The life of Oliver Hazard Perry

Front matter

o o V

THE LIFE

OF

Chapter I

Introductory remarks— Perry's birth— his ancestry^sketch of the life of his father — his fathers family— state of his health and constitution when a child — early indications of intellect — observations on that subject — Perry's education — his entry in* fn the naval service of his country. p. 13

Chapter II

Perry's entry on board the General Green, commanded by hUs father— first cruise of the General Green on the Havanna station— her subsequent cruises — incident ivith a British 74— General Green visited the port of Jacmael— assisted in the reduction of that place— Perry leaves the General Green at the reduction of the navy — sails for the Mediterranean i7i 1801— ii promoted to an acting Lieutenancy— -returns — i?i 1804. sails again for the Mediterranean — commencement of differences between the United States and the Regency of Tripoli — action between the American schooner Enterprise and Tripolitan Corsair— Com. Dale sails with a squadron for the Mediterranean—blockades Tripoli — in 1803 another squadron sent out under Com- Preble — differences with the Emperor of Moroc-^ CO — loss of the Philadelphia — her re-caftxire by Lieut, Deca- 'ur— attack upon Tripoli, S{c» p. 2^

:.C CONTENTS.

CHAPTER HI.

The embarrassment of our commerce — the restriciive measure^— employment of the navy in consequenze thereof — Perry com" mands a Jiotilla of gun boats— is transferred to the Revengeassists the Diana in distress— loss of the Revenge — declaration of var — stale of the navy at that time — Perry appointed to command a Jiotilla of gun boats—is transferred to the Lakes —capture of Caledonia and Detroit — capture of York — Perry ordered to superintend the building a feet at Erie—haves there to asssist in the attack upon Fort George — vessels built at Erie got over the bar — Perry sails with the squadron, and retires to Put-in-Bay — preceding events of the rear upon the northwestern frontier — General Hull's army — his ivasion qf Canada — the employment of the Indians by the British- Hull's retreat and capitulation— General Harrison's cam^ paign — defeat of General JVinchcster — Fort Meigs — Col. Dud* ley's defeat—gallant defence of Fort Stephenson, p, 54

Chapter IV

Remarks on the vicissitudes of war — Perry arrives ivith his squadron off the mouth ofSandvsky I'iver — sails a7id reconnoi^ ires Ike enemy at 3!ald<:n, and returns to Puf-in-Bay—re- 2narks or. the repose which preceded the actinn, and its importance — particular account of the acfioji of the ^Oth September ■ — some incidents and anecdotes— force of the two fleets — their loss — remarks on the victory — the fleet cniicenf rates the troops at Put-in-Bay — lands them below MoMen — the enemy evacuates that pla-e — is pwsued to Sandwich— thence to the Moravian town on the Thames — the decisive victory at that place, and capture of Proctor's army — hvma7iity of the Jmeticans — the troops reimmto Detroit — Indians sue for peace — provisional government established in the conquered disirict of Vp' per Canada— Harrison and Perry p-oc^sO (^rnrnibe lake to Buffalo. p. "i^"^

CONTENTS. ^

Chapter V

Memarks on the consequences of the victory of hake Erie — coU" dition of the north-western frontier at the time Perry arrived there — its situation when he left it — the scene of the victoryis calculated to swell its importance^ and perpetuate its fame— the great valley of the St. Lawrence — importance of the acquisition of the Canadas — ample general view o^' the vast chain of water communication which drains this great valley— particular description of Lake Erie and iti> borders^ which were the scenes of the war — the Irylian country in the state of Ohio—^ general view of the territory if Michigan, and that vast region nest of lake Michigan, and south of lake Superior — general view of the north-western districts in Upper Canada, the scene of the war in that province. p. 173

CHAPTER VL

The victory of the lOth September^ occasions a general rejoicing throughout the Union — the illumination at Philadelphia-^ Perry promoted to the rank of Captain in the navy — He prO" uedsfrom Buffalo to Albany— tribute of respect shewn to hini at that place— proceeds thence to Newport, where he is received with admiration — a gold medal presented to him by order of Congress — Perry leaves Newport for ff^ashington— public dinner given him in New-York — also at the seat of government — a most splendid entertainment given in honour of him on his return, at Baltimore — is assigned to command on the Newport station— public dinner given in honour of him at BoS" ton — assists a Swedish brig at Newport — visits the eastern coast —after the capture of Washington, Perry repaired thither— commanded a battery to annoy the enemy in going down the river— is at Baltimore at the attack upon that place— is appointed to superintend the equipment of the Java, p. 225

XU CONTENTS.

Chapter VII

The Java is brovght to Newport— Perry assists in rescuing shipwrecked seamen — sails in the Java for the Mediterranean — difference between the United States and the Regency of Algiers'— hostile proceedings ofthelatter in 1812 — United States declare war in 1815— Decatur^ s squadron arrived at Gibraltar in May, same year — capture of an Algerine frigate and brig— a negociation follows — a treaty concluded— the squadron pr»- ceeds to Tunis — thence to Tripoli — the ratified copy of the treaty carried mit by the Java— was at first rejected by the Dey, who became greatly enraged — dispute between CommO" dore Perry and Captain Heath— another treaty concluded with the Dey by Commodore Chauncey — Perry in thp Java returns to the United States — duel between Perry and Heath — in 1819, Perry sails for the Orinoco — incidents of that voyage— remarks on the country, government, ^c— proceeds to Port Spain— his death and burial. p. 253

Chapter VIII

General remarks on the human character — the character of Perry — his public career— his personal services in the action upon lake Erie— his humanity after the victory— his patriotism arid devotion to the service — his death regarded as a public calamity— public demonstrations of sorrow — the imvioriality of his fame. p. 301

Appendix

Biography of Gen, Pike, p. 317

of Capt, Lawrence, p, 338

LIFE

OF

®®mo iPiEiBiEir.

Chapter I

Introduciory remarks — Perry'' s birth; his ancestrysketch of the life of his father— his f ather'' s family — state of his health and constitution when a child — early indications of intellect — observations on that subject — Perry^s education — his entry into the naval service of his country,

THE Deity, in the infinite wisdom in which he has created all things, seems to have ordered that no individual of the human species, however selfish his character, or insulated his situation, should live wholly for himself. Not only individual wants and dependence, but that necessity, of a participation with others, in those enjoyments which may be considered as most peculiarly belonging to the possessor, the principles of which are implanted in human nature, and which every one feels, tend to give to mankind a social character, and in some measure to weaken individual, and to create an aggregate or common interest among the different members of the human family. The numerous obligations and duties arising from the social relations, extend the sphere of influence, and render every individual of some importance to others ; and give each a character of contributing something towards the general welfare and happiness, or the detriment and injury of his species. All, whilst living, possess an influence which extends beyond themselves, and are, it is to be presumed, in some way useful ; but there are few, whose usefulness does not cease with their existence ; few who have been so fortunate, or so pre-eminently distinguished for talents and virtue, as to extend the limits of their influence beyond their lives. Yet there are some of this description : the great and the wise, are not only useful whilst living, but their example continues its instruction as long as it is preserved. It is consecrated by death, and rendered more sacred, and more happy and extensive in its influence. It is a mantle of inspiration, which instructs and animates ; exalts the character, elevates the views, gives to ambition its proper direction, and to virtue its proper ascendency. Hence the propriety of preserving a record of the lives of the great and the good. It is from the influence of these sentiments that we have supposed it important to preserve the history of the individuals in our juvenile republic, who have been distinguished for their talents, their virtues, their learning or their fortune, whereby they have contributed to the reputation, the bonor, or the prosperity of their country. — Among

OLIVER H. PERRY. liJ

these individuais it will be conceded that the one who is the subject of this memoir, sustains, in the estimation of the citizens of the United States, a conspicuous rank.

Oliver Hazard, son of Christopher Raymond and Sarah Alexander Perry, was born August 21st, A. D. 1785, at South-Kingston, an interesting maritime township, distinguished for the nautical character of its inhabitants, situated on the waters of the Narragansett, (opposite to the town of Newport,) in the County of Washington, and State of Rhode- Island. Christopher Raymond, the father of Oliver Hazard, was the son of the Hon. Freeman Perry, who was a man of talents and distinction, and held many important offices, having been at different periods of his life, clerk of the court for the county, a judge, &;c. ; the duties of which numerous offices and trusts, he discharged with faithfulness and ability. He died at South-Kingston, at the advanced age of 82, in October, 1813, having lived to witness the blaze of Glory which surrounded bis descendant, the gallant Oliver Hazard, his grandson.

Of the more distant ancestors of Commodore Perry, we are informed that on the maternal side, he was descended in a direct line from William WallacCj distinguished in the history and wars of Scotland. In the paternal line, his great-great-grandfather lived \n Wales, in Great-Britain ; who had three sons, Samuel, Edward, and Benjamin, who emigrated to America. The two former were among the early settlers of the colony of Plymouth, and the latter, the youngest, and the lineal ancestor of our hero, settled at South-Kingston, in Rhode-Island. He had two sons, Edward and Freeman, and two daughters? Marj and Susan. Freeman, who we have already mentioned as the grand-father of Oliver Hazard, had seven children, Joshua, Oliver Hazard, Christopher Raymond, Elizabeth, Mary, Susan and George Hazard.

Christopher Raymond, the third son of Freeman Perry, and the father of Oliver Hazard, was born at South-Kingston, in 1761. Although but a youth at the commencement of the revolutionary war, he participated largely in the dangers and hardships of that trying period, and was often engaged, both in the military and naval service.

He was first employed as a seaman on board an American privateer, commanded by Capt. Reed, and afterwards served as a volunteer on board of th» Trumbull, a public vessel of war. He was also a volunteer on board the Miifiin sloop of war, commanded by George Wait Babcock, and while in this service was taken by the enemy, and for three !Bonths was immured in the infamous Jersey prison vhip. Here, in common with thousands of hiscounirymen, he sutfered, from the loathsomeness of his situation, the badness of provisions, and other causes, all that human nature could bear. He was among the few who survived the sufferings and horrors of this situation. But he only survived, having been severely attaclced by a fever, occasioned by his situation, and the desolating contagion that surrounded the place, which nearly proved fatal. But his sufferings and dangers did not check his ardour or overcome his spirit. After his liberation and the restoration of his health, he again entered the naval service, on hoard a private armed brig commanded by Capt, Rathbone, and whilst cruising in the English channel was again taken prisoner, and confined for eighteen months in England ; having at the end of that period, escaped from confinement ; and, leaving a country which had been to him only a prison, he soon embarked for St, Thomas, and from thence for Charleston, where he arrived about the time of the conclusion of the treaty of peace. After the establishment of peace between the United States and Great-Britain, in 1783, he engaged in his favorite maritime pursuits, being employed in the East-India and other trade until in or about the year 1798, when he was appointed to the command of the United States' ship General Green. While in this commmand he performed several cruises, principally on the West-India station, and continued in the public service until the reduction of the marine in 1801. Subsequently to this period, he received the appointment of col. lector of the revenue for the first district of Rhode- Island. In 1783, he married Sarah Alexander Wallace, a Scotch lady, who, the year preceding, came as a passenger to Philadelphia, in the same vessel of which Capt. Perry was then mate, under the 2* protection of Matthew Calbraith. Mrs. Perry was of a respectable family, and her connections in Scotland comprised many individuals of consequence and distinction. Christopher Raymond, and Sarah Alexander Perry, had eight children, Oliver Hazard, the subject of the present work, Raymond Henry, a Lieutenant in the Navy, and now in the Mediterranean, Matthew Calbraith, and James Alexander, both Lieutenants in the navy, Nathaniel Hazard, and three daughters. Christopher Raymond Perry died June 1st, 1818.

Oliver Hazard, in early life, gave but little promise of physical energy, being slender and feeble, and the state of his health extremely delicate ; yet his size was more than ordinary, and it was supposed that the feebleness of his constitution, and the delicacy of his health, were owing, in a great measure, to the rapidity of his growth. But this physical imbecihty of constitution was, from its nature, soon overcome, and as he ripened towards manhood, his strength having become commensurate with his size, he was athletic and robust, and possessed an uncommon share of natural vigour and energy. At this period the size, stateliness and dignity of his person were uncommon and conspicuous. But these were not the only nor most important indications of his future character. At an early period he disclosed mental qualities, which were more sure presages of his future greatness — a mind sedate, studious and enquiring ; soaring, at an early age, beyond the trivial and ephemeral objects which usually circumscribe the views and occupy the attention of youth. In these remarks we would not wish to be misunderstood. We do not belong to that class who seem to suppose that every man who becomes distinguished, (even although his greatness may be rather fortuitous than the result of native powers,) must have been a prodigy when a child. Hence we find in the biographical memoirs of most distinguished individuals, numerous stories and anecdotes, narrated with all the dignity of historic truth, tending to shew that the man who afterwards became such, was a great mathematician, a great poet, or a great hero, even when a child, which had no existence in fact, or were so nearly allied to common occurrencs, as not to' have been a subject of observation at the time, and would never have been thought of afterwards, had it not been for the subsequent distinction of the individual.

What can be more ridiculous ! But with this, as with most other subjects, there is a proneness in mankind to ascribe to novel and extraordinary causes, what is the result of the ordinary principles of nature ; and among these principles there are none more apparent, although none more disregarded and abused, than that of the equality of mankind. In the nvoral as well as the physical attributes of our species, mankind are essentially equal. All have the same passions, and the same intellectual powers : the difference which exists is not in principle^ but in degree* We are not to expect prodigies in the shape of men ; and the prevalence of such ideas is to be regretted : as they are unfounded in fact, so they are pernicious in their consequences. No more effectual way of degrading and oppressing maiikind, has eyer been devised — none has ever been more successful than that of exalting individuals of the human family above humanity ; of rendering t^hem demi Gods, and secondary objects of adoration. From the exaltation of individuals, whole classes have been exalted ; and the same causes which raise one portion of the human family to sup-erior beings, degrade others to the brute creation. Let it not be thought that the delusion of paying " divine honors" to mortal men, has passed by. It exists at the present day, and has existed at all times. It is true that ignorance and crediility are the support of such false and pernicious opinions ; but was there ever a time when igno^-ance and credulity did not exist. That some individuals have more innate bravery, and some more nafive genius and capacity than others, is admitted : yet it does not even follow that such uniformly, or perhaps more frequently than others, become distinguished. This shews how much depends upon education, industry, and the influence of favorable circumstances, having a tendency to give a developement and direction to the capacity of individuals.

From these considerations we shall not trouble the reader with any details of the early feats and exploits of our hero ; but sbai) consider him, whea ^ child, as like unto other children. We shall not claim that he was born a great man 5 but that he became such from a judicious and successful use of the powers given him, and from a concurrence of circumstances, affording an opportunity for a display of those powers. We have remarked that when a boy, he was remarkably sedate and thoughtful, and considered this circumstance as in some measure a presage of his future character. It may be deemed so as much asany other, but no characteristic of a child can indicate the character of the man, as that depends upon a great variety of causes, some of which are more or less fortuitous in their nature, and cannot be controuled by human foresight. Levity of mind, although it is not altogether incompatible with a certain species of talent, is never, however, associated with those mental qualities, which are requisite for the performance of great actions. It is to be expected in youth; but the extention of its dominion to manhood, destroys the dignity, and in a great measure the usefulness of the human character. A mind naturally serious, thoughtfal and enquiring, is seldom destitute of capacity and energy; and when these qualities are discernible in youth, a period in which levity and passion usually have an undisputed dominion, they may be considered as affording a promise of future talents, character, and usefulness, which few other characteristics disclose.

The early education of Oliver Hazard was not neglected; although he did not enjoy very superior

^2 LIFE Gl-

ad vantages. He was principallj educated at Newport, and attended the best schools that place afforded. He was an ex( client scholar, remarkably studious, and made great proficiency in every branch of learning to which his attention was directed. But his father having designed him for the navy, the period of his education was very limited, and at the early age of fourteen, he was withdrawn from the peaceful and pleasing pursuits of literature, to that profession of which he became the brightest ornamentj and to that element which has been the scene of his glory and usefulnegs.

Chapter II

Perry* s entry on board the General Green, commanded by his father— Jirst cruise of the General Green an the Havanna station — her subsequent cruises — incident with a British 74— General Green visited the port of Jacmael — assisted w the reduction of that place — Perry haves the General Green at the reduction of the navy — sails for the Mediterranean in 1801 — is promoted to an acting Lieutenancy — returns — in 1804, sails again for the Mediterranean — commencement of differences between the United States and the Regency of Tripoli—action between the Americaii schooner Enterprise and Tripolitan Corsair— Com. Dale sails with a squadron for the Mediterranean — blockades Tripoli — in 1803 another squadron sent out under Com. Preble — differences with the Emperor of Morocco — loss of the Philadelphia — her re-capture by Lieut. Decatur— attack opnn Tripoli, Sfc.

Oliver Hazard Perry commenced his naval career under the auspices of his father. In April 1799, at the early age of fourteen, he received a midshipman's warrant, and entered on board the General Green, commanded by his father. The first cruise of the General Green was on the Havanna station, and was one of great utility. She returned from her cruise on the 27th day of July following^ having, in so short a period, convoyed more than fifty mercantile vessels, bound to different ports in the United States. The important services which the General Green rendered our commerce, would have been prolonged, had it not been for the prevalence of a contagious disease among the crew, which obliged her to quit her station, and return to the United States. This was the first voyage made by our youthful hero ; and it was here, under the nautical and moral guidance and instruction of paternal experience and skill, that he was first initiated in the rudiments of that school of hardships and perils — a seafaring; life. It was here that he first became familiar with that element upon which he was afterwards destined to act so conspicuous and useful a part.

Oliver Hazard continued on board the General Green during her subsequent cruises, and profiting both by instruction and experience, he made rapid proficiency in naval tactics. On a cruise from New- Orleans to Havanna, with a brig under convoy, the General Green fell in with a British 74, on which occasion an incident occured, that, though unimportant in itself, disclosed the bravery of the elder Perry, and the character of of the American navy, at j that early period. The British ship fired a shot at the brig to bring her to ; but neither the brig nor the General Green payingany attention to this, but keeping their course, a boat was dispatched from the 74 to beard the brig ; upon which the General Green fired a shot at the boat, which brought her alongside, whereupon the 74 bore down and spoke the General \ Green, demanding the reason why her boat was fired upon ; to which Capt. Perry replied that it was to prevent her boarding the brig, which was under his protection. To this the British captain observed, that it was very surprising a British 74 gun ship could not examine a merchant brig ! " If she was a first rate ship,^' said Capt. Perry, " she should not do it to the dishonour of my flag." The captain of the 74 then in very polite terms, asked Capt. Perry if he would consent to the brig's being examined ; Capt. Perry assented, observing, however, that it would be useless, a? he was confident that no part of her cargo was liable to seizure.

During the cruise of the General Green on the West-India station, in 1800, she visited the port of Jacniel, which at that time was invested by land by a detachment of the celebrated Toussaint's army. The General Green, after having cruised off the port for some time, and intercepted supplies destined for the relief of the garrison, assisted in the reduction of the place ; which, being closely besieged on the land side by Toussaint's army, and blockaded by the General Green, was soon reduced to a state of -starvation, and the whole garrison, consisting of more than 5000, surrendered to Toussaint. The General Green engaged three of the forts very warmly for some time, and obliged the enemy to evacuate the town and two of their forts, and retire to their stron- I gest fort; the colours of which, however, were soon hauled down. The damage sustained by the Amer- I ican frigate in this affair, was very inconsiderable,

• a few shots in her sides, and some of her rigging cut away.

The reduction of this place was at the time thought to be of great importance to the commerce of the United States.

From the spirit, promptitude, and bravery displayed in this aftair, and the occurrence with the British 74, it would seem that the father taught the son by exsimple as well as precept ; and that neither were lost upon him has been fully proved.

Oliver Hazard continued on board the General Green until the reduction of the navy in 1801 . The same year, the Tripolitan corsairs having committed depredations upon our commerce in the Mediterranean, three frigates and a sloop of war were ordered there for its protection. Perry was attached to the Adams frigate, one of the three, commanded by Capt. Campbell. This small squadron was active and useful. It afforded protection to a number of our mercantile vessels ; cleared the Mediterranean of the piratical flag, the Tripolitan cruisers being compelled to retire to their ports ; and blockaded Tripoli. — Perry returned to the United States in the year 1 803, having during this cruise in the Mediterranean, improved greatly in naval tactics, from experience and observation, and been promoted to an acting Lieutenancy. This was a most wseful school to him, as well as to many other of our naval officers ; and that he made a good use of the opportune ties which it afforded, will not be doubted. In 1 804, under his old commander Capt. Campbell, he sailed again for the Mediterranean ; Capt. Campbell commanding one of the four frigates sent out as a reinforcement to our squadron. Soon after this, he was appointed first Lieutenant of the Nautilus, in which situation he continued some time. Perry remained with our squadron in the Mediterranean, until the conclusion of peace with Tripoli, when he returned to the United States, in the capacity of second Lieutenant of the Essex frigate, commanded by Com. Rogers. He was concerned, with the exception of the interval that he was absent, in the various operations of our navy on this station ; and it was here that he caught the spirit, as well as the skill and experience of naval warfare. It was here that his native bravery was first disclosed, and his character, which subsequently has become a subject of just admiration, developed.

From the connection which Perry had with the Tripolitan war, and as this may be considered as the school where most of our naval officers were first practically instructed in naval tactics, and hostile maritime operations, it will not be thought a digression to give a more connected and particular history of it.

In April, 1799, the Bashaw of Tripoli, under the influence of the capricious and arbitrary policy which directs the councils of that government, (if goverurnent it can be called,) peremptorily ordered away the American consul, then resident at Tripoli, unless certain recent and novel demands which he had made upon the United States should be complied with. No depredations, however, were committed upon our commerce by the corsairs of Tripoli, until the year 1801, the Bashaw having, on the 10th of June, of that year, declared war against the United States. His cruisers were immediately ordered ta capture American vessels, and five were taken the same month ; and many more it is probable would have fallen into the hands of these pirates, had it not been for the precautionary measures which were adopted. In February preceding, Mr. Cathcart, the British consul at Tripoli, perceiving that all hopes of accommodation with the Regency were at an end, addressed a circular letter to the American consuls and agents in Etirope and Africa, advising them of the dispositions of the Bashaw towards the United States, and that he was convinced that the TripoHtans would commence hostilities within sixty days. In consequence of this information, many vessels of the United States in different ports in the Mediterranean were prevented from sailing, unless under convoy. Hostilities having been commenced by the Regency, there was no other course remaining for the government of the United States, but to chastise these pirates and freebooters.

The first naval action that ensued, was in August following, off Malta, between the American schooner Enterprize, commanded by Capt. Sterrett, and a Tripolitan cruiser ; the former had twelve guns, and a crew of ninety men ; the latter fourteen guns, and eighty-five men. The action continued for nearly two hours, and was fought with the greatest desperation. The corsair being unable to withs'tard the dreadful fire of the Enterprize, hauled dov/n hsr colours, upon which the crew of the Enterprize .eft their guns, and gave three cheers for victory : upon this the cruiser resumed the action, poured a broadside into the Enterprize, hoisted her colours, and attempted to board. They were again overcome, and struck their colours the second time. Being ordered by Capt. Sterrett under his quarter, they had no sooner taken that position, than they poured another broadside into the Enterprize, hoisting their bloody flag, and renewing the action once more. But they were soon overcome the third time by the brave and skilful crew of the Enterprize. When tlie cruiser renewed the action the third time, the crew of the Enterprize, indignant at such perfidious conduct, exclaimed, " fight on, and sink the perfidious villains to the bottom." But treacherous and vile as was their own conduct, they did not hesitate, the moment they perceived themselves in their power, to appeal in the most supplicating manner, to the mercy of their conquerors. The commander, to convince the