on, and he and certa ad manus his quick pe his size. eam high In the following spring, he lost his vessel on Watch-hill reef, during the existence of a thick fog. He used every possible exertion to save the guns and property, and partially succeeded. A court of inquiry, instituted at his own desire, not only exonerated him from blame, but applaud cea mai ed his zeal, which was seconded by a complimentary let ence, th, and d ter from the Secretary of the Navy. Shortly after his return to Newport, he was married to Miss Mason, daughter of Dr. Mason, and niece of Christomentary pher Champlin, Esq. one of the Senators from RhodeIsland in the Congress of the United States. He took charge of the flotilla of gun-boats stationed in the harbour of New-York, early in 1812, with the rank of Master-commandant. Here he remained about a year, disciplining his crews. As war had begun its ravages between Great Britain and the United States, he sought a more active sphere; and, at his own request, he was transferred to the service on the Lakes. In pursuance of this disposition of his services, he repaired with a reinforcement of seamen to Sackett's Harbour, on Lake Ontario, to act under Commodore Chauncey. The transportation of the seamen from the sea-board to the harbour, from its novelty to the sons of Neptune, afforded them the highest amusement, particularly as it was a "land cruise" in the depth of winter. After remaining at Sackett's Harbour some time, Commodore Chauncey despatched Perry to take charge of the squadron then fitted and fitting out on Lake Erie, and to hasten their equipments. At this time, the British fleet on that lake was commanded by Captain Barclay, an officer of high standing, rank, and skill, who had seen much service, and whose force was of superior strength to the American squadron. Perry pursued his object unmolested by the enemy, who was continually hovering about the harbour. Having equipped and manned his vessels, he buoyed them over the bar, on which was only five feet water, at the harbour's mouth of the port of Erie, on the 4th of August, 1813. The enemy were peaceable spectators of the scene. The next day he sailed in pursuit of them, and returned to port on the 8th, without accomplishing his object. The day following he was re-enforced by several officers and eighty seamen under Lieutenant Elliot, which gave his squadron a full complement. He again sailed on the 12th, on a cruise, and on the 15th arrived at Sandusky bay, in front of an encampment of the American army, commanded by General Harrison. Thence he proceeded to cruise off Malden, and the British commander thought proper to hug his force for protection, close under the guns of the British fortifications. The inhabitants were filled with terror and consternation at the sight of the American squadron, and the astonished Indian allies of the British crown, urged the British squadron to put to sea, and give battle. They, however, were not disposed to risk an engagement; and Perry returned to Sandusky bay. Nothing of moment happened until the morning of the 10th of September. The American squadron was then lying at anchor in Put-in-Bay, and consisted of brigs Lawrence, Commodore Perry, 20 guns; Niagara, Captain Elliot, 20 do.; Caledonia, Purser M'Grath, 3 do.; schooners Ariel, Lieutenant Packet, 4 do.; Scorpion, Sailing-Master Champlin, 2 do.; Somers, Almy, 2 do. and 2 swivels; Tigress, Lieutenant Conklin, 1 do.; Porcupine, Midshipman G. Senat, 1 do.; sloop Trippe, Lieutenant Smith, 1 do.; in all 54 guns. At sunrise they discovered the enemy, and immediately got under way and stood for him, with a light wind at south-west. The British force consisted of ship Detroit, 19 guns, 1 on pivot, and 2 howitzers; Queen Charlotte, 17 do. 1 on pivot; schooner Lady Prevost, 13 do. 1 on pivot; brig Hunter, 10 do.; sloop Little Belt, 3 do.; schooner Chippeway, 1 do, 2 swivels; in all 63 guns. At 10, A. M. the wind hauled to the south-east, and brought our squadron to windward. Commodore Perry then hoisted his union jack, having for a motto the dying words of the valiant Lawrence, "Don't give up the ship It was received with repeated cheerings by the officers and crews. And now, having formed his line, he bore for the enemy; who likewise cleared for action, and hauled up his courses. As the hostile squadrons approached each other, suddenly a bugle was sounded from on board the enemy's ship Detroit, and loud huzzas immediately burst forth from all their crews. As soon as the Lawrence came within the reach of the enemy's long guns, they opened a heavy fire upon her, which, from the shortness of her guns, she was unable to return. Perry, without waiting for his schooners, kept on his course, which induced the enemy to suppose it was his intention to board. In a few minutes, having gained a nearer position, he opened his fire. The length of the enemy's guns, however, gave them greatly the advantage, and the Lawrence was excessively cut up without being able to do any great damage in return. Their shot pierced her sides in all directions, killing the men on the berth deck and in the steerage, where they had been taken down to be dressed. One shot had nearly produced a fatal explosion; passing through the light room, it knocked the snuff of the candle into the magazine; fortunately the gunner happened to see it, and had the presence of mind to extinguish it immediately with his hand. Their heaviest fire was directed at the Lawrence, and Perry finding the hazard of his situation, made sail, and directed the other vessels to follow for the purpose of closing with the foe. The tremendous fire, however, to which he was exposed, soon cut away every brace and bowline, and the Lawrence became unmanageable. Even in this disastrous plight, she sustained the action for upwards of two hours, within canister distance, though for a great part of the time the Lawrence could not get more than three guns to bear upon her antagonist. It was admirable to behold the perfect order and regularity that prevailed among her valiant and devoted crew, throughout this scene of horror. No trepidation, no confusion occurred, even for an instant; as fast as the men were wounded, they were carried below, and others stept into their places; the dead remained where they fell until after the action. At this juncture the fortune of the battle trembled on a point, and the enemy believed the day their own. The Lawrence was reduced to a mere wreck; her decks were streaming with blood, and covered with mangled limbs and the bodies of the slain; nearly the whole of her crew was either killed or wounded; her guns were dismounted, and the Commodore and his officers helped to work the last gun that was capable of being used. Finding the Lawrence was incapable of further service, he gave his vessel in charge to Lieutenant Yarnall, who had already distinguished himself by his bravery, and hauled down his union, bearing the motto of Lawrence, and taking it under his arm, ordered it to be put on board of the Niagara, which was then' in close engagement. In leaving the Lawrence, he gave his pilot choice either to remain on board, or accompany him; the pilot replied, "he'd stick by him to the last," and jumped into the boat. Perry went off from the ship standing up in the stern of the boat, until the crew absolutely pulled him down among them. Broadsides were levelled at him, and small arms discharged by the enemy, two of whose vessels were His ship within musket shot, and a third one nearer. mates who remained behind, stood watching him, in anxiety; the balls struck around him and flew over his head in every direction; and they beheld with transport his flag hoisted at the mast-head of the Niagara. No sooner was he on board, than Captain Elliot volunteered to put off in a boat and bring into action the schooners which had been kept astern by light wind; the offer was accepted, and Elliot left the Niagara to put it in execution. About this time the flag of the Lawrence came down. The event was unavoidable; she had sustained the whole fury of the enemy, and was rendered incapable of defence; and further show of resistance would but have proved most useless and cruel carnage among the relics of her brave and mangled crew. The enemy, however, were not able to take possession of her, and subsequent circumstances enabled her again to hoist her flag. Commodore Perry now made signal for close action, and the small vessels put out their sweeps and made all sail. Finding that the Niagara was but little injured, he determined, if possible, to break the enemy's line. He accordingly bore up, and passed ahead of the two ships and brig, giving then a raking fire from his starboard guns, and also to a large schooner and sloop from his larboard side, about half pistol shot distance. Having passed the whole squadron, he luffed up and laid his ship along side the British Commodore. The smaller vessels, under the direction of Captain Elliot, having, in the mean time, come within grape and canister distance, and keeping up a well-directed fire, the whole of the enemy struck, excepting two small vessels, which attempted to escape, but were afterwards taken. The engagement lasted about three hours, and never was victory more decisive and complete. The captured squadron, as has been shown, exceeded ours in weight of metal and number of guns. Their crews were also more numerous; the Americans were a motley collection, where were some good seamen, but mixed with soldiers, volunteers, and boys, and many were on the sick list. More prisoners were taken than we had men to guard. |