Battle of La Reminis lagships 461V T We Have Met the Enemy and They are Ours _^ HISTORY OF THE Battle of Lake Erie (SEPTEMBER 10, 1813) and REMINISCENCES OF THE FLAGSHIPS "L AWRE NCE" AND "NIAGARA" fry CAPT. W. W. DOBBINS PIRST EDITION PUBLISHED BY ASHBY & VINCENT ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA IN THE YEAR 1876 SECOND EDITION ASHBY PRINTING COMPANY, PUBLISHERS ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA, 1913 E 0,1)58 Copyrighted 1913 by ASHBY PRINTING COMPANY KRIE, 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 conse quence of the unfortunate feud existing be tween Perry and Elliott and their friends, the accounts partook somewhat 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 common place style of composition, as it is the effort of an illiterate sailor. W. W. DOBBINS. HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE AND REMINISCENCES OF THE FLAGSHIPS ^LAWRENCE" AND "NIAGARA" I. T THE time war was declared with Great Britain in 1812, the Canadian frontier was in advance of us in com merce and agriculture. A goodly portion of our supplies of merchandise, particularly gro ceries, came to us from Montreal. In regard to agriculture, the tory emigration from the United States at the commencement of, and during the Revolution, had accomplished good work in this line, assisted by immigration from the old country, and the Canadian French. Then their military posts were well kept up, and HIS I DRY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE having something of a Navy in the way of several heavily armed vessels, classed by the British Government as a "Provincial Navy," and not regular. These vessels also trans ported passengers and merchandise. In an other point of view, they were well prepared, viz. : they were on the best of terms with the numerous tribes of Indians, not only in Canada, but many on this side of the line; as the British Government pursued a course calculated to attach the Indians to their interests. Their treaties with their red breth ren were always strictly kept, and no Indian agent was allowed to defraud them; conse quently their supplies 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 wilder ness, and the Roman 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 Page six HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE kept treaties, corrupt Indian agents, miserable supplies, and a vacillating policy. Thus, the consequence 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 Rock on the Niagara River, to Sault 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 coun try, with all the wants and deprivations inci dent thereto, full of wandering tribes of Indians, the object of whom was, with few ex ceptions, 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 declaration of war along the fron tier west of Black Rock, N. Y., was through Canadian dispatches to their several posts. When Mackinaw was taken, the first notice of the declaration of war was a heavy force of British and Indians landing upon the Page seven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 con structing and fitting out the squadron. In giving this matter, it is, in a measure, neces sary to relate some of the incidents; and as Captain Daniel Dobbins, of Erie, was a pioneer in the construction of most of the vessels, it is well to give his early connection therewith. In July, 1812, Captain Dobbins was at Mackinaw in command of a merchant vessel named the Salina, belonging to himself and a merchant of Erie, named R. S. Reed, and (who, together \vith 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 K h HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE of by General Hull, and again fell into the hands of the enemy, on the surrender of that import ant 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 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 inhabitants along the coast at the sight of a vessel, be she ever so small, after they had heard of Hull s sur render, he arrived safely at Erie. After re maining a few days with his family, he was sent with dispatches to Washington City by General David Mead, who was then in com- go nine HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE mand of that post, and gave the first authen tic information of the surrender of Mackinaw and Detroit at the seat of Government, hav ing passed Colonel Cass, who was the bearer of dispatches from General Hull, sick by the way. Immediately upon his arrival a Cabi net 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 recom mended 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 speedily began late in October following. Upon his arrival at Erie, was ordered to report to Commodore Chauncey at Sackett s Harbor, or to the commanding officer at Black Rock, for fur ther instructions; which order he obeyed and received the following reply: Page ten HI STORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE "BLACK ROCK, Oct. 2d, 1812. "Sir: Your letter of the 13th ultimo, di rected to Commodore Chauncey or the com manding officer on Lake Erie, I have received, together with its enclosed a copy of your instructions from the Honorable the Secre tary of the Navy, each of which, together with a copy of this letter, I have enclosed to him for his consideration. "It appears to me utterly impossible to build gun boats at Presqu ile. There is not a sufficient depth of water on the bar to get them into the lake. Should there be water, 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 building and repairing at this place. From a slight acquaintance I have with our side of the lake, and with what in formation I have obtained from persons who have long navigated it, I am under the im pression 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 g e eleven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE River. I have no further communication to make upon the subject. Probably in a few days I shall be in possession of Commodore Chauncey s impressions, when you shall again hear from me. "With esteem, yours, &c., "J. D. ELLIOTT, U. S. N. "Sailing Master Daniel Dobbins." Mr. Dobbins (that being the modest title applied to sailing master) at once replied as follows, viz: "Enm, Oct. llth, 1812. "DEAR SIR : Yours of the second inst., is re ceived. 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 to destroy them. The bay is large and spacious, and completely land-locked, except at the entrance. I have made my arrangements in accordance with my own convictions, for the purpose of procuring the Page twelve HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE timber and other material for their construc tion. I believe I have as perfect a knowledge of this lake as any other man on it, and I believe you would agree with 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. "Lieut. J. D. Elliott, U. S. N." This letter from Elliott was the only infor mation 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 Chauncey, 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 Page thirte HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 work was now 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: , December 19th, 1812, il To Hon. the Secretary of the Navy: "SiR: * * * In regard to the vessels cut down, and in an unfinished state at Black Rock, there can be but little confidence 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." * * * * Page fourteen HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE It will be remembered that Commodore Chauncey commanded on Lake Erie, as well as Ontario, and continued in command until after the battle, in fact, until April, 1814. II. BOUT the 1st of January, 1813, Chaun cey, accompanied by Henry Eckford, (Naval Constructor) officially visited Erie approved the work of Mr. Danl Dob bins and gave instructions 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, with a gang of twenty-five carpenters, arrived about the 10th of March. HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE In a letter from Mr. Dobbins to the De partment under date of March 14th, 1813, 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 my fears of the secret incendiary, as well as the prowling spy of the enemy, and in an unguarded moment our labor may be de stroyed. As a substitute for a guard, I have made arrangements 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 commanded by Thomas 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 Page sixteen HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE he immediately sent for General Mead, the military commander in that^portion of Penn sylvania; 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 militia were in camp, which was ultimately reinforced by several hundred volunteers from the interior of the State. Although Erie (Presqu ile) had twice been occupied as a military post first by the French as early as 1760, and subsequently by the United States in 1798, and where the lat ter 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 howitzer, with which the vil lagers celebrated the Fourth of July, and other occasions, belonging to General Kelso, it hav ing been found by him on the beach of the lake, where probably it had been left by the wrecking of an armed French batteau. Noth ing now remains of the French fort, but por- Page seventeen HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE tions 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 difficulties Commo dore Perry and his compeers had to encounter in building, and equipping, his squadron. All the carpenters and blacksmiths in the country having been employedfby Mr. Dob bins in building the gun boats, land all the stores in the village ransacked! f or ^ iron, and then forced to get the most of it from Pitts burgh, Commodore Perry found but little to work with, the great responsibility resting upon his shoulders, and the gigantic task be fore him. He, however, managed to get a small supply for immediate use from Pitts burgh and Buffalo. But the gallant young hero was equal to the task, and started into the work with all the energy and determina tion his future achievements demonstrated. He at once wrote the Secretary of the Navy what was immediately required, when car- page eighteen HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE penters 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, consider ing 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 skillful officer and thorough seaman, arrivedffrom Sackett s Harbor, with twenty officers and seamen. Perry now de termined to leave him in command and pro ceed to Pittsburgh, to hasten the workmen en route from^Philadelphia, and make further arrangements for supplies. Upon his arrival at Pittsburgh 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 pertaining to it, and from whom he obtained Page nineteen HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE four small field pieces, and some muskets. Captain Woolley also volunteered to super vise 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 rapidly 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 mean time 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 mount ed thereon. Perry also had a rude block house erected upon the bluff overlooking the yard where the large vessels were being con structed, and where a brigade of troops were encamped. There was also another redoubt Page twenty HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 depth of water could be 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, notwithstanding 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 go ing on ; and as soon as the ice permitted, their Page twenty-one HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 procure 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 bot tom, 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 lea- boards, 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 Page tweuty-two HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE of the mast 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 roll ing, 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 day light they found themselves some ten miles below Erie, with two of the enemy s cruisers in sight in the offing 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. ge twenty -three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE III . N 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 evening in a four-oared boat. At the contemplated sortie upon Fort George, Perry having been offered by Chaun- cey the command of the seamen and marines that might land. After a trip full of discom forts 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 Canadian pony, and an old saddle, with a rope girth, which the sailors had fitted from the painter of the boat. On this old Rosinaut Perry mounted in full uniform. Mr. Dobbins smiled at the Quixotic appearance of his chief, as also did Perry, and pleasantly remarking, "Any port in a storm, Mr. Dob bins; this is the best we can do." Mr. Dob bins 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 Page twent y-f our HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE he refused, however allowing Mr. Dobbins to accompany him on foot for some distance, both being armed. Perry then gave Mr. Dob bins 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 imme diately 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 George, the enemy evacuated the Niagara frontier to a great extent, and Perry at once determined to get the vessels purchased by the Govern ment and prepared for war purposes by Henry Eckford, and blockaded in Gonjaquades Creek by the batteries of the enemy on the opposite Page twenty-five HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE shore, 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 track ing 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 re main on board to assist in navigating and de fending the vessels on their passage to Erie. This little flotilla was composed of the fol lowing vessels, viz: Brig. "Caledonia," (prize) armament two long 24-pounders and one long 12-pounder; schooner "Somers," (formerly "Catherine") two long 18-pounders; sloop "Trippe," (formerly " Con tractor") one long 24-pounder; schooner "Ohio," one long 24- HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 back by a heavy wind the next day. On that evening they sailed again. Great vigilance was necessary in order to elude the fleet of the enemy then cruising at the foot of the lake, and constantly on the lookout for them. The British fleet consisted of the following vessels, viz: Queen Char lotte," 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, and British ascendency on the upper lakes would have Page twenty-seven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 interme diate 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 preparation and precaution had been attended to by the ever vigilant young hero. He had arranged a line of bat tle, when sailing abreast or in line ; also a code of signals, which were as follows: Page twenty-eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE "One gun Underway to get. Green at the fore Form the order of sail ing 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. White at the fore Open more the present order. White at the main Tack. White at the main peak Follow the mo tions 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 Come within hail. ge twenty-nine HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE It is expected Commanders will pay strict attention to the order of sailing. No property other than public, or passen gers to be received on board any of the vessels under my command. "O. 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 eastward 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 with his little fleet, despite their vigilance. The vessels to comprise the squadron were now all within the bay at Erie, and the equip ping and arming went on rapidly. The court house had been converted into a sail loft; the sails were nearly completed, while the rig ging was being fitted on board the vessels. Pane t h i r HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE It will be remembered that Commodore Chauncey was the senior officer on Lake Erie as well as Ontario; and that everything of importance connected with building and equip ping the squadron had to come through him, instead of coming direct to Perry from the Department. Thus the delay of many mat ters, 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 rab bit, 110 feet between the perpendiculars, 30 feet beam, and 9 feet hold, flush deck, and pierced for 20 guns with two stern ports. Mr. Brown, the efficient and enterprising 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 of the work- Page thirty-one HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE men, who was somewhat particular in finish ing 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 vic torious, the work is good enough to be cap tured." IV. [N ERROR has got into some accounts of the old ship s name claiming it as "St. Lawrence," after the river of that name, as the other vessel was named "Niag ara" after the Niagara River. The name was given by the Navy Department 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 Page thirty-t HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE motto for his fighting flag, viz: "Don t 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 Elliott 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 condemned 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 the stocks, to de fend 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" Page thirty -three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE and "Niagara" were launched. Mackenzie has it "on the 24th of May," and most ac counts have adopted that date. From cir cumstances, and in fact, direct data, as also the opinion of living witnesses who were con nected with their construction, the "Law rence" was launched on or about the 25th of June, and the "Niagara" on the 4th of July. Full crews for the vessels was now the im portant matter, and up to the 25th of June there had been but 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 communica tions from the Navy Department, urging him to hasten the equipment of his squadron, so as to act in conjunction with General Harri son, in a combined movement against the enemy by land and water. This was very perplexing to Perry, as he was short of officers and men; and to make matters worse, the 200 soldiers, with Captains Brevoort and Youngs, who had gone up in the vessels from Black Page thirty-four HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Rock to Erie, and Perry had made application to retain, and be distributed through the squadron as marines, were recalled to Black Rock. On the 10th of July, Perry had re ceived a letter from General Dearbourn, say ing, "by order of the War Department, the officers and soldiers must return," excepting Captain Brevoort, whom he permitted to re main, 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 immediately 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 following is the order : Page thirty-five HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE , July 17th, 1813. "Sm: 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 addition to the four belonging to the Navy, for the transpor tation of the men, say three or four hundred from that place to Erie. The boats to be col lected at Buffalo Creek. - Great caution 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., "O. H. PERRY." "Sailing Master Daniel Dobbins " As an excuse for frequently mentioning the names of Sailing Master Dobbins, will state, that I have his papers and memoranda made at the time ; and as he was actively engaged in getting up and equipping the squadron, and Page thirty -six HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE in operations on the upper lakes during the war, valuable information is obtained there from; 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 knowl edge of the navigation, 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 navi gation and the difficulties incident 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 age of the commissioned officers of Perry s squadron was less than t wen ty- three ; the average age of the warrant officers was less than twenty years." * P a }? e thirty -seven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE V. Y THE 25th of July the vessels were completed, and armed, but only par tially 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 4 Detroit," and had just received a reinforce ment of experienced officers and prime sea men." This was truly annoying to Perry, as his vessels were not fully manned; however, those he had were being well disciplined. Everything in the way of completion and prep aration was fully attended to. The supplies of ammunition, stores, &c., were stowed temporarily, to get the best trim of the ves sels. 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. Page thirty-eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 would 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 ex changed shots with them, with but little effect, on our side at least, when they bade adieu, and squared away for Canada, prob ably to report. Previous to the war the English had upon the lakes what they termed a Provincial Ma rine;" the vessels had a light 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 Chauncey had his hands full upon Lake Page thirty-nine HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 re lieved the western end of the lake of the con tinued harassing they suffered. Once su preme upon the lake, the enemy would have withdrawn his forces to Maiden and the De troit River. Perry having established a re cruiting station on shore to enlist landsmen from the troops, with the permission of the commanding officer, had succeeded in get ting about one hundred. In the meantime, Lieutenant John Brooks, Perry s chief marine officer, had enlisted some forty men as ma- forty HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE rines. Perry now concluded he had enough- some three hundred, after landing the in valids to cope with the enemy before they got their new ship ("Detroit") out; and a further incentive for a forward move, was that there was a report that the enemy were endeavoring 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 Depart ment 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 his vessels under way and moved down to the entrance of the channel, when preparations were immediately made for getting the heavy Page forty-one HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE vessels over the bar. This was on Sunday, August 1st. In the afternoor General Mead and staff visited the Lawrence, and were re ceived with a salute. The General was much pleased with the warlike appearance of the vessels, particularly the "Lawrence" and Niagara." The General had rendered val uable services in various ways in the building of the squadron, and in preparations for their defense; and Perry himself 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 firing the salute for General Mead, hastened to the village, expecting that the enemy was mak- Page forty-two HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE ing an attack. The large vessels were a great curiosi and looked formidable, in their eyes, in comparison with the small craft they had been accustomed to see; and the big guns were giants of destruction in their estimation. They felt proud of the formidable appearance of our "war ships," and sejoiced that we now had a naval force able to cope with the British fleet, which had so long con- troled the lakes, and menaced us so frequently "Could 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 se curity they had not felt for the last year. Early in the morning of the 2d, Mr. Dob bins took charge of the "Lawrence" as pilot, and kedged her to the entrance of the channel, he having sounded and bouyed 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 Page forty-three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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, bal last, and other heavy matter went on briskly on board the "Lawrence," and in three hours everything was removed to the sand beach, the guns being rolled up on timbers so that they could be quickly reshipped should occa sion require. The fallacious yarn of the guns being "hoisted out with the charges in them and placed in boats which were dropped as tern," is novel in the extreme, and does injust ice to the intelligence of Perry. The absurd ity, if not danger, of rousing loaded guns about in this way, particularly amongst the sand, must be obvious to any one, but more par ticularly 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 Page forty-four HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE ammunition. Again, it has been recorded that a water battery of three long 12-pound- ers had 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 bat tery" on Garrison hill, directly abreast of the channel. The "camels" were immediately got alongside of the "Lawrence," timbers placed athwart the vessel, with the ends rest ing 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 on each side, as before stated, the plugs taken out and the "camels" filled, the heavy Page forty-five HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE timbers thrust through the port-holes, the blocking and lashiug 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 with the "camels" had to be repeated before the "Lawrence" could be floated. After a la borious 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 was 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. Page forty-six HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE i VI. |N THE meantime, .early in the morn ing, the enemy made their appearance in the offing, and hove- to to reconnoitre, when about eight miles out. The smaller ves sels having been taken over the bar with but little trouble, were all anchored with the "Lawrence;" the wind was from the south east 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 under the guns of the battery on the bank, which, with the field battery on Garri son Hill, and many of the "Niagara s" guns (the balance being still on board) which had been hastily mounted upon the beach, includ ing the heavy guns of the smaller vessels, 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 Page forty HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 shore line would show quite indistinct at the distance the enemy were out, 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 over the bar, but not quite ready ; bear a hand sir with the lighters hurry up every thing 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" Pack ett 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 Page forty-eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE outside of the mouth of Detroit River until their encounter with our squadron on the 10th of September. Some authors have it, that Terry sent out the schooners Scorpion/ Sailing Master Champlain, 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 than their presence at this particular time. It would have been considered 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 crip pling 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 would clear away the haze, with probably a shift of wind, when the vessels afloat would swing to the wind and show the Page forty-nine HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 Pack- ett. Besides all this, Mr. D., in a conversa tion 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 deceive 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 everything was on the beach, and the "camels" at work. In the meantime the wind had shifted to the west ward, which raised the water, and the next Page fifty HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE day she was floated, armed, and fully equip ped for battle. The schooners "Ohio" and " Amelia" were left inside for the present, the "Amelia" being condemned as unseaworthy. 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 complimentary toast, Barclay said, "I expect to find the Yankee brigs hard and fast aground on the bar at Erie when I re turn; in which predictment it will be but a short job to destroy them." The result of this "return" I have already stated. How ever, had he made the attempt, he would have found it more of a "job" than he anticipated. Page fifty-one HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE VII. HE whole country was in a blaze of glory over the victory of the 10th of Sep tember, and yet Perry was deserving of full as much credit for having got up his squadron under such unfavorable circum stances. Had the Government placed the operations on the upper lakes under a sep arate command, many of the difficulties would have been 6bviated. It is but natural to presume that Chauncey would not send full supplies from Lake Ontario unless there was a surplus over and above a sufficiency to fully arm, equip, officer and man his own immediate command; consequently Perry usu ally received but a scanty share. And, to make matters worse, seamen on the seaboard were averse to this lake service, and volunteer ing was up-hill business. These were some of the many difficulties Perry had to labor under; and frequent appeals to Chauncey had but little effect. Although but twenty- seven years of age, Perry had the decision of Page fifty-two HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 and charitable impulses, his de portment was such as to command respect under all circumstances. The squadron being fully armed and equip ped, but only about half manned, and many of those enlisted from the militia, and receiv ing, 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 censure, his state of mind can well be imag ined. Overworked in both body and mind, it is astonishing that he did not break down under his troubles. However, he was de termined to do his duty to his country, and make the best of the circumstances. It was now ascertained through General Porter, of;Black Rock, that the enemy were concentrating a force at Port Dover or Long Page fifty-three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Point, to be moved by, and act in conjunction with, their squadron in a move upon Erie. However, it failed for the want of a sufficiency of troops at the proper time. Perry determined not to be idle while wait ing for officers 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 pur suit. 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 commanders of the several ves sels on this short cruise were as follows, viz: Lawrence, (flagship) Commodore Perry ; "Niagara," Lieutenant Daniel Turner; "Cal edonia," Purser Humphrey Margath; "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. Page fifty-four HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Upon reaching Long Point, and seeing nothing of the enemy,stood for the mainland, and after sweeping the coast for some distance and mak ing no discoveries returned to their anchorage at Erie and awaited the expected reinforce ments. 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 military stores for General Harri son s army at Sandusky were taken on board. This 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 ves sels hampered up with extra stores, of course their efficiency would be very much de creased. Perry now hesitated about assuming the responsibility of encountering the enemy with Page fifty-five HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE his vessels but half manned, particularly as they would be soon reinforced by their new ship "Detroit," and was discussing the mat ter with Purser Hamilton at his lodgings on shore, when Midshipman John B. Montgom ery made his appearance and presented him a letter from Lieutenant Jesse D. Elliott, then on his way to join the squadron with a number of officers and ninety men. This was joyful news for Perry, and he immediately repaired on board, to dispatch the "Ariel," Lieutenant Packett, down the coast to meet them and hasten their arrival. The "Ariel" returned on the 10th, and the officers and men were immediately distributed among the squadron. They proved to be a much superior class to those previously received, which was very gratifying to Perry. Elliott immediately su perseded Turner in command of the "Ni agara." At this time the commissions, which had been made out for some time, were re ceived via Commodore Chauncey. By these changes, Elliott became Master-Commander, Page fifty-six HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE (the same grade as Perry) Holdup, Packett, Yarnell, Edwards, and Conkling, were pro moted to the rank of Lieutenant they hav ing been previously acting as such. Mr. Dobbins, who had been actively en gaged on general duty while getting the ves sels over the bar, was now ordered to the "Ohio," to "get her over the bar as soon as possible, and to engage three good pilots immediately." The pilots engaged were 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 morn ing of the 12th of August, and consisted of the following vessels, including their commanders and armament, viz: "Lawrence," (flagship) eighteen 32-pound canonades and two long 12-pounders, Commodore O. H. Perry; "Ni agara," same armament, Captain Jesse D. Elliott; "Caledonia," three long 12-pounders, Purser Humphrey Magrath; "Ariel," four long 12-pounders, Lieutenant John Packett; Page fifty-seven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE "Trippe," one long 32-pounder, Lieutenant Joseph E. Smith; Tigress," one long 32- pounder, Lieutenant A. H. M. Conkling; "Somers," one long 24-pounder and one long 12-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 night, &c., was fully and ingeniously arranged, much to the credit of so young a commander. On the 16th, the squadron arrived off Cun ningham 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 com ing out of Put-in-Bay, when the "Scorpion," being a fast sailor, gave chase, and would have captured her, but, unfortunately, ground ed on a reef off Middle Boss Island, and the little craft made good her escape to Canada. She proved afterwards to be the "Ottawa," Page fifty-eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE previously captured at Maumee, and was cruising among the islands to watch the mo tions of our vessels. The next day the squadron anchored off Sandusky, and Perry dispatched an officer with a boat to Lower Sandusky to inform General Harrison of his arrival with the squad ron. On the day following the General and staff, including Colonels Cass, McArthur and Gaines, as also Major Craghan, and some twenty chiefs of the Wyandotte, Shawnee, and Delaware Indians, came down. Among the chiefs were Crane, Blackford, 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 Harri son s visit. After due consideration it was agreed to make Put-in-Bay the present ren dezvous, to which place Perry moved with his squadron and Harrison and party returned to camp. Page fifty-nine HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE VIII. |N 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 discovered them at anchor inside of Bar Point, and directly in the mouth of De troit River, and there being a heavy battery on Bar Point, within range, he concluded it to be not practicable to make an attack at this time. He could see from the offing that they were not yet reinforced by their new ship. At this juncture much sickness was in the squadron, consisting of bilious fever, dysen tery, and chills; those mostly affected were from the seaboard. The change from salt to fresh water, coupled with impure salt pro visions and few vegetables, was fruitful of disease, and Perry was taken down himself, and a number of his officers, including Surgeons Barton and Parsons; the latter, with honor able self-devotion, continued his work, though he had to be carried in a cot to visit the sick. Page sixty HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE On the 31st the squadron received a wel come 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 Ken tucky, 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 squad ron to serve as "marines," in place of the "marine guard" which had been promised from Lake Ontario. This brought the mus ter-roll up to about 490, all told. Great attention was paid to drilling the men in their various duties, and in making every preparation for battle, as it was daily anticipated. Perry became convalescent after a week s confinement, and was able to take the deck again, and got the squadron under way 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. Page sixty-one HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 the Navy, the contents of which were a source of mortification. It appeared the frequent calls upon Chauncey for reinforcements 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 unpleas ant to serve under a commander who had so little regard for his feelings," &c. These let ters from the Secretary, though rebuking him for his frequent calls for officers and men, and also somewhat censuring him for what the Department deemed "extravagant ex penditures," closed with an appeal to his patriotism, and soothed his lacerated feelings with assurances of the confidence the Depart ment reposed in him, and at the same time counseled conciliation with Chauncey. On the same day he answered with a temperate Page sixty-two HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE and respectful 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 Chauncey and himself. vSome change of officers now took place; Lieutenant Smith was ordered to the "Ni agara," and Lieutenant Turner to the com mand of the "Caledonia," Magrath to the "Niagara," in his legitimate capacity as Pur ser and Lieutenant Holdup to the command of the "Trippe." Mr. Dobbins had been dis patched to Erie for supplies and armament, as per the following order: 4t U. S. S. LAWRENCE, "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 other articles as are mentioned in the several requisitions you have in your possession. "You will use every exertion to return to this place with all possible speed; and on not P a s e s i x I y - t h r HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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. Schooner, 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 in a similar trip, as the stock of provisions was small, and the beef not fit for use. The beef and pork had Page sixty-four HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 arm ament and stores on the day of the battle, and Mr. Dobbins distinctly heard the can nonading.) The season being too far advanced for a lengthy campaign, and the enemy s squadron showing no disposition for an immediate encounter, the matter was canvassed in re gard to making a combined attack upon Maiden with our naval and military 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, pro vided their squadron did not previously come a 5 e s i x I j -f i r e HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 infor mation, viz: That the forces at Maiden were very short of provisions; and that a council of military and naval commanders 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, armament, &c. Their flagship, "Detroit," Commodore Barclay, was armed with nineteen long guns; the "Queen Char lotte," Captain Finnis, seventeen carronades; "Lady Provost," Lieutenant Commander Bu- chan, thirteen long guns; brig "Hunter," Lieutenant Bignall, ten guns (mixed arma ment;) "Little Belt," three guns; schooner "Chippewa," Master Campbell, one heavy gun; with 32 officers and 490 men, including troops serving as marines and volunteers. P a K e sixty- HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE According to this information the number of officers and men of the two squadrons were about equal, though the British had the ad vantage in two respects, viz: their soldiers serving as marines were veterans, and, of course, superior to the raw troops Perry re ceived from Harrison s army and obtained at Erie, Secondly, there were over one hun dred 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 Mediter ranean during the Tripoli tan disturbance, 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 risen from a bed of sickness he was about to grapple with a veteran who had Page sixty-seven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE served with distinction under the world-wide renowned 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. How ever, the gallant young Perry somewhat made up for his want of experience by his redoubt able 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 instruc tions. 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," which had been prepared be fore he left Erie, and on which was inscribed the last words of the gallant and lamented Page si* ty -eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Lawrence, "Don t give up the Ship." When the folds of this flag were thrown to the breeze from the main masthead of the "Law rence," it was the signal, to close with the enemy. He also enjoined upon them the advice of Nelson to his commanders 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 com panies of troops at Put-in-Bay to guard the rendezvous, as also to render assistance to the squadron should the enemy attempt an at tack with their vessels, and troops in boats, by boarding in the night whilst ours were at anchor in this rather small haven. The dis tance from Canada being about forty miles, the project was considered practicable in this summer weather and a dark night, with a moderate, fair wind. Page sixty -nine HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE IX |HE evening of the 9th of September was one of those beautiful Autumnal evenings peculiar to the lake region. The moon was at its full; the gentle land breeze was rippling the waters of the beautiful haven and rustling the leaves of the surround ing forest. Occasionally was heard the hum of voices at the camp-fires on the shore, ac companied 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 gal lant Brooks, the commander of marines on board the "Lawrence." Ever noted for his genial spirit and social qualities, as well as Page seventy HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE manly beauty, he was a favorite wherever he went; and yet, alas! so soon to be sacrificed 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, spin ning yarns, or discussing 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 fife 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 cannon, and slaughter and car nage 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 they were now enjoying in the peaceful slum- P a g e seventy-one HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE bers. 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 Commander, and soon all were astir on board. The vessels of the enemy now began to lift one by one above the horizon, until six were counted. Soon the signal "Underway to get" was fly ing from the main masthead of the "Law rence," 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 immediately in front, Perry was endeavoring to weather it, and thereby keep the weather gauge. Much time was taken up in this effort, and Perry, be- Page seventy-tvro HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE coming 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 squadron clear ing 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 ex pected the "Queen Charlotte" would lead the enemy. It was now discovered their line was formed differently. Perry then ordered the "Niagara" to heave-to until the "Lawrence" came up with he/, when Perry held a conver sation 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 Page seventy-three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE schooner "Chippewa" in the lead; next, their flagship Detroit;" then brig "Queen Char lotte;" 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 "Lawrence" to lead and meet the "Detroit," with the "Scorpion" and "Ariel" on her weather-bow they being fast sailing schooners to act as dispatch ves sels to carry orders, if necessary, and to sup port 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," "Ti gress" and "Trippe," in line as named, to engage as they came up, without 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 P a c s o v e 11 t y - f o u r HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 Captain Lawrence, after whom this vessel is named, viz: l Dorit give up the Ship! shall I hoist it?" "Aye, yie, sir," was the unanimous response; when away it sped to the masthead of the "Lawrence," and when the roll was broken and the folds given to the breeze three hearty cheers were given for the flag and three more for their gal lant 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, "Dorit 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 procured for lunch. Perry now visited every portion of the deck, examining every Page seventy-f HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE gun and fixture. For every one he had a pleasant word of encouragement; for the Con stitutions, the New Porters, the hunting skirted Kentuckian, the gallant boys from the Keystone State, &c., each were kindly and encouragingly greeted. For a time a death-like silence prevailed, and the approaching warriors appeared to be absorbed in thought. The lake was smooth, and the gentle 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 actual angle of fifteen degrees. All necessary ar rangements had been made for the coming strife ; the decks had been sprinkled with sand to give a foot-hold when blood began to flow, and the stillness of this hour was occupied mostly in arranging and interchanging of friendship offerings to be sent to friends in case of death, and such kindly offices for the survivors to execute. Page seventy- HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE X. (S OUR vessels gradually approached the enemy in the light breeze, it re minded one of two gladiators in the arena, the one standing at bay in his allotted position awaiting the approach of his antag onist, as the latter gradually moved up to the combat. The British vessels presented a fine appearance; 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 move 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 up in their stations, viz: Within half- cable s-length of each other, but the gunboats were somewhat 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 I\a ge serenty-sereM HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE yet her gallant commander, Lieutenant Hold up, was using sweeps and other means of get ting his vessel up into her station. At a quarter before twelve M. the mellow sound of a bugle was heard from the "De troit" the signal for cheers along their line, and which was followed by "Rule Brittania" from their band. Directly a shot from one of the "Detroit s" long guns was thrown at the "Lawrence," but fell short, the distance being about a mile and a half. Thus the long silence was broken. A few minutes later a second shot was sent from the "Detroit," which took effect upon the "Lawrence," 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. Charnplin, and was soon followed with a shot from the "Ariel." Perry finding these shots Page seventy -eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 carro- nades; it was at once discovered the shot fell short. At this moment Elliott 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 main topsail aback, and commenced with her broadside battery in good earnest. The "Caledonia" having fol lowed the "Lawrence," was closely engaged with the "Lady Provost" the "Scorpion" and "Ariel" having followed the "Lawrence," and keeping their places on her weather-bow, were using their heavy guns to good advan tage. The "Niagara," however, instead of following the "Lawrence" into close action, kept her wind with her maintopsail aback, Page seventy -nine ffl STORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE using her two long 12 s, being completely out of range with the carronades, her broadside battery; consequently the battle, for a time, was mainly by the "Lawrence," "Caledonia," "Scorpion," and "Ariel" fighting the whole British squadron, assisted only by the two 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 broad side battery) would not reach the "Niagara," ordered the "Hunter" to make room for her to pass and close with the "Detroit," 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 Lieuten- Page eighty HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE ant Yarnall to surrender her to the enemy, should it become necessary, took his fight ing flag" under his arm and pulled for the "Niagara," then passing the "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 "Law rence" "hors du combat" and in the act of striking her colors, filed away with their heads to the westward cheering along their line, and feeling certain the day would be theirs the while temporarily repairing dam ages, evidently designing to get their vessels upon the other tack, and gaining the weather gauge, or, if not that to 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 Elliott. It is claimed by some of the officers of the "Niagara," that he spoke somewhat despondently, and much out of humor at the gunboats not getting up in time. h t y - o n e HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Elliott spoke encouragingly, and, antici pating Perry s wish, offered to take the boat, pull astern, and bring the gunboats up into close action, which proposition was thankful ly accepted by Perry, and Elliott immediate ly 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 line. By ap parent consent of both parties there was a general cessation of firing, as it would appear, both preparing for the desperate and final struggle. Under the freshening breeze the "Niagara" had obtained a commanding posi tion abreast the "Detroit," with the "Queen Charlotte" following immediately in the wake of that vessel. The gunboats, in the mean time, by using every exertion and with the freshening breeze, were getting up within range with their heavy guns, using round shot and grape upon the enemy s two heavy ves sels, having been ordered to cease firing upon the smaller ones by Elliott, and he taking command of the "Somers," the headmost one, himself. Page eighty -two HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE At forty-five minutes past two, the gun boats being well up, the Caledonia" in good position on the Niagara s" lee-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 gal- lantsails, foresail, jib, and fore and aft main sail, bore up for the enemy s line. The enemy, in the meantime, having discovered the in tention 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 had passed through their line, the "Detroit" to follow, and cross her stern. However, the "Ni agara" came down so rapidly, and reserving her fire, 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 Charlotte" the star board broadside at half pistol shot, and poured the port broadside into the "Lady Provost" and "Chippewa." So rapid was Page eighty -three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE the movements of the "Niagara" they were taken unawares; the "Queen Charlotte" did not take room enough to pay off, conse quently got becalmed under the lee of the "Detroit," which vessel, in bearing up to pre vent being raked, fell athwart the bows of the "Queen Charlotte," and fouled with her. In this predicament they received the broad side of the "Niagara," as also a heavy fire from the "Caledonia," which vessel had fol lowed the "Niagara" down through the enemy s line. In the meantime the gunboats were seriously cutting them up with their long heavy guns at close range. After 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 en tangled 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 taff-rail of the "Queen Charlotte" with a white handker- Page eighty-four HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE chief 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 at tempted to escape, but were promptly pur sued and brought back by the Scorpion" and "Trippe." XI . S SOON as the smoke cleared away the two squadrons were found to be inter mingled. The "Niagara" lay close un der the lee of the "Detroit," "Queen Char lotte," and "Hunter;" the "Caledonia," "Trippe" and "Scorpion" near the "Niagara," having followed that vessel through the enemy s line; the "Lady Provost" and "Chip- pewa" a little distance to the westward, with the "Somers," "Tigress," and "Porcupine" abreast of the "Hunter;" the shattered and glorious "Lawrence" was drifting with the Page eighty -five HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 re main. 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 General, and the blank leaf in that to the vSecretary, 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: We have met the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop. "Yours with great respect and esteem, "O. H. PERRY." Page eighty -six HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE A few moments later, and after reflecting upon his wonderful preservation amid such carnage and destruction, the goodness of that power who controls all things, he wrote to the vSecretary, viz: "U. S. BRIG "NIAGARA," OFF THE! WEST SISTER, HEAD OF LAKE }- ERIE, Sept. 10th, 18134 P. M. J "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 sharp conflict. "I have the honor to be, sir, "Very respectfully your obedient ser vant, "O. H. PERRY." These hasty, yet admirably worded, dis patches were immediately sent, via schooner, to the mouth of Portage River, then the head quarters of Harrison, and distant some twelve miles. Page eighty-seven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Now was to be performed the proud but melancholy duty of taking possession of the captured vessels. On board the Detroit" Commodore Barclay was found to be se verely wounded, her First Lieutenant, Gar land, mortally, as also Purser Hoffmeister, severely. On board the "Queen Charlotte/ "Captain Finnis, her commander, and Lieu tenant Gordon, of the marines, were killed, with First Lieutenant Stokes and Midship man Foster wounded. On board the "Lady Provost/ Lieutenant Commandant Bignall and Master s Mate Gateshill were wounded. On board the "Chippewa," Master s Mate Campbell, commanding, was slightly wound ed. The "Little Belt" had little or no casual ties. The "Detroit" and "Queen Charlotte" were much shattered in their hulls, as also badly cut up aloft; and the "Lady Provost" had her rudder shot away. 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- eighty -eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE four wounded, as per Commodore Barclay s report to Sir James Yeo. Let us now leave the enemy s vessels and count the casualties in our own squadron. On board the "Lawrence" there were killed: John Brooks, lieutenant commanding ma rines; Henry Laub, midshipman; Christian Mayhen, quartermaster; John W. Allen, Jo seph 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; Etherid 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, midshipmen; Jonas Stone, carpenter; Wm. C. Kean, master-at-arms ; Francis Mason, John P a K c eight)- -nine HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Newen, Joseph Lewis, arid Ezekiel Fowler, quartermasters; John E. Brown and James Helan, quarter-gunners; Geo. Cornell, car penter s mate; Wm. Johnson, boatswain s mate; Thomas Hammond, armorer; Wm. Thompson, Geo. Varnum, James Moses, Wm. Rose, Joseph Deming, Wm. Daring, John Clay, Stephen Fairfield, Geo. Williams, Lan- nan Huse, James Waddington, John Burnham, John Burdeen, and Andrew Mattison, sea men; Jeremiah Easterbrook, Henry Schroder, Benone Price, Thos. Robinson, Peter Kinsley, Nathan Chapman, Thomas Hill, Barney Mc- Clair, W r m. Dawson, Westerly Johnson, Sam uel Spy wood, Robert Hill, Francis Cummings, Thos. Reed, Charley 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 morn- Page ninety HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE ing of the battle the sick list of the "Law rence" numbered thirty-one unfit for duty.) On board of the "Niagara" the killed were Peter Morce, seaman; Isaac Hardy, ordinary seamen 2. Wounded, John J. Edwards, 1st lieutenant; Acting Master Webster; John C. Cummings, midshipman; John Filton, boat swain s mate; Edward Martin, George Platt, Henry Davidson, James Lansford, Thos. Wil son, Charles Davidson, Daniel Bennett, sea men; Wm. Davis, Ronvell Hall, Elias Wiley, John M: Stribuck, ordinary seamen ;- Mason, sergeant marines; - - Scott, cor poral marines; Joshua Trapnill, Thos. Miller, John Rumas, Geo. McManomy, George Scof- field, and Samuel Cochran, marines 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. Page ninety -one HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Wounded, Charles Ordeen and Godfrey Bow man 2. On board the "Ariel," killed, John White, boatswain s mate 1. Wounded, Wm. Sloss, Robert Wilson, seamen; John Lucas, lands man. On board the "Trippe," none killed. Wounded, Isaac Green, soldier, acting ma rine. On board the Scorpion," killed, John Clark, midshipman; John Sylhammer, lands man 2. On board the "Porcupine" and "Tigress," none killed or wounded. About four P. M. a boat was seen approach ing the "Lawrence" and Perry recognized in it. He was now returning to his shattered and helpless ship to meet the remnant of her gallant crew in this hour of victory, and that they should be witnesses of the formal sur render. Dr. Parsons says: "Those of us who were spared, and were able to walk, met him at the gangway to welcome him on board; Page ninety -two HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 conver sation with Purser Hamilton, that he "believed the prayers of his 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." Lieuten ant O Keefe, of the Forty-first Royal Regi ment, was charged by Commodore Barclay with 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 Page ninety -three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE to the condition 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 sym pathy; also promised to assist in procuring an early parole, as Barclay was anxious to return to England as soon as possible on ac count of his health. XII . |T BEING deemed inadvisable to try and save the killed for 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 wit nesses to the solemn scene; the burial service Page ninety -four W fti w 81 is 1 1 f. < K u "< W <j HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE of the Episcopal Church read by the chap lain, " 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 foremost 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 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, who 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 sur vivors of both squadrons as the vessels lay P a s e n i 11 e t y - f i v e HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE intermingled at anchor in the open lake. The booming of 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 vindicated 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 llth 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 squadron sailed for Put-in- Bay, where they arrived about noon and an chored, 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 officers, Page ninety HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE which was to take place on the following morning. The morning of the 12th (Sunday) was clear and calm 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 being 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 "Detroit." 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 Page ninety-seven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE burial service of the Episcopal Church ren dered by the chaplains 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. O, cruel Mars, thou wicked God! many a husbandless, fatherless, brotherless, and son- less family hath thy votaries made in their devotion to thy cause their adhesion to thy bloody motto, "Seek the bubble reputation 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 imagin ary? Here were men, scions of the same stock, speaking the same language, worship ing at the same altar men whom would be like brothers under different circumstances- meeting each other in deadly strife; in the most savage manner hastening to destroy each other, and all without animosity, save Page n i n e t y - e i g h t HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE in the frenzy of battle; and when the carnage is complete the strife ended taking each other by the hand, and in a spirit of kindness and sympathy rendering every aid in their power to heal, soothe, and comfort the unfor tunate victims of their deadly work. But still more is to be said in regard to this strife. What but a disagreement between a pas sionate and austere mother and her perverse daughter, the latter having left the old home stead and taken a house to herself both for getting the ties of consanguinity which should have bound them in love and harmony ever more. On the 13th the "Ohio" returned to San- dusky and found the squadron absent. Mr. Dobbins felt certain a battle had taken place, and, of course, was anxious to know the re sult, 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 Ameri can, and from the men on board learned that there had been a battle, but no details, other Page ninety-nine HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 with their prizes. The arrival of the "Ohio" with fresh supplies was a God send 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 afflicted, as also to the able-bodied. The wounded were still on board their respective vessels; and Commodore Barclay was made as comfortable on board the "Detroit" as cir cumstances would permit. It being neces sary to dispose of the prisoners, all the rank and file, so to speak, including some of the officers, able to travel, were immediately dis patched to Chillicothe, Ohio, under the, au spices 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 command of HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Lieutenant John L. Yarnall, himself wounded. With what joy the people espied the gallant craft as she rounded the peninsula in her ap proach to the harbor ! 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 war rior returning to his peaceful home, she was welcomed with tears and smiles. As soon as she was anchored the unfortunates were con veyed on shore in boats, and every attention given by the citizens to make them as com fortable 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 for 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 Page one hundred and one HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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. 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. XIII . HORTLY after the battle, unfortunate ly, a spirit of crimination and recrimi nation sprang up among the officers in regard to the conduct of Elliott, with his ship "Niagara," during the battle, and finally cul minated in a bitter feud. It was found several years afterwards that it would result in a duel between Perry and Elliott had not the former Page o r. e h u n ! re d n n d t \v o HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 mani fest reasons, and without the slightest diffi culty or delay. Much stress has been placed upon this evolution by some of the friends of Elliott, 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 shot of which was found to fall short, the "Niagara" was in her alloted position; 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 Elliott had ordered the "Caledonia" out of her place to make room for the "Niagara" to close up with the "Law- n c h u ;i d r e d :i n d t h r e e HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE rence" within the prescribed distance, viz: "half cable s-length," but kept her wind- using only her two long 12-pounders, having shifted the port gun over to the starboard side, occasionally using a division of her car- ronades, but without effect, as the shot fell short. I would ask, was this not breaking 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 opponent. The ex cuse 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 en- P a K c o ii e h n n ri r t3 and f o HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE gaged 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 "De troit," "Caledonia" to meet the "Hunter," "Niagara" to meet the "Queen 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 sup ported 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 destined to engage the "Queen Charlotte"- supported in like manner by two schooners, Page one hundred and five HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE kept so far to windward as to render the "Queen Charlotte s" 20 (24) pounder car- ronades useless." The "Queen Charlotte" retained her posi tion abreast of the "Niagara" for some time, and Captain Finnis finding that vessel 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 "Law rence," which vessel was within range. It is well known that the range of 24-pound car ronades and that of 32 s is very near the same, the only difference being the 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 Elliott tried an occasional division to get the range. It is claimed by some officers of ex perience that Elliott might have excused him self, to some extent, by claiming that Perry Page one hundred ii n d six HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE was impetuous in rushing into close action with only a portion of his force available. In fact, it was stated by skillful officers that "no commander ever went into battle in worse shape and came out of it better" that Terry 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 ser vice in squadron engagements, had his line in compact order." However, 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 Elliott for remaining at a dis tance 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 f ore-and-af ters have not the advantage of square-rigged vessels in light winds, as the latter have their heavy sails Page one hundred and seven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE aloft, besides have more light canvas. The "Scorpion" and "Ariel" were fast sailors, is the 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 with the enemy. The next matter we will take up is, how the "Niagara" obtained the position she occu pied 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 before the Court of Inquiry at New York in April, 1815. The cause assigned by Elliott for passing to wind ward of the "Lawrence" is, that he "was en deavoring to reach the head of the enemy s line and their large vessels, a breeze springing up at the time and the enemy filing away to shoot ahead." We will now have to resort Page one hundred and eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE to "cause and effect" in this argument. We will 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 dis abled, 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 instead of widening, which latter would have to be the case to ex cuse the "Niagara" for going to windward. But, furthermore, the "Caledonia" passed the "Lawrence" to leeward, or between that vessel and the enemy, in order to keep within hundred and HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE range, though her armament was of long guns. Whereas the Niagara passed to windward, and, of course, at a greater distance with her carronade battery. This good reasoning would determine that the policy, if not the duty, of Elliott was to have gone to leeward instead of to windward of the "Lawrence." XIV. HE statement in regard to the sail the "Niagara" was 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 : "When 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 top- Page one h ;; n d r c \\ a n d t e *- RAISING COMMODORE PERRY S FLAGSHIP "NIAGARA," IN MISERY BAY, ERIE, PA., MARCH, 1913. VIEW OK FLAGSHIP "NIAGARA," SHOWING GUN PpRts IN FOREGROUND. HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE sail, 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) gang way, and was met by Captain Elliott; they shook hands and had some conversation, which I could not hear from the top. Directly Captain Elliott 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 immediately 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, Page one hundred and eleven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE and at the same time fired a broadside into the 1 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 "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 their line; the "Caledonia" and one or two of the gunboats followed us." It has been conceded that the British ves sels 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 command ing officers, Commodore Barclay being severe ly, and Captain Finnis mortally w r ounded; 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 Pageone hundred and twelve HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE the "Detroit" to Second Lieutenant Inglis, and the "Queen Charlotte" to Second Lieutenant Irvine, a provincial. Then the American squadron had the weather gauge. Their last evident manoeuvre was well con ceived, and could they have carried it out the battle would, at least, have been prolonged. But the bold, 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 Char lotte" was to bear up, pass to leeward of the "Detroit," and meet the "Niagara" broad side on as she passed, the "Detroit" to follow. Then as the "Niagara" and "Queen Char lotte" passed down before the wind, exchang ing fires at pistol-shot-range, the "Detroit" to haul up, shoot athwart the stern of the "Niagara" and give her a raking fire from her starboard guns; and taking position upon her quarter, keep up this raking fire upon the Page one hundred and thirtee HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE "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 "De troit," as that vessel by bearing up in haste to prevent being raked by the "Niagara," fell athwart the bow of the "Queen Charlotte," and fouled with her. As showing their in tention, I will give a short extract from the letter of Lieut. Inglis of the "Detroit," which accompanied Com. Barclay 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 broad side to bear upon her, a number of our guns on the larboard side being at this time dis- Page one hundred and fourteen HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE abled, 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 Commodore Barclay, giving the situation of matters at this critical time from his standpoint, viz : * * * "The 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 was at this time perfectly fresh.) The American commodore seeing that, as yet, the day was against him, (his vessel having struck soon after he left her) and also the very defenseless 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 Page one hundred and fifteen HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 Mar tial, 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 Erie, Sep tember 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 (Barclay s) in number of ships and guns, and there was no comparison in respect to the quality of the seamen." We will give the figures and let them speak the facts : AMERICAN SQUADRON. BRITISH SQUADRON. "Lawrence" . . . . .260 tons, 20 guns "Detroit" .300t ons, 19 j "Niagara" . . . . . 260 " 20 " "Queen Charlotte" .260 " 17 "Caledonia" . . . . 85 " 4 " "Lady Provost". . . . 96 " 13 "Ariel" . . 60 3 " Brig "Hunter" . . . 75 " 10 "Scorpion" . . . . 60 2 " "Little Belt" . 60 3 "Somers" . . 65 2 " "Chippewa" . 35 " 1 "Trippe" . . . . 50 1 " "Porcupine" . . . . 50 1 " Tonnage .826 " 63 "Tigress" . . 50 1 " 6 vessels. Which shows 9 guns in favor of the Tonnage 840 " 54 " British squadron, and 14 tons in favor 9 vessels. of the American squadron. P a g e o n e hundred a HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE It is well known to be better to have a bat tery concentrated on board of one heavy ves sel 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 thirteen guns, most of which were of heavy caliber. She would have been a match for any three of the Ameri can vessels, excepting the "Lawrence" and "Niagara." As for crews, the force of each squadron was about equal, viz: 500, all told; though the British had the advantage, as 116 in the Amer ican squadron were on the sick list on the day of the battle, seamen suffering the worst, as the change from salt to fresh water had a bad effect upon them, and many were down with the bilious fever, &c. Whereas, the British had but that day left port, and of course, all in good health. In respect to the number of seamen, say 150, there was but little differ ence; and in regard to the balance of the crews, the American, like the British, were mostly made up of soldiers and landsmen. Page one hundred a n <! s eventeen HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE There was, however, one other great ad vantage they had, viz: The "Queen Char lotte," "Lady Provost," and brig "Hunter" were regularly built war vessels, and had been cruising for several years but more particu larly since the declaration of war. During the spring and summer of 1813, and while Perry was getting up the American squadron they were constantly cruising off Erie. Thus, you see, they must have been in complete condition, and the crews in a good state of discipline. In regard to Elliott leaving the "Niagara" to bring up the smaller vessels, then some distance astern into close action, some of Elliott 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 cir cumstances to perform such duty. The evi dence of Perry, in his note to Elliott, of the 18th of September, at Put-in-Bay gives un doubtedly the truth, viz: "Your anticipating Page one hundred and eighteen HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE my wishes to bring up the small vessels into close action, thereby contributing largely to our victory," &c., as also using the same lan guage in substance in his report to the Secre tary of the Navy. Again, it was but charac teristic of Perry to use the language imputed to him by Captain Brevoort, viz: After the action and Captain Elliott 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 em bracing every one who had contributed to the brilliant achievement. Most certainly the volunteering to bring up the distant smaller vessels into close action, and the prompt man ner it was executed, and their efficient ser vices afterwards, (Barclay claiming "the rak ing fire of the gun boats to be terrific on board the Detroit, ") Elliott 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 Page one hundred and ninetee HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE he had not closed with his antagonist, the "Queen Charlotte," this gallant act should aid in covering up the sin to some extent. XV. O ERR is human, to forgive is di vine," and that "none of us are in fallible," should ever be uppermost in our minds. Perry, with all his nobleness of character, gallantry and truthfulness of purpose, erred in accusing Elliott of cowardice after mentioning him in the most compli mentary 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 con duct of Elliott, on Lake Ontario, and captur ing the two vessels under the guns of Fort Erie, as also on Lake Erie, evinced anything but cowardice. The writer, had a con versa- o TI c 1; v. n d ret! a n d t \-; HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE tion with a naval officer of high rank, (now deceased) a few years since, who said: "It is a mistake to accuse Elliott of being a coward. I made a cruise with him some years since, and think I know him like a book; cowardice is the last sin that could be laid at the door of "Old Jesse." He was somewhat egotistical and austere, yet a good officer and thorough seaman. He was no coward, I assure you." Then as to the accusation of treachery, made by some of the accusers of Elliott, we will only give the facts and circumstances, and leave the reader to come to his own conclu sions. In the first place, Elliott did not close with his allotted antagonist the "Queen Char lotte," as per order of Perry, and which was expected by not only every intelligent officer in the American squadron, but also the Brit ish, 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 en- Page one h u n d r e d a n d t w c n t y - o n e HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE deavoring 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," intended to assume command. These accu sations are vital in their importance, and should be well considered. Immediately after the battle the conduct of Elliott with the "Niagara" became the gen eral topic of conversation, and Elliott criti cised. Perry, with all the kindness of his for giving nature, was anxious to stop this cen suring of Elliott, and cautioned the officers to silence on this subject. The strongest de fense Elliott had was the language of Perry himself. In a letter to Elliott at Put-in-Bay, under date of September 19th, in answer to one from Elliott of the previous day, Perry said: "I am indignant that any re port should be in circulation prejudicial to your character, as respects the action of the 10th inst. It affords me pleasure that I have Page one hundred and twenty-two HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE it in my power to assure you that the conduct of yourself, officers and crew, was such as to meet my warmest approbation. I 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 plan of the enemy to disable our commanding vessel by bringing all their force to bear upon her; and I am satisfied had they not pursued this course the engagement would not have lasted thirty minutes. I have no doubt if the "Charlotte" had not made sail to engage the "Lawrence" the "Niagara" would have taken her in twenty minutes. "Very respectfully yours, &c., "O. H. PERRY." "Capt. J. D. Elliott, U. S. S.> Niagara. " It was afterwards claimed by Perry that these letters were given at the time to soothe the wounded feelings of Elliott, but not to be used for publication, which use was made of them. And furthermore, the complimentary matter in the letters was afterwards with drawn, and the conduct of Elliott threatened to be the subject of a court-martial, the charges Page one hundred and twenty-three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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 bat tle from their standpoint: "U. S. S. "NIAGARA," ) 13th October, 1813. V "Ax ANCHOR OFF DETROIT. I "RKSPKCTED 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 admiration and great respect for our com mander, Captain J. D. Elliott, we take the liberty of laying before you our combined ob servations on the above late action, and know ing, as we do, your power of discrimination and impartiality of judgment, we commit it to you with full confidence of its universal confidence and consideration. (Here is given a detailed account of the action, which, 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 estimation of our noble com mander. We feel it our duty to him and to ourselves to express our opinion of his cori- P a x e one hundred and twenty- I" our HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE duct during the action, which was manifested by his cool, brave and judicious 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, skillful, and heroic defender. We have here endeavored, sir, to give you a succinct and minute account of the action from the com mencement to the close; in doing this we have been actuated by unprejudiced love and respect for Captain Elliott. 4 We have the honor to be, sir, "Your obedient servants, &c., - J. E. SMITH, Lieutenant, "H. MAGRATH, Purser, "J. J. EDWARDS, Lieutenant, "NELSON WEBSTER, A. M., "A. B. BREVOORT, Capt. 2d Reg t U. S. Infantry. "Hon. Wm. Jones, Secy of the Navy, Wash ington City, D. C." 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 Page o n t- It : . n <i r c d and t w c n t y -five HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE their commander, if for nothing else, for their own reputations, it is to be presumed, they would not have sanctioned or endeavored to cover up such manifestations of conduct. Some little excuse for these statements may be given thus wise, 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 proverbial with the officer, as well as Jack, to regard the reputation of his ship, when assailed, with the same feel ing, and defend her with the same spirit, he would his wife. But we will take leave of this unfortunate controversy and revert to more pleasant and interesting incidents of the action. Had all been like the noble and generous Perry, this bad feeling would have been strangled in its infancy, and never have gone out to the public. Page one hundred and t v.- e n t y - s i x HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE XVI. O SHOW how raged the battle on board the Lawrence," we will give some statements of Dr. Parsons, her surgeon : "The wounded began to come down be fore the "Lawrence" opened her battery, and, for one, I felt impatient at the delay. In proper time, however, 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 hours little could be heard but the deafening thunders of our own broad sides, 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 bleed ing, 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 re nowned for personal beauty. A cannon-ball hit him in the hip; he knew his doom, and Page one hundred and twentv- HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE 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. Doctor, 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, when 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 badly fractured; I applied a splint, Page one hundred and twenty-eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE and requested him to go forward and lie down; as he was leaving me, and while my hand was upon him, a cannon-ball struck him in the side, dashing him against the other side of the room, which instantly terminated his sufferings. Charles Pohig, a Narragan- sett 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 stream ing over his face ; some lint was hastily applied and confined with a bandanna, with instruc tions to report for further dressing after bat tle. 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 mattresses filled with flag-heads or cattails, which floated in the air like feathers. These gathered upon Yar- nell s blood-covered head, and made it re semble that of a huge owl. 1 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 Page one hundred and twentjr-nin HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE melancholy sound to the boisterous cheers that preceded the battle, when Perry s fight ing 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 "Law rence" for the "Niagara." This is error, I will give the language of Dr. Parsons in re gard 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 Hamilton, 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 midshipman of thir teen years. He had, during the battle, acted as a sort of aid to Perry in running with orders to different parts of the 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 over board, but he was soon found in his berth asleep, exhausted with the fatigues and ex- Page one hundred and thirty HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE citement of the day, 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 of the battle, as some of our officers were conversing with the British on board the Detroit," one of the latter asked his com rade, 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. How ever 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 (Barclay) 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-shooters," to pick off the *"Gemokomon," signifying "Long-Knife," or sword, an implement of war fare unknown to them previous to their early wars with the whites. It is the name given to the "Yankees." Page one hundred and thirty-one HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE officers. They were stationed in the main top of the "Detroit/ and when the bullets began to fly aloft thought they were all aimed at them, and hastily retreated to the deck, where they found it no better, and then to the hold. They were sent to Maiden with some paroled officers who had families there. The trip of Perry from the "Lawrence" to the "Niagara" in a boat, it appears to us, is not properly understood or appreciated; or rather, that the act is eulogized instead of the motive. "If a victory is to be gained I ll gain it," said Perry as he left the shattered "Law rence." Such was his intention, and therein laid the merit. The passing from vessel to vessel had been frequently done where squad rons were engaged, and had been done that same day; and furthermore, Elliott 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." Page one hundred and thirty-two HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE XVI I . |HE victory of the 10th gave us the command of the lake, and now Harri son was about to push matters for a victory on land. He had called upon the venerable Gov. Shelby of Kentucky, for vol unteers, and invited the Veteran of King s Mountain" to command them in person, to which he responded 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 number required showed themselves ready for the "warpath." 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, Childs, 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. Page one hundred and thirty-three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Harrison had some friendly Indians, of the Wyandot, Shawneese, Seneca and Delaware tribes, under their chiefs, as before named. The prisoners being disposed of, the wound ed 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 Har rison s army, then encamped at Portage River and Fort Meigs, to the Canada shore. The vessels were "Niagara," "Caledonia," "Som- ers," "Ohio," "Trippe," "Scorpion," "Ariel," "Tigress," and "Porcupine," of the American, and "Hunter," "Lady Provost," "Little Belt," and "Chippewa," of the late British squad- dron. 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 embarkation com menced 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 Page one hundred and thirty-four HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE the regiment of Col. R. M. Johnson, which was to go round the head of the Lake to De troit 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 recover ing from a fever, approached Maj. Cham bers, with whom he was acquainted, and who was then conversing with Lieut. Packett, commander of the " Ariel," and asked him in a mild and courteous manner "if it could be possible to obtain a cup of coffee from the cabin; that the cold, coarse food they were confined to in accordance with army regula tions, he could not eat." The Major, being but slightly acquainted with Perry, asked Lieut. Packett, who hesitated, as there was such a crowd of officers on board, and the matter was apparently dropped. Perry hap- Page one hundred and thirty-five HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE pened 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 "Mid dle Sister/ about twenty-five miles from the Canada shore, and where they were all safely landed by the 26th. Arrangements for trans portation 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 Page one hundred and thirty-six HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE enemy in the neighborhood took up their line of march for 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 around into the river, and followed the army as they advanced. On the 29th they reached Sand wich, when some vessels were dispatched with Me Arthur s brigade to take possession of De troit. 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 armament if necessary, and himself volunteered as aid to Harrison. Then followed the battle of the Thames, and the defeat of Proctor and death of Tecumseh. Harrison and Perry now returned to Detroit and issued a joint proclamation, dated Sand wich, October 17th, 1813, saying to the people of Upper Canada, that "all armed resistance having ceased, and the country in the quiet Page one hundred and thirty- HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE possession of the Americans, that the laws and customs that existed previous to the con quest were hereby declared in force, and the inhabitants guaranteed protection in person and property so long as the district remained in possession of the United States." Harri son also issued a proclamation, dated Detroit, September 29th, 1813, to the inhabitants of Michigan, establishing the laws in force pre vious to the surrender of Hull, and replacing the officers. After the defeat of Barclay and Proctor, and the death of Tecumseh, the In dians with the British army felt quite humble and disposed for peace. XVIII. |OL. LEWIS CASS was now installed civil and military governor of Michi gan, with his brigade, one thousand strong, as also to hold that portion of Canada just captured. The volunteers under Gover- Page one hundred and thirty -eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE nor Shelby, and such portions of the militia as were not needed, were now disbanded. A portion of the squadron were now pre pared 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 embarked as soon as possible. The "Ohio," "Somers," "Scorpion," "Tigress," and "Por cupine," were left under the supervision of Colonel Lewis Cass to transport prisoners to Camp Portage, and supplies from Cleveland. A letter awaited the gallant Perry, at De troit, from the Secretary of the Navy, couched in flattering terms, announcing to him his pro motion to the rank of Post Captain, and grant ing 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- Bay and found Barclay much improved, and able to be moved. Perry now informed Barclay of his success in obtaining a parole for him to return home. The wounded Commodore, with his attending Page one hundred and thirty-nine HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE surgeon, was then taken on board the "Ariel," when she sailed for Erie, the rest of the squad ron having proceeded on their trip; however, the "Ariel" being a fast sailor, arrived at Erie some hours in advance of the squadron. As she made her appearance off the point of the peninsula 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 enthusiasm 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 Perry requested to have no demonstrations made near his quarters, to annoy his unfortunate guest, which was strictly observed, and which grate ful attention Barclay duly appreciated. Here the intrepid Perry had built. and equipped his vessels, and now he had returned for the first time after sailing with the laurels upon his brow. His ambition had been satisfied he had "met the enemy and made them his." Page one hundred and forty HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE XIX. jFTER making a hasty visit to view the shattered remains of his gallant old "flagship" in Misery Bay, and mem ory taking him back to the stirring scenes of the 10th the still blood-stained deck of his shattered ship, and he, himself, escaping un scathed amid the storm and destruction, he raised his hands and gave thanks to the Pre server 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 Elliott, and then pursued his journey east, amid a blaze of rejoicing, to his home in Rhode Island. The prizes "Detroit" and "Queen Char lotte" being badly cut up, it was deemed in expedient to try and remove them to Erie, as the season of navigation was far advanced, and storms prevalent, consequently prepara- Page one hundred and f o r t y - o n HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE tions were made to winter them at Put-in- Bay, with a force to protect them from ma rauding parties from the Canada shore, when the ice would make. Mr. Champlin, in command of the Tigress," was sent to Put in-Bay to assume command, and where he arrived on the 25th of December. He imme diately made the necessary arrangements for defense, Col. Cass having sent 200 soldiers from Detroit to assist. Lieut. John Packett was sent up late in the winter, and superseded Champlin in command. The season of storms being at hand, Elliott 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 com pleted their work under Col. Cass the "Som- ers" and others went into winter quarters at Page one hundred and forty-two HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Put-in-Bay, and the "Ohio" returned to Erie, where she arrived late in December. The vessels 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 at tempt, and if they had, would have found Elliott with the vessels and Gen. Mead on land with 4,000 troops, ready to receive them. XX. |UCH has been said by some authors about anarchy and insubordination ex isting at the Erie station during the winter of 1813-14. This is erroneous. There was some little clashing between Perry and Elliott adherents, but not in the slightest de gree interfering with subordination. As the spring opened, things were more Page one hundred and forty-three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE quiet; the danger of the enemy crossing upon the ice having now passed away. Elliott, in order to obtain information of the enemy s movements upon the Canada shore, as soon as the ice in the lake would permit, ordered the "Ohio," under the command of Mr. Dob bins, 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 oppressed, for which he was seeking re venge. His object, if possible, to capture the mails, and thereby obtain valuable informa tion. He never succeeded in getting a mail which was brought to Erie, though he fre quently made captures which he took through the lines to our forces near Fort Erie. Early in April Elliott received letters from General Harrison and Commodore Chauncey, stating that Mackinaw was short of provisions Page one hundred and f o r t y - f o u r HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE and quite defenseless. Chauncey then or dered Elliott to fit out the squadron and en deavor to recapture it. 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, Apr. 15, 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 commander of the squadron on Lake Erie, has rendered it expedient to place the latter under a separate command. Captain Arthur Sinclair is, therefore, appointed to the com mand 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 Chaun cey, of the 19th December last, proceed to Sackett s Harbor and report yourself to him. "I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, "WM. JONES." "J. D. Elliott, Esq., Commanding U. S. Squad ron, Lake Erie" Page one hundred and forty-fire HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Captain Sinclair arrived on the 25th inst., when Elliott, after turning over the command, as instructed, proceeded to Lake Ontario. Sinclair was a thorough seaman and meri torious officer. He at once commenced to prepare the squadron for the afore-named expe dition 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 cruis ing duty, and ordered to proceed with the "Ohio," and stores, to Put-in-Bay, and assist in fitting out the prizes "Detroit" and "Queen Charlotte," and navigate them to Erie. They arrived about the 1st of May, and after some time were taken over the bar and moored in Misery Bay. The temporary post at Put in-Bay was then broken up and the troops removed to Detroit. Page one hundred and forty -six HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE XXI . |FTER much difficulty the squadron sailed on the Mackinaw expedition on the 25th of June, and reached De troit 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 cross ing 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 officer. After visiting several posts on the Canadian side, and finding them abandoned, they sailed for Mackinaw, where they arrived about the 25th of July. Find ing the post well fortified, with 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 expedition. The squadron then sailed Page one hundred and forty-seven HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE for the lower end of the lake. At Nautawas- saga, a block house was destroyed, and caused the enemy to burn the schooner "Nancy." laden with stores and ammunition for Mack inaw. Lieutenant Worseley, Royal Navy, commanded at this post, who retreated to the interior with his forces. The squadron now sailed on their return, leaving the schooners "Scorpion" and "Tigress," Lieutenant Turner and Sailing Master Champlin in command, to cruise and watch, for the present, the move ments of the enemy. Unfortunately, they were both surprised and captured at anchor one night, by a heavy body of troops and In dians in boats. In this unfortunate encoun ter the gallant young Champlin was severely wounded. The squadron proceeded on down to Buf falo, conveying a portion of the troops thither. The "Lawrence," however, being in bad con dition, having nearly foundered in a blow on Lake Huron, was left at Erie, and went into ordinary. The schooners "Somers," Lieu tenant Conklin, and "Ohio," Sailing Master Page one hundred and forty-eight HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Col well, 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 Canada shore in the night in boats and captured both these schooners while lay ing at anchor at Fort Erie, thus making 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 hav ing heard frequent conversations between the officers 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 interior of the state, was detailed with a squad of men to guard stores in a small block house at the Cascade, where the large vessels were built. Though in command, he sanc tioned the pilfering of the stores he was sent to protect; and when information was given to the military commander he, with his party, Page one hundred and forty-nine HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE made mutinous demonstrations, but soon were conquered. Lieut. Brooks, of the ma rines, 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 overlooked, pro vided 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 stores, and from where he de serted, 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 vaca tion 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 Sail ing Master Colwell with a draft of seamen in wagons, destined for Erie to join the squad ron, and to whom the youngster gave the in- Page one hundred and fifty HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE formation. Col well 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," while on the passage of the squadron to Detroit. They were all three condemned to death. Efforts were made to have Bird s sentence commuted to imprisonment, in consequence of his gal lantry in the action of the 10th of September, 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 "Ni agara" 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 ventured beyond their harbors our squadron consequently did but little cruising, making their head quarters at Erie, that, in case of need, it was Page one hundred and fifty-o n- e HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE known where they were to be found. The season of storms soon came around, when they went into winter quarters at Erie, late in November. XXII . IN THE 24th of December, 1814, peace was declared between the United States and Great Britain, and matters began to be quieted down. In July, 1815, an order was forwarded 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 preservation. Mr. Dobbins re ceived an order to supervise the sinking, 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 re ceiving ship. Page one hundred and fifty-t HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE An incident occurred in connection with the sinking which smacked a little of the marvelous, and which was the origin of jokes and comments. The "Lawrence" was moored upon the west or out side of the other two, and notwithstanding her supposed safe moor ings, shifted her berth, though against a cur rent, round athwart the sterns of the other vessels. She was again brought back to her moorings, but shifted back again, though ad ditional security had been added. It was said in commenting, that she was determined to get a raking position, etc. In 1820 an order was received from Wash ington reducing the station. In 1825 it was entirely broken up and the property disposed of at auction. The "Lawrence," "Detroit," "Queen Charlotte," and "Niagara" were pur chased by Benjamin H. 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 mer chant service. He found the two prizes in tolerable condition, but the "Lawrence" so Page one hundred and fifty-three HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE badly riddled by shot that 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. The Ni agara" being the same, they were therefore allowed to sink again, where they lay side by side until 1876, when the "Lawrence" was sold and raised, cut in half, and transported on flat cars via railroad to Philadelphia for exhibition at the Centennial. She was exhibited immediately outside of the grounds in a small building, where she was being cut up for relics ; the building took fire one night and all that was left of her was consumed The "Caledonia," after being con verted into a merchantman, named the "Gen eral Wayne," was, after some years of ser vice, broken up at Erie. The "Ohio" and "Somers" were captured by the British at Fort Erie; the "Scorpion" and "Tigress" were taken by the British on Lake Huron; the "Little Belt" and "Trippe" were de stroyed when Buffalo was burned; the "Ariel" went ashore and was wrecked in Buffalo bay, Page one hundred and fifty-four HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE and the "Porcupine" was transferred to the revenue department. The "Detroit" was raised in 1835 by her owner, Capt. George Miles, rigged into a bark, and navigated the Lakes for some years; and lastly was sent over the falls as a spectacle, by speculators, showmen and hotel keepers. The "Lady Provost" was sold to a Canadian merchant, for the merchant service, in 1815. 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 "Law rence," "Niagara," "Detroit," and "Queen Charlotte," said bill of sale being made to George Miles separately, bearing date as per acknowledgement, June 20th, 1835. (Signed) B. H. BROWN. Acknowledgement by Geo. Mumford, Com missioner Deeds. Letter of Colonel Thomas Forster, Collector Page one hundred and fifty-five HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE of Customs for the District of Presqu ile (Erie), to the Secretary of the Navy, in re gard to any claim the Government might have to said vessels. The inquiry being made for information enabling the Collector to grant papers to the brig "Queen Charlotte," then to be fitted out for the merchant service, bearing date April 7th, 1835. (Signed) THOS. FORSTER, Collector. Also answer of Mahlon Dickinson, Secre tary of the Navy, disclaiming any interest of the Government in said. vessels, bearing date April 23d, 1835. 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. Page one hundred and fifty-six PUBLISHERS NOTE The remains of the Flagship "Niagara" were raised from the waters of the Erie Har bor in March, 1913, and will be rebuilt for exhibition at the Perry Centennial. THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW AN INITIAL FINE OF 25 CENTS WILL BE ASSESSED FOR FAILURE TO RETURN THIS BOOK ON THE DATE DUE. THE PENALTY WILL INCREASE TO SO CENTS ON THE FOURTH DAY AND TO $1.OO ON THE SEVENTH DAY OVERDUE. 21 Wfi? WG 31 r 64WW i 64 -8 * y flft FEB7 Ian. 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