Great atten-
tion was paid to drilling the men in their various duties, and
in making every preparation for battle, as it was daily antici-
pated. Perry became convalescent after a week's confinement,
and was able to take the deck again, and got the squadron
underway for a second visit to Maiden. On his arrival off that
place he found they had their new ship "Detroit" fully
equipped and at anchor with the rest of their squadron. Perry
stood off and on all day, but they did not accept his banter, so
he bore away for Sandusky again to communicate with Harri-
son. Upon his return he found letters from the Secretary of

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

the Navy, the contents of which were a source of mortification.
It appeared the frequent calls upon Ghauncej for reinforce-
ments had prompted that officer to answer with a pungent
and sarcastic letter. This so offended Perry that he applied to
be " detached from the command on Lake Erie " — assigning as
a reason that " it was unpleasant to serve under a commander
who had so little regard for his feelings," &c. These letters
from the S cretary, though rebuking him for his frequent calls
for oflicers and men, and also somewhat censuring him for what
the Department deemed "extravagant expenditures," closed
with an appeal to his patriotism, and soothed his lacerated
feelings with assurances of the confidence the Department repos-
ed in him, and at the same counseled conciliation with Ghauncey.
On the same day he answered with a temperate and respectfu|
reply, vindicating his conduct and rebutting the charges
brought against him ; the effect of which was to not only sat-
isfy the Secretary, but finally restored kindly relations between
Ghauncey and himself.

Some change of officers now took place ; Lieutenant Smith
was ordered to the " Niagara," and Lieutenant Turner to the
command of the " Galedonia," Magrath to the '' Niagara," in
his legitimate capacity as Purser, and Lieutenant Holdup to
the command of the " Trippe." Mr. Dobbins had been dis-
patched to Erie for supplies and armament, as per the follow-
ing order:

"U. S. S. Lawrence, 1
" Off Sandusky, August 22d, 1813. /
" Sir : — You will proceed with the " Ohio " to Erie for the
purpose of taking on board that vessel provisions and such

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

the
ich

other articles as are mentioned in the several requisitions you
have in your possession.

'' You v^^ill use every exertion to return to this place v^^ith all
possible speed ; and on not finding the squadron at this place
you will proceed to Put-in- Bay and there await our arrival.
" Very respectfully, &c.

"O. H. PERRY.
" Sailing Master Dobbins^ commanding Schooner ' Ohio.^ "

The following signals were to be observed :

" Off Sandusky, August 22d, 1813.
" On the appearance of any of the U. S. vessels of war off
this place she will hoist her ensign at the main masthead and
fire a gun. After an interval of ten minutes she will fire two
guns.

"O. H. PERRY.
" U. S. Sehooner, Ohio: "

The " Ohio " returned to Sandusky on the 3d of September,
without meeting with any of the enemy's cruisers or other
mishap, and was immediately dispatched on a similar trip, as
the stock of provisions was small, and the beef not fit for use.
The beef and poik had been put up in haste by the contractors
at Erie, and, of course, carelessly, consequently it had nearly
all become putrid when exposed to summer weather. (The
" Ohio " was at anchor in the roadstead at Erie taking in arma-
ment and stores on the day of the battle, and Mr. Dobbins dis-
tinctly heard the cannonading.)

The season being too far advanced for a lengthy campaign,
and the enemy's squadron showing no disposition for an imme-
diate encounter, the matter was canvassed in regard to making
a combined attack uood Maiden with our naval and military

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

forces. The most favored project was to transport the forces
of Harrison to one of the islands near the Canada shore, and
from thence, transported in a body, via the vessels of the
squadron, including boats, to some point in Pigeon Bay, say
twenty miles below Maiden, and move upon that post. After
landing the troops the squadron was to stand up to the river
and attack their vessels at anchor, provided their squadron did
not previously come out and attack. However, the project was
given up as impracticable.

At this time three men, favorable to our cause, made their
escape from Maiden and communicated to Perry much valuable
information, viz : That the forces at Maiden were very short of
provisions ; and that a council of military and naval command-
ers was held, and determined their squadron should sail and
give battle to ours on the lake, or make an attempt to open
communication with Long Point, their depot of supplies. These
men also gave information in regard to their squadron, arma-
ment, &c. Their flagship, " Detroit," Commodore Barclay, was
armed with nineteen long guns ; the " Queen Charlotte," Cap-
tain Finnis, seventeen carronades ; " Lady Provost," Lieutenant
Commander Buchan, thirteen long guns ; brig " Hunter," Lieu-
tenant Bignall, ten guns, (mixed armament;) "Little Belt,"
three guns ; schooner " Chippewa," Master Campbell, one
heavy gun ; with 32 officers and 490 men, including troops
serving as marines, and volunteers. According to this infor-
mation the number of officers and men of the two squadrons
were about equal, though the British had the advantage in two
respects, viz : their soldiers serving as marines were veterans^
and, of course, superior to the raw troops Perry received from

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

Harrison's army and obtained at Erie. Secondly, there were
over one hundred on the sick list in our squadron ; whereas
theirs were just out of port, and all in health. In regard to
commanders the advantage was decidedly with the British.
Here was a young and inexperienced officer, who had never
been in even a single engagement ship to ship, much less
squadron against squadron ; in fact, had never seen any war
service, except in the Mediterranean during the Tripolitan dis-
turbance, when a midshipman ; and for a short time in command
of a flotilla of gunboats at Newport, R. I. With a hastily got
up squadron and armament — sickness prevailing among the
officers and crews of his vessels, and himself but just arisen
from a bed of sickness — he was about to grapple with a veteran
who had served with distinction under the world-wide re-
nowned Nelson in the battle of Trafalgar, as also in several
other naval combats ; and now in command of a squadron
which, with the exception of one ship and two of the small
vessels, had been cruising as war vessels for one year under
Captain Finnis, an experienced officer, and now second under
Barclay. However, the gallant young Perry somewhat made
up for his want of experience by his redoubtable energy and
courage, counseled by his intuitive wisdom. Such a word as
fail was not to be found in his vocabulary.

On the evening of the 9th of September, as the squadron lay
at anchor in Put-in-Bay, Perry summoned his commanders
on board the " Lawrence " to receive their final instructions.
He claimed the honor of fighting the enemy's flagship with the
" Lawrence ;" the " Niagara " was allotted the " Queen Char-
lotte," and so on. He also showed them his " fighting flag,"

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

ft'

which had been prepared before he left Erie, and on which
was inscribed the last words of the gallant and lamented Law-
rence, " Don't give up the Ship." When the flolds of this flag
were thrown to the breeze from the main masthead of the
" Lawrence " it was the signal to close with the enemy. He
also enjoined upon them the advice of Nelson to his command-
ers in going into battle, viz: "If you lay the enemy close
alongside you can't be out of your place." These officers now
returned to their respective vessels to reflect upon coming
events, and the duties enjoined upon them by their gallant
young chief.

General Harrison had stationed a few companies of troops at
Put-in-Bay to guard the rendezvous, as also to render assist-
ance to the squadron should the enemy attempt an attack with
their vessels, and troops in boats, by boarding in the night
whilst ours were at anchor in this rather small haven. The
distance from Canada being but about forty miles, the project
was considered practicable in this summer weather and a dark
night, with a moderate, fair wind.

CHAPTER IX.

/TxHE evening of the 9th of September was one of those

-L beautiful Autumnal evenings peculiar to the lake region.

The moon was at its full ; the gentle land breeze was rippling

HISTORY OP THE BATTLE OP LAKE ERIE.

the waters of the betiutiful haven and rustling the leaves of
the surrounding forest. Occasioi.ally was heard the hum of
voices at the camp-fires on the shore, accompanied by the
"peep " of the frogs in " Squaw Harbor," a small inlet on the
west side of Put-in-Bay ; and heaven appeared to smile upon
those here gathered for the deadly strife of the succeeding day.
The officers were sauntering around the quarter-deck, enjoying
social converse, or canvassing the probable result of the coming
battle, which they knew must be close at hand. In this circle
on board the " Lawrence " none were more jovial and gay than
the gifted and gallant Brooks, the commander of marines on
board the " Lawrence." Ever noted for his genial spirit and
social qualities, as well as manly beauty, he was a favorite
wherever he went ; and yet, alas ! so soon to be sacrified upon
the altar of his country. At the other end of the ship, "Jack"
was also enjoying himself — seated upon a gun-carriage, hatch-
combing or forecastle, cracking jokes, spinning yarns, or dis-
cussing the prospects of prize-money. Shortly the scene was
changed — the announcement, " eight bells," followed by the
sharp note of the boatswain's call — " All hands stand by your
hammocks," given in that deep sonorous voice peculiar to his
office — followed by the shrill fifo and rattling drum in the
tattoo on shore. The " watch below " were soon quietly
sleeping in their hammocks — dreaming, probably, of distant
dear ones, and quiet homes ; or, mayhap, the booming of can-
non, and slaughter and carnage fretting their slumbers. Alas !
too true ; many now sleeping so quietly, ere the same hour of
the succeeding night, their mangled bodies would be resting
upon the bottom of Lake Erie, wrapped in the same hammocks

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

-.; 'i

: s

they were now enjoying in their peaceful slumbers. This is
the calm before the storm — the human mind at rest ere it is
aroused to the frenzy of strife. Yes, such was the scene at
Put-in-Bay the night before the battle.

As the sun rose on the morning of the 10th, " sail, ho !" was
shouted from the lookout at the masthead of the " Lawrence.' (
" Where away ?" responded Lieutenant Forest, the officer of
the deck. " To the northward and westward, in the direction
of Detroit River," replied the lookout. The news was imme-
diately communicated to the Commodore, and soon all were
astir on board. The vessels of the enemy now began to lift
one by one above tlie horizon, until six were counted. Soon
the signal " Underway to get " was flying from the main mast-
head of the " Lawrence," and in half an hour the whole squad-
ron were beating out of the narrow passage, with the wind
light from the southwest. Rattlesnake Island lying immedi-
ately in front. Perry was endeavoring to weather it, and thereby
keep the weather gauge. Much time was taken up in this
effort, and Perry, becoming impatient, had given the order to
" bear up " and go to the leeward of the island, as he was
*' determined to fight the enemy that day." Suddenly the
wind shifted to the southeast, which enabled them to clear the
island to windward, which secured the wind of the enemy.
About this time, ten o'clock A. M., the enemy seeing our squad-
ron clearing the land, hove-to on the port tack with their heads
to the westward, the squadrons being now about eight miles
apart.

The American squadron had been formed with the •' Niagara "
in the van, as it was expected the " Queen Charlotte " would

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

:his

lead thp enemy. It was now discovered their line was formed
differ. /. Perry then ordered the "Niagara" to heave-to
until the " Lawrence " came up with her, when Perry held a
conversation with Captain Brevoort, the acting marine officer
of the " Niagara," who was well acquainted with the vessels of
the enemy and their armament, all except the " Detroit," and
gave the requisite information. The line of the enemy was
formed as follows, viz : the schooner " Chippewa " in the lead ;
next, their flagohip "Detroit;" then brig "Queen Charlotte ;"
then brig " Hunter ;" then schooner " Lady Provost ;" the
sloop " Little Belt " coming last, as named, in close order
on-a-wind, with their heads to the westward

Perry now changed his line — which was the work of only a
few moments — and arranged it as follows, viz : The " Law-
rence " to lead and meet the " Detroit," with the " Scorpion "
and " Ariel " on her weather-bow — they being fast sailing
schooners — to act as dispatch vessels to cary orders, if neces-
sary, and to support any portion of the line, should it be re-
quired ; the brig " Caledonia " next, to meet the " Hunter ;"
then the " Niagara," to meet the " Queen Charlotte ;" the other
vessels, viz : Schooners " Somers," " Porcupine," " Tigress " and
" Trippe," in line as named, to engage as they came up, with-
out naming their particular opponents. There being a three-
knot breeze at this time, 10:30 A. M., and the line being formed
they all bore away for the enemy in gallant style. Perry now
brought forth his " battle flag," previously named, and having
mustered the crew aft on board the " Lawrence," unfolded the
flag, and mounting a gun-slide, addressed them : " My brave
lads, the inscription on this flag is the last words of the gallant

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OP LAKE ERIE.

Captain Lawrence, after whom this vessel is named, viz :
* Don't give up the Ship P shall I hoist it ?" " Aye, yie, sir,"
was the unanimous response ; when away it sped to the mast-
head of the " Lawrence," and when the roll was broken and
the folds given to the breeze three hearty cheers were gi^'en for
the flag and three more for their gallant commander, the spirit
of which was taken up by the different vessels as the flag was
descried, and one continuous cheer along the line was the
response to the motto, " DonH give up the Ship /" As the
ordinary dinner hour would find them in the midst of deadly
strife, Perry ordered the noon-day grog to be served, when the
bread bags and kids were produced for lunch. Perry now
visited every portion of the deck, examining every gun and
fixture. For every one he had a pleasant word of encourage-
ment ; for the Constitutions, the New Porters, the hunting
skirted Kentuckian, th^ gallant boys from the Keystone State,
&c., each were kmdly and encouragingly greeted.

For a time a death-like silence prevailed, and the approach-
ing warriors appeared to be absorbed in thought. The lake
was smooth, and the '?v.ntle breeze wafted the vessels along
without apparent motion. This lasted for an hour and a half,
as our squadron gallantly approached the enemy, steering for
the head of their line, on a course forming an acute angle of
fifteen degrees. All necessary arrangements had been made
for the coming strife ; the docks had been sprinkled with sand
to give a foot-hold when blood began to flow, and the stillness
of this huur was occupied moLt.y in arranging and interchang-
ing of friendship offerings to be sent to friends in case of death,
and such kindly offices for the survivors to execute.

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKS ERIE.

CHAPTER X.

alf,

for

I of

ade

and

less

ing-

(ath,

S OUR vessels gradually approached the enemy in the
-light breeze, it reminded one of two gladiators in the
arena, the one standing at bay in his allotted position awaiting
the approach of his antagonist, as the latter gradually moved
up to the combat. The British vessels presented a fine ap-
pearance ; their line was compact as they lay hove-to with
their heads to the westward, their newly painted sides, white
sails, and bright red ensigns, as they tended to the breeze in
the glowing September sun. Their mov ments and condition
showed that a seaman and master-spirit held them in hand.

At half-past eleven A. M. the wind had become very light,
though our leading vessels were all u^ in their stations, viz :
Within halfcable's-length of each other, but the gunboats
were sofxiewhf^t distant and scattered. The " Trippe," the last
of the line, was nearly two miles astern, in consequence of
being a poor sailor, particularly in a light wind, and yet her
gallant commander. Lieutenant Holdup, was using sweeps and
other means of getting his vessel up into her station.

At a quarter before twelve M. the mellow sound of a bugle
was heard from the " Detroit " — the signal for cheers along
their line, and which was followed by '* Rule Brittania" from
theii band. Directly a shot from one of the " Detroit's " long
guns was thrown at the " Lawrence," but fell short, t'.ie dis-
tance being about a mile and a half. Thu.s the Juiig silence
was broken. A few miuules later a second shot was sent

from the " Detroit," which took effect upon the '' Lawrence,"
J

i^ v

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

when a fire was opened with all their long guns upon the
"Lawrence;" their line being in compact order, they were all
within range of that vessel and the two schooners. Perry now
ordered Lieutenant Yarnall (the executive officer) to hail the
" Scorpion " and order her to commence firing with her heavy
gun. The order was instantly complied with by Mr. Ghamplin,
and was soon followed with a shot from the "Ariel." Perry
finding these shots took effect, the " Lawrence " opened with
her chase gun forward, which was followed by a discharge from
the " Caledonia." The long guns of the enemy began to tell
heavily upon the " Lawrence," when Perry brought her by the
wind, and tried a division of the carronades ; it was at once
discovered the shot fell short. At this moment Elliot ordered
the " Caledonia " to bear-up and make room for the " Niagara "
to pass to the assistance of the " Lawrence " Perry now bore
up and ran down to within half-musket shot of the " Detroit,"
when he brought his vessel by the wind on the port tack, with
her maintopsail aback, and commenced with her broadside
battery in good earnest. The " Caledonia " having followed
the " Lawrence," was closely engaged with the " Lady Piovost "
— the " Scorpion " and " Ariel " having followed the " Law-
rence," and keeping their places on her weather-bow, were
using their heavy guns to good advantage. The " Niagara,"
however, instead of following the "Lawrence" into close action,
kept her wind with her maintopsail aback, using her two long
12's, being completely out of range with the carronades, her
broadside battery ; consequently the battle, for a time, was main-
ly by the "Lawrence," "Caledonia," "Scorpion," and "Ariel"
fighting the whole British squadron, assisted only by the two

m the
ire all
y now
lil the
heavy
mplin,
Perry
1 with
e from
to tell
by the
t once
rdered
igara "
^v bore
troil,"
, with
)adside
lowed
Dvost "
Law-
were
pgara,"
action,
^0 long
es, her
main-
Ariel"
le two

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

long 12's of the " Niagara," and the distant random shots from
the headmost gunboats.

At this juncture the "Queen Charlotte" finding her 24-pound
carronades (her broadside battery) would not reach the " Ni-
agara," ordered the '' Hunter " to make room for her to pass
and close with the " Detriot,' from which position she could
use her short guns to advantage upon the " Lawrence." In
this situation the " Lawrence " sustained the fire of these two
heavy vessels, as also random shots from the others, for over
two hours, and until every gun was dismounted, two-thirds of
her crew either killed or wounded, and so badly cut up aloft
as to be unmanageable. The gallant Perry finding he could
do nothing more with the " Lawrence," ordered the only boat
left him alongside, and leaving Lieutenant Yarnall to surrender
her to tlie enemy, should it become necessary, took his " fight-
ing flag " under his arm and pulled for the " Niagara," then
passing thr "Lawrence's" weather-beam on a Wind, to gain
the head of the enemy's line. In the meantime, the enemy
seeing they had rendered the "Lawrence" "Aors du combat^^^
and in the act of striking her colors, filled away with their
heads to the westward — cheering along their line, and feeling
certain the day would be theirs — the whi '<Mnpcrar:'y repair-
ing damages, evidenth designing to get their v< -se' upon the
other tack, and gaining the weather gauge, or, if nc' that, t'
get room to wear and thereby bring their starboard sides (which
were comparatively fresh) to bear upon our vessels.

Perry, on reaching the " Niagara," was met at the gangway
by Elliot. It is claimed by some of the officers of the " Niag-
ara " that he spoke somewhat despondently, and mirch out , .
humor at the gunboats not getting up in time.

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

Elliot spoke encouragingly, and, anticipating Perry's wish,
offered to take the boat, pull astern, and bring the gunboats up
into close action, which proposition was thankfully accepted by
Perry, and Elliot immediately started upon his mission. A
breeze at this time (quarter past two P. M.) springing up, both
squadrons gradually drew ahead — the "Lawrence" dropping
out of the line. By apparent consent of both parties there
was a general cessation of firing, and, as it would appear, both
preparing for the desperate and final struggle. Under the
freshering breeze the " Niagara '' had obtained a commanding
position abreast the " Detroit," with the " Queen Charlotte "
following immediately in the wake of Ihat vessel. The gun-
boats, in the meantime, by using every exertion and with the
freshening breeze, w^ere getting up within range with their heavy
guns, using round shot and grape upon the enemy's two heavy
vessels, having been ordered to cease firing upon the smaller
ones by Elliot, and he taking command of the '" Somers," th^
headmost one, himself.

At forty-five minutes past two, the gunboats being well up,
the "^Caledonia" in good position on the "Niagara's" Icc-
quarter, and all ready for a final effort, Perry showed the signal
for ^^ close action'''' from the "Niagara," then under fore and
main topsails, top gallantsails, foresail, jib, and fore and aft
mainsail, bore up for the enemy's line. The enemy, in the
meantime, having discovered the intention of Perry, viz : to
break through their line^ the " Detroit " bore up to prevent being
raked, and the " Queen Charlotte " attempted to pass the
" Detroit " to leeward and meet the " Niagara " broadside-on
after she h'ad passed through their line, the "Detroit" to follow.

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

and cro.ss her stern. However, the " Niagara " came down so
rapidly, and reserving her lire until she got close aboard, jibed
over the fore and aft mainsail, and bailed it up, and when she
got abreast of the " Detroit,'' gave her and the " Queen Char-
lotte " the starboard broadside at half pistol shot, and poured
the port broadside into the " Lady Provost " and " Chippewa."
So rapid was the movements of the " Niagara " they were
taken unawares ; the " Queen Charlotte " did not take room
enough to pay off, consequently got becalmed under the lee of
the " Detroit," which vessel, in bearing up to prevent being
raked, fell athwart the bows of the " Queen Charlotte " and
louled with her. In this predicament they received the broad-
side of the ''Niagara," as also a heavy fire from the " Cale-
donia," which vessel had followed the " Niagara" down through
the enemy's line. In the meantime the gunboats were seri-
ously cutting them up with their long heavy guns at close range.
Aft.er passing through the line the " Niagara " rounded-to on
the starboard tack under their lee, with her main topsail aback,
and kept pouring broadside after broadside into these two
entangled vessels. So fierce was this closing contest, and the
destruction so great on board these two vessels in particular,
that in fifteen minutes from the time the " Niagara " bore up,
an officer appeared on the taft'-rail of the '' Queen Charlotte "
with a white handkerchief fastened to a boarding-pike, and
waved it as a symbol of submission — they had struck — the
"Detroit" followed, the hail was passed from vessel to vessel
and the firing ceased. Two of their smaller vessels attempted
to escape, but were promptly pursued and brought back by
the "Scorpion " and "Trippe."

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

CHAPTER XI.

SOON as the smoke cleared away the two squadrons
-were found to be intermingled. The " Niagara " lay close
under the lee of the " Detroit,'' " Queen Charlotte," and
" Hunter ;" the " Caledenia," " Trippe," and " Scorpion " near
the " Niagara," having followed that vessel through the enemy's
line ; the " Lady Provost " and " Chippewa " a little distance
to the westward, with the " Somers," " Tigress," and " Porcu-
pine " abreast of the " Hunter ;" the shattered and glorious
" Lawrence " was drifting with the wind some distance to the
eastward. Like a wounded warrior, who had fallen in the
thickest of the fight, she could only look at the victorious result
she had suffered in achieving. At the shout of victory her
flag was again hoisted by the remaining heroes upon her bloody
deck, there forever to remain.

At this juncture the gallant Perry wrote his laconic notes to
General Harrison, and Hon. Wm. Jones, the Secretary of the
Navy, using the back of an old letter for his note to the Gen-
eral, and the blank leaf in that to the Secretary, with the top
of his navy cap to write upon. They were as follows, viz: -

" U. S. S. " Niagara," Sept. 10th— 4 P. M.
" Dear Gen'l : — Aye have met the enemy and they are ours ;
two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop.
" Yours, with great respect and esteem,

"0. H. PERRY."

A few moments later, and after reflecting upon his wonder-
ful preservation amid such carnage and destruction, the good-

HISTORY OF TH];; BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

ness of that power who controls all things, he wrote to the
Secretary, viz :

" U. S. Brig " Niagara," Off the West Sister, )

" Head of Lake Erie, Sept. 10th, 1813—4 P. M. /
" Sir : — It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of
the United States a signal victory over their enemies on this
lake. The British squadron, consisting of two ships, two brigs,
one schooner, and one sloop, have this moment surrendered
to the force under my command, after a sh^rp conflict.
. " I have the honor to be, sir,

" Very respectfully your obedient servant,

"0. H. PERRY."

These hasty, yet admirably worded, dispatches were imme-
diately sent, via schooner, to the mouth of Portage River,
then the headquarters of Harrison, and distant some twelve
miles.

Now was to be performed the proud but melancholy duty of
taking possession of the captured vessels. On board the '' De-
troit " Commodore Barclay was found to be severely wounded,
her First Lieutenant, Garland, mortally, as also Purser Hoff-
meister, severely. On board the " Queen Charlotte," Captain
Finnis, her commander, and Lieutenant Gordon, of the marines,
were killed, with First Lieutenant Stokes and Midshipman
Foster wounded. On board the " Lady Provost," Lieutenant
Commandant Bignall and Master's Mate Gateshill were
wounded. On board the " Chippewa," Master's Mate Gamp-
bell, commanding, was slightly wounded. The " Little Belt "
had little or no casualties. The " Detroit " and " Queen Char-
lotte " were much shattered in their hulls, as also badly cut up
aloft; and the "Lady Provost" had her rudder shot away.

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

Otherwise their smaller vessels were not materially injured.
The list of killed and wounded on board each vessel was never
given to the public, only in sum total, viz : forty-one killed and
ninety-lour wounded, as per Commodore Barclay's report to
Sir James Yeo.

Let us now leave the enemy's vessels and count the casual-
ties in our own squadron. On board the " Lawrence " there
were killed : John Brooks, lieutenant commanding marines ;
Henry Laub, midshipman ; Christian Mayhen, quartermaster ;.
John W. Allen, Joseph Kennedy, John Smith, Andrew Michael,
Charles Pohig, Nelson Peters, James Jones, John Rose, Thomas
Butler, and James Brown, seamen ; James Cayst, sailmaker's
mate ; Wm. Mays, carpenter's mate ; Philip Sharpley, corporal
marines ; Wm. Cranston and John Hoffman, ordinary seamen ;
Ethired *Sykes, landsman ; John C. Kelly, private in Kentucky
volunteers ; Jesse Harland and Abner Williams, privates of
marines — 22.

Wounded — John L. Yarnall, 1st lieutenant ; Dulaney Forest,
2d lieutenant ; W. V. Taylor, sailing master ; Samuel Hamilton,
purser ; Thomas Claxton and Adjutant Swartwout, midship-
men ; Jonas Stone, carpenter ; Wm. C. Kean, master-at-arms ;
Francis Mason, John Newen, Joseph Lewis, and Ezekiel Fowler,
quartermasters; John E. Brown and James Helan, quarter-
gunners ; Geo. Cornell, carpenter's mate ; Wm. Johnson, boat-
swain's mate; Thomas Hammond, armorer; Wm. Thompson,
Geo. Varnum, James Moses, Wm. Roe, Joseph Deming, Wm.
Daring, John Clay, Stephen Fairfield, Geo. Williams, Lannan
Huse, James Waddington. John Burnham, John Burdeen, and
Andrew Mattison, seamen ; Jeremiah Easterbrook, Henry

!" "'

i!i

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

Schroder, Benone Price, Thos, Robinson, Peter Kinsley, Na-
than Chapman, Thos. Hill, Barney McGlair, Wm. Dawson,
Westerly Johnson, Samuel Spywood, Robert Hill, Francis
Gummings, Thos. Reed, Charles Vandyke, Wm. Simpson, Jesse
Williams, and James Hadley, ordinary seamen ; James Bird,
sergeant marines ; Wm. Burnett, Wm. Baggs, David Christy,
Henry Vandoo, marines ; Thos. Triff, Elijah Partin, John
Adams, Charles Harrington, and Wm. B. Perkins, landsmen ;
Nathaniel Wade and Newport Hazard, boys — 61. (On the
morning of the battle the sick list of the " Lawrence " num-
bered thirty-one unfit for duty.)

On board of tha "Niagara" the killed were, Peter Morce,
seaman ; Isaac Hardy, ordinary seaman — 2. Wounded, John
J. Edwards, 1st lieutenant ; Acting Master Webster ; John C.
Gummings, midshipman ; John Filton, boatswain's mate ; Ed-
ward Martin, George Piatt, Henry Davidson, James Lansford,
Thos. Wilson, Charles Davidson, Daniel Bennett, seamen ;
Wm. Davis, Ronvell Hall, Elias Wiley, John M. Stribuck, or-
dinary seamen ; Mason, sergeant marines ; Scott,

corporal marines ; Joshua Trapnill, Thos. Miller, John Rumas,
Geo. McManomy, George Scoffield, and Samuel Cochran, ma-
rines — 23. (On the morning of the battle the sick list of the
" Niagara" contained twenty-eight unfit for duty.)

On board the "Caledonia," none killed. Wounded, James
Artis, Isaac Perkins, James Phillips — 3.

On board the " Somers," none killed. Wounded, Charles
Ordeen and Godfrey Bowman — 2.

On board the "Ariel," killed, John White, boatswain's mate

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

— 1. Wounded, Wm. Sloss, Robert Wilson, seamen ; John
Lucas, landsman.

On board the " Trippe,'' nono killed. Wounded, Isaac
Green, soldier, acting marine.

On board the " Scorpion," killed, John Clark, midshipman ;
John Sylhammer, landsman — 2.

Onboard the ''Porcupine" and " Tigress," none killed or
wounded.

About four P. M. a boat was seen approaching the '*" Law-
rence " and Perry recognized in it. He was now returning to
his shattered and helpless ship to meet the remnant of her gal-
lant crew in this hour of victory, and that they should be wit-
nesses of the formal surrender. Dr. Parsons says : '* Those of
us who were spared, and were able to walk, met him at the
gangway to welcome him on board ; but the salutation was a
silent one — not a word could find utterance."

" The battle o'er, the victory won," all offered up a silent
prayer for the miraculous escape from injury of their gallant
young chieftain ; and himself claiming, in a conversation with
Purser Hamilton, that he " believed the prayers of liis wife had
saved him."

During the day Perry had worn a round-jacket ; he now
resumed his undress uniform to receive the officers of the
captured vessels in tendering their swords, as a formal sub-
mission. In coming on board they picked their way among
the carnage and wreck, and, on approaching Perry, presented
their swords. Perry, in a bland and low tone, requested them
to " retain their side arms." Lieutenant O'Keefe, of the Forty-
first Royal Regiment, was charged by Commodore Barclay with

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

the delivery of his sword. It was said he presented a fine
appearance, being a large, finely formed man, and in full dress.
Perry then inquired, with deep concern, in regard to the con-
dition of Commodore Barclay and the other wounded officers,
and tendered every assistance within his reach. In the course
of the evening Perry visited Barclay on board the " Detroit,"
and tendered him every sympathy ; also promised to assist in
procuring an early parole, as Barclay was anxious to return to
England as soon is possible on account of his health.

CHAPTER XII.

TT being deemed inadvisable to try and save the killed for
J-burial on shore — more particularly those on board the
" Lawrence "—at nightfall they were all lashed up in their
hammocks, with a 32-pound shot for a companion to anchor
them on the bottom of the lake ; the surviving officers and men
gathered around as witnesses to the solemn scene ; the burial
service of the Episcopal Church read by the chaplain, " Ashes
to ashes, dust to dust," when

Down, down, they sank, without a knell.

Yet in their country's cause they fell.
Such was the burial of the foremast Jacks who fell on the
10th of September. Those on the larger vessels of the enemy
were thrown overboard as fast as they were killed, though not

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

SO with the smaller ; those remaining were buried with ours.
As the mellow rays of the Autumnal sunset were radiating from
the western horizon, the blue waters of Lake Erie closed over
the remains of these gallant sons of Neptune and Mars, whom,
but a few hours before, were hurling defiance and destruction
at each other, but now hushed in death and everlasting peace,
their spirits in the presence of their God. The remains of the
officers were reserved for burial on shore.

The night of the 10th of September, 1813, was ever vividly
remembered by the survivors of both squadrons as the vessels lay
intermingled at anchor in the open lake. The boomingof cannon,
the crash of timbers, and slaughter of human beings had
ceased ; but the dreadful havoc remained. The stern order of
the officer, and prompt response of the subordinate, in looking
after the safety of the vessels was blended with the groans of
the wounded. The honor of the two nations had been vindi-
cated by the slaughter of their devoted sons, the wounded of
whom were now endeavoring to soothe and comfort each other
in their affliction.

On the morning of the 11th Perry removed his flag to the
schooner " Ariel," intending to make her the flagship for the
present, the " Lawrence " being a complete wreck. At nine
A. M. the signal was made to " weigh anchor," and the squad-
rons sailed for Put-in-Bay, where they arrived about noon and
anchored, when every effort was made to keep some of the
worst injured from sinking and secure the wounded masts.
Preparations were now made for the burial of the fallen offi-
cers, which was to take place on the following morning.

The morning of the 12th (Sunday) was clear and calm —

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

emblematic of the day and the solemn duties they were about
to perform — the calm after the storm. At ten A. M., the colors
of both nations bein^^ at half-mast and all things ready, the
bodies were lowered into boats, and then, with measured stroke
and funeral dirge, moved in line to the shore, the while minute
guns being fired alternately from the *' Lawrence " and '' De-
troit." On landing the procession was formed in reverse order,
the corpse of the youngest and lowest in rank first, and so on,
alternately American and British, the body of Captain Finnis
coming last. As soon as the corpses were taken up by the
bearers and moved on, the officers fell into line, two American
and two British, and marched to the solemn music of the bands
of both squadrons. On reaching the spot where the graves
were prepared they were lowered into the earth in the order in
which they had been borne, and the beautiful and solemn
burial service of the Episcopal Church rendered by the cnap-
lains of the respective squadrons : " Earth to earth, ashes to
ashes — looking for the general resurrection in the last day.*'
The volley of musketry followed, and all was over; the heroes
were at rest.

0, cruel Mars, thou wicked God ! — many a husbandless,
fatherless, brotherless, and sonless family hath thy votaries
made in their devotion to thy cause — their adhesion to thy
bloody motto,^" Seek the bubble imputation at the cannon\s mouth.'' ^
What a time for serious reflection ? Why is it that christian
nations will still insist upon settling their difficulties by a resort
to arms, as the only healing balm for wounded honor— too
often only imaginary ? Here were men, scions of Ihe same
stock, speaking the same language, worshipping at the same

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

altar — men whom would be like brothers under different cir-
cumstances — meeting each other in deadly strife; in the most
savage manner hastening to destroy each other, and all without
animosity, save in the frenzy of battle ; and when the carnage
is complete — the strife ended — taking each other by tjie hand,
and in a spirit of kindness and sympathy rendering every aid
in their power to heal, soothe, and comfort the unfortunate
victims of their deadly work. But still raore is to be said in
regard to this strife. V/h^t but a disagreement between a pas-
sionate and aust'^re mother and her perverse daughter, the
latter having left the old homestead and taken a house to her-
self — both forgetting the ties of consanguinity which should
have bound them \u love and harmony evermore.

On the 13th the " Ohio " returned to Sandusky and found
the squadron absent. Mr. Dobbins felt certain a battle had
taken place, and, of course, was anxious to know the result, as
also how to shape his future course. Soon a couple of boats
were discovered in-shore and he gave chase. He succeeded in
cutting one off, which proved to be an American, and from the
men on uoard learned that there had been a battle, but no
details other than that the Americans were supposed to be
victorious, as all the vessels were taken into Put-in -Bay. Mr.
Dobbins immediately bore up for that place, where he found
the squadron at anchor v/ith their prizes. The arrival of the
'' Ohio " with fresh supplies was a Godsend to the sick and
wounded. Soon followed the arrival of a boat from Cleveland
and another from Sandusky, with vegetables and fresh meat,,
adding much to the comfort of the aftlicted, as also to the
able-bodied. The wounded were still on board their respective

^ .'

HISTORY Oy THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

vessels ; and Commodore Barclay was made as comfortable on
board the " Detroit " as circumstances ^vould permit. It being
necessary to dispose of the prisoners, all the rank and file, so
to speak, including some of the officers able to travel, were
immediately dispatched to Chillicothe, Ohio, under the auspices
of General Harrison. In the meantime the " Lawrence " was
being so far repaired as to be able to convey the badly wounded
of both squadrons to Erie, and where she safely arrived on the
23d, under the com.mand of Lieutenant John L. Yarnall, him-
self wounded. With what joy the people espied the gallant
craft as she rounded the peninsula in her approach to the
harbor 1 She that had gone out staunch and bold was now
returning a cripple, but victorious — freighted with the wounded
of both squadrons. Like the wounded warrior returning to
his peaceful home, she was welcomed with tears and smiles.
As soon as she .v^as anchored the unfortunates were conveyed
on shore in boats, and every attention given by the citizens to
make them as comfortable as possible — friend and foe alike.
The '• Lawrence " was immediately got over the bar and moored
in Misery Bay, where she was sufficiently repaired to keep her
from sinking tor the time.

What food for reflection ! But one short month had passed
since the gallant young commander had sailed with his hastily
gotten up squadron — had met and conquered the enemy ; and
his now maimed and battered flagship was returning for the first
time freighted with the unfortunate victims of the deadly strife.
What a contrast ! But a few days since these brave fellows
were hurling the bolts of destruction at each other — now they
Were quietly resting side by side on board the " Lawrence,"
exchanging kindness and sympathy with each other.

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

We will now give some comments upon the battle, and, in
doing so, will be as brief as possible — relying upon impartial
testimony, fully corroborated by circumstances.

CHAPTER XIII.

^HORTLY after the battle, unfortunately, a spirit of crimin-
/^ation and recrimination sprang up amoiig the officers in
regard to the conduct of Elliot, with his ship *' Niagara," during
the battle, and finally culminated in a bitter feud. It was found
several years afterwards that it would result in a duel between
Perry and Elliot had not the former been ordered to sea in
command of a special expedition to Venezuela, constituted of
the sloop of war "John Adams" and schooner "Nonesuch,"
and died ere his return to the United States.

In the first instance, the line, with the " Niagara " in the van,
was changed for manifest reasons and without the slighest
difficulty or delay. Much stress has been placed upon this
evolution by some of the friends of Elliot, without much reason,
as we believe, the vessels being a long distance from the enemy
at the time.

When the " Lawrence " was first brought by the wind to try
the range of her carronades upon the enemy, the shpt of which
was found to fall short, the " Niagara " was in her alloted posi-

^ )

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

tion ; and when the order was given, " Engage as you come
up, each vessel against her opponent," and the " Lawrence "
again bore up to shorten the distance, the " Niagara " did not
follow, though Elliot had ordered the " Caledonia " out of her
place to make room for the " Niagara " to close up with the
" Lawrence " within the prescribed distance, viz : " half cable's-
length," but kept her wind — using only her two long 12-pound-
ers, having shifted the port gun over to the starboard side,
occasionally using a division of her carronades, but without
effect, as the shot fell short. I would ask, was this not break-
ing the line? The "Lawrence" was the commanding and
leading ship, and it was the duty of the " Niagara " to follow
her and engage the " Queen Charlotte," her oppDuent. The
excuse that there was " little or no wind," is inadmissable ; if
there was wind enough for the " Lawrence " to close, there
certainly was enough for the " Niagara " to follow. The
"Caledonia," on the other hand, when ordered to "bear up
for the " Niagara " to pass," kept on down in company with
the " Lawrence " and engaged at close quarters. The " Scor-
pion " and " Ariel " also bore up with the " Lawrence " and
kept their stations on the weather-bow of that vessel. The
" Niagara " had kept this long-shot distance for some two hours,
while the " Lawrence " was closely engaged with the three
heaviest vessels of the enemy during the same time. As before
stated, the line of the enemy was formed with the schooner
" Chippewa " in the van, then " Detroit," " Hunter," " Queen
Charlotte," " Lady Provost," and " Little Belt," in line as
named. The " Lawrence " to meet the " Detroit," " Cale-
donia" to meet the " Hunter," " Niagara" to meet the "Queen
5

■"*»■ '^«-*^-

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

Charlotte," the " Somers " and other gunboats to engage the
'• Lady Provost " and " Little Belt."

To show that even the enemy understood these allotments, as
arranged by Perry, I will give an extract from Commodore
Barclay's letter to Sir George Provost, viz :

" At a quarter before twelve I commenced the action by a
few long guns ; at a quarter past the American Commodore,
also supported by two schooners, one carrying four long 12-
pounders, the other a long 32 (24), came close to action with
the " Detroit." The other brig of the enemy — apparently des-
tined to engage the " Queen Charlotte " — supported in like
manner by two schooners, kept so far to windward as to
render the " Queen Charlotte's " 20 (24) pounder carronades
useless."

The " Queen Charlotte " retained her position abreast of the
" Niagara " for some time, and Captain Finnis finding that ves-
sel was not disposed to place herself within reach of his 24-
pound carronades, and she being to windward and he not able
to close with her, ordered the " Hunter" to bear up and make
room for the " Queen Charlotte " to move up to the " Detroit "
and open upon the " Lawrence," which vessel was within range.
It is well known that the range of 24-pound carronades and
that of 32's is very near the same, the only difference being
tJie weight of metal thrown. Thus, if the carronades of the
" Queen Charlotte " would not reach the " Niagara," those of
that vessel would not reach the " Queen Charlotte," though it
is claimed Elliot tried an occasional division to get the range.
It is claimed by some officers of experience that Elliot might have
excused himself, to some extent, by claiming that Perry was im-
petuous in rushing into close action with only a portion of his force

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

available. In fact, it was stated by skillful officers that " no com-
mander ever went into battle in worse shape and came out of it
better " — that " Perry should have kept off at a distance until
all his vessels were up, and then in a compact line have borne
up and engaged at close quarters " — that " he should have
taken pattern by his adversary, who, having seen service in
squadron engagements, had his line in compact order." How-
ever, Perry, like all young warriors of the right mettle, became
impatient when the shot of the enemy began to tell upon his
vessel. This, however, does not exculpate Elliot for remain-
ing at a distance and allowing the " Lawrence " to be cut to
pieces by an overwhelming force without bearing down to her
assistance.

The gunboats lagging astern may be deemed by some as
dilatory. It is well known to all nautical men that fore-and-
afters have not the advantage of square-rigged vessels in light
winds, as the latter have their heavy sails aloft, besides have
more light canvas. The " Scorpion " and '' Ariel " were fast
sailors, is ihe reason they were enabled to keep up with the
larger vessels. For instance, the " Trippe," the last vessel in
the line, although quite a good sailor in a strong breeze, could
not keep her place, much to the chagrin of her gallant young
commander. Lieutenant Holdup; but as soon as the breeze
sprung up passed several of the others, and was the first of the
lagging gunboats to close wiih the enemy.

The next matter we will^take up is, how the " Niagara " ob-
tained the position she occupied when Perry boarded her, viz :
on the weather-bow of the " Lawrence," distant from fifty
yards to half a mile, according to the conflicting testimony given

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

before the Court of Inquiry at New York in April, 1815. The
cause assigned by Elliot for passing to imndward of the " Law-
rence " is, that he " was endeavoring to reach the head of the
enemy's line and their large vessels, a breeze springing up at
the time and the enemy filling away to shoot ahead." We will
now have to resort to " cause and effect " in this argument.
We wil! ask the question, why did she not go to leeward of the
" Lawrence " and endeavor to draw the fire of the enemy from
that over-powered vessel, as also to be within canister range
with her carronades ? The answer is given above, viz : that
" it was necessary to go to windward in order to reach the
head of the enemy's line," &c The wind at this time was
from southeast, but still quite light, the vessels all heading to
the southward and westward. The enemy's vessels being
much cut up aloft, would naturally not be very close to the
wind ; and the " Lawrence " being disabled, with her sails and
rigging all in shreds, would be in poor trim for sailing by the
wind, and was rather drifting with it ; thus, the angle between
her and the head of the enemy's line would be sharpening in-
stead of widening^ which latter would have to be the case to
excuse the " Niagara " for going to windward. But, further-
more, the '' Caledonia " passed the " Lawrence " to leeward^ or
between that vessel and the enemy, in order to keep within
range, though her armament was of lon^- guns. Whereas the
"Niagara" passed to windward, and, of course,, at a greater
distance with her carronade battery. Thus good reasoning
would determine that the policy, if not tJie diUy^ of Elliot was to
have gone to leeward instead of to windward of the " Lawrence."

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

CHAPTER XIV.

HE statement in regard to the sail the '' Niagara '' was

-L- under at the time Perry boarded her is so conflicting, we

will give the statement of Benjamin Fleming, one of her

main-topmen, who deceased but a few years since, and who

gave this statement to the writer, viz :

"Wlion Commodore Perry came on board (I give his own
language, as near as possible) we were under topsails, fore and
aft mainsail, and jib ; the top-gallant-sails and mainsail furled,
and foresail hauled up. The main topsail, I think, was not
aback at this time, but it had been most of the time during the
action. He came on board by the weather (port) gangway,
and was met by Captain Elliot ; they shook hands and had
some conversation, which I could not hear from the top. Di •
rectly Captain Elliot went over the side into the same boat
Commodore Perry came in, shoved off, and pulled for the
small vessels astern. Some little time after, and when the
gunboats had got pretty well up, and a breeze springing up.
Commodore Perry set the signal for " close action," and imme-
diately gave the order to " make sail '' — " loose top-gallant-sails,
board fore-tack, haul in the weather braces, put the helm up.
and keep the brig off." I helped to loose the main top-gallant-
sail myself. We bore up, gradually at first, with the wind on
our quarter. Just before we got abreast of the " Detroit," to
the best of my memory, we were before the wind, when we
jibed the fore and aft mainsail and brailed it up at the same
time, settled the top gallant-sails upon the caps, hauled the
foresail up, and at the same time fired a broadside into the
" Detroit " and " Queen Charlotte " as they lay foul of each
other, and our larboard guns into the '' Lady Provost " and
another schooner; then coming by the wind on the starboard
tack, with the main-topsail to the mast, under the lee of the

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

" Detroit " and " Queen Charlotte," kept up a heavy fire until
they struck, which could not have been more than fifteen or
twenty minutes after we passed through their line ; the " Cale-
donia " and one or two of the gunboats followed us."

It has been conceded that the British vessels were gallantly
fought though laboring under several great disadvantages ; the
two most important of which were the loss of the services of
both the first and second commanding officers. Commodore
Barclay being severely, and Captain Finnis mortally wounded ;
as also the executive officers of both ships, Lieutenant Garland,
of the " Detroit " mortally, and Lieutenant Stokes, of the
" Queen Charlotte," severely wounded — both regulars — leaving
the command of the " Detroit " to Second Lieutenant Ingles,
and the " Queen Charlotte " to Second Lieutenant Irvine, a
provincial. Then the American squadron had the weather
gauge. Their last evident mana3uvre was well conceived,, and
could they have carried it out the battle would, at least, have
been prolonged. But the hold^ sudden and daring dash of Perry
with the " Niagara," completely frustrated and confused them.
The manoeuvre was as follows, viz :

When they noticed the movements of the " Niagara " — that
Perry was determined to break through their line, the " Queen
Charlotte" was to bear up, pass to leeward of the " Detroit," and
meet the " Niagara " broadside on as she passed, the " Detroit "
to follow. Then as the " Niagara " and " Queen Charlotte "
passed down before the wind, exchanging fires at pistol-shot-
range, the " Detroit " to haul up, shoot athwart the stern of
the " Niagara" and give her a taking fire from her starboard
guns ; and taking position upon her quarter, keep up this rak-

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

ing fire upon the " Niagara " while that vessel was engaged
with the " Queen Charlotte " — a vessel of equal force — the
three going off before the wind and separating from the other
vessels. As before said, this manoeuvre was frustrated by
Perry's sudden and daring dash. The " Queen Charlotte "
did not bear up in time to keep from being becalmed by the
sails of the " Detroit," as that vessel by bearing up in haste, to
prevent being raked by the " Niagara," fell athwart the bow o\
the " Queen Charlotte," and fouled with her. As showing
their intention, I will give a short extract from the letter of
Lieut. Inglis of the " Detroit," which accompanied Com. Bar-
clay's report to Sir George Provost.

"H. M. Late Ship "Detroit," Sept. 10th, 1813.

* * " Sir. — After you were wounded, the enemy's second
brig, at that time on our weather beam, shortly took a position
on our weather bow to rake us ; to prevent which, in attempting
to wear to get our starboard broadside to bear upon her, a
number of our guns on the larboard side being at this time
disabled, we fell on board the " Queen Charlotte," at that time
running up to leeward of us. In this situation the two ships
remained for some time. * * *

" I have the honor to be, &c.,

"GEORGE INGLIS."

We will give still further extracts from the report of Commo-
dore Barclay, giving the situation of matters at this critical time
from his standpoint, viz :

* * * tt 'pj^g action continued with great fury until
half past two P. M., when I perceived my opponent drop
astern, and a boat passing from him to the "Niagara," {which
vessel teas at this time perfectly fresh.) The American commo-
dore seeing that, as yet, the day was against him, (his vessel

UISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

having struck soon after he left her) and also the very defence-
less state of the " Detroit," which ship was now a perfect
wreck, principally from the raking fire of the gun boats * *
Made a noble, and alas ! too successful, an effort to regain it,
for he bore up, and, supported by his smaller vessels, passed
within pistol shot, and took a raking position on our bow." * *

While giving these extracts we will also refer to the report
of the " Naval Court Martial, convened on board His Majesty's
ship "Gladiator," at Portsmouth, to inquire into the conduct of
Commodore Barclay and his remaining officers in regard to
the surrender of the British squadron on Lake Eric, September
10th, 1813." Some of the statements made in it are not borne
out by facts, viz :

" The American force was double the amount of his (Bar-
clay's") in number of ships and guns, and there was no com-
parison in respect to the quality of the seamen."

We wJU give the figures and let them speak the facts:

AMERICAN SQUADRON. BRITISH SQUA )N.

"Lawrence," 260 tons, 20 guns "Detroit," 300 tons, 19 guns

"Niagara, 260

"Caledonia," 85

" Ariel," 60

'•Scorpion," 60

"Somers," 65

" Trippe," 50

>* Porcupine," 50

"Tigress," 50

•<

((

< .

((

" Queen Charlotte," .260

"Lady Provost," 96

Brig " Hunter," 75

" Little Belt," 60

"Chippewa," 35

Tonnage 840

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.

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- ...«.

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.

CHAPTER XV.

¥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.

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

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

V I

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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,"

''^'?■^

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.

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'

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.

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

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-

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

l«H>-OIM». "• *■

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

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

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HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

Erie, as the season of navigation was far advanced, and storms
prevalent, consequently preparations were made to winter them
at Put-in-Bay, with a force to protect them from marauding
parties from the Canada shore, when the ice would make.
Mr. Ghamplin, in command of the " Tigress," was sent to Put-
in-Bay to assume command, and where he arrived on the 25th
of December. He immediately made the necessary arrange-
ments for defense. Col. Cass having sent 200 soldiers from
Detroit to assist. Lieut. John Packet was sent up late in the
winter, and superseded Champlin in command.

The season of storms being at hand, Elliot ordered a portion
of the squadron to Erie, the balance to remain at the lower
end of the lake. The "Ariel " and " Chippewa " parted their
cables and went ashore at Buffalo, where they went to
pieces. The '* Trippe " and " Little Belt " were sent to
Black Rock to winter, and were burnt by the British
when they invaded Black Rock and Buffalo that winter.
As soon as the " Ohio " and " Somers " had completed
their work under Col. Cass the " Somers " and others went
into winter quarters at Put-in-Bay, and the " Ohio " returned
to Erie, where she arrived late in December. The ves?els at
Erie were all moored in Misery Bay, and preparations made
for defense, as it was reported the British, exasperated at their
late defeats, were determined to cross as soon as the ice made
and destroy the shipping and village. However, they never
made the attempt, and if they had, would have found Elliot
with the vessels and Gen. Mead on land with 4,000 troops,
ready to receive them.

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

CHAPTER XX.

MUCH has been said by some authors about anarchy and
insubordination existing at the Erie station during the
winter of 1813-14. This is erroneous. There was some
little clashing between the Perry and Elliot adherents, but not
in the slightest degree interfering with subordination.

As the spring opened, things were more quiet ; the danger
of the enemy crossing upon the ice having now passed away.
Elliot, in order to obtain information of the enemy's move-
ments upon the Canada shore, as soon as the ice in the lake
would permit, ordered the " Ohio," under the command of Mr.
Dobbins, to cruise between Long Point and Erie, to intercept
their supplies moving west by water. In the discharge of this
duty Mr. Dobbins frequently landed spies upon the Canada
shore, and arranged to take them off at certain times. The
adventures of one of these spies were truly marvelous. The
name is not at hand, but think it was Prentice. He had lived
In Canada and claimed that he had been opiwessed, for which
he was seeking revenge. His object was, if possible, to capture
the mails, and thereby obtain valuable information. He never
succeeded in getting a mail which was brought to Erie, though
he frequently made captures which he took through the lines
to our forces near Fort Erie.

Early in April Elliot received letters from General Harrison
and Commodore Chauncey, stating that Mackinaw was short
of provisions, and quite defenseless. Chauncey then ordered
Elliot to fit out the squadron and endeavor to recapture it.

HISTORY OF TH2 BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

At last the Navy Department had resolved to make a separate
command of the Upper Lakes. The change was judicious,
though it should have been made a year before.

"Navy Department, April 15th, 1814.

" Sir : — The arduous duties and great increase of force on
Lake Ontario, together with the interruption of intercourse
between the commander-in-chief on that lake and the com-
mander of the squadron on Lake Erie, has rendered it expe-
dient to place the latter under a separate command. Captain
Arthur Sinclair is, therefore, appointed to the command of the
squadron on Lake Erie, to whom you will communicate all the
information you possess, and the arrangements you have made
for the future operations of the squadron. You will then, sir,
agreeable to your wish expressed in your letter to Commodore
Chauncey, of the 19th December last, proceed to Sackett's
Harbor and report yourself to him.

" I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

"WM. JONES.
" /. D. Elliot^ Esq.^ Commanding U. 8. Squadron, Lake Erie.'"^

Captain Sinclair arrived on then 25th inst., when Elliot, after
turning over the command, as instructed, proceeded to Lake
Ontario.

Sinclair w^as a thorough seaman and mertorious officer. He
at once commenced to prepare the squadron for the before-
named expedition against Mackinaw, though he found it tedious,
as the vessels were much damaged and required extensive
repairs, particularly the " Lawrence," she being a complete
wreck. However, he managed to make her quite seaworthy,
but he made the " Niagara," the flagship. Captain Daniel S.
Dexter taking command of the "Lawrence." "^ "

Mr. Dobbins was now relieved from cruising duty, and or-
dered to proceed with the " Ohio," and stores, to Put-in-Bay,

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HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

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

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.

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-

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.

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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.

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.

Id say to
n at the
e " Law-

E?r, New-
Miles) of
arJotte,"
bearing

)WN.

Deeds.
:oms for

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aid ves-
ling the
e," then
te April

ector.

3 Navy,
vessels,

Miles in
3er 9th,

LES.

J. Viers

IINS.