Oliver Hazard Perry and the battle of Lake Erie

Front matter

AND THE

BATTLE ^ LAKE ERIE

BOOKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR

Preface

A MONG the noblest traditions of the nation is the f^L memory of its great men and heroes of war. For "*■ who among all true Americans does not cherish

the memory of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Grant, and Farragut, and of other patriots, whose deeds of valor and achievements of state have moulded our national progress? Among these patriots was another — the immortal Hero of Erie — upon whom was bestowed all the attributes that give lustre to valorous action and chivalrous self-devotion to the cause of his country ; blended with modesty, kindness, courtesy, and with lively sympathies for humanity.

To place the deeds and public services of Oliver Hazard Perry before his countrymen, of the present and succeeding generations, in a complete and enduring form, to show his true character, to depict his virtues without concealing his faults, is the purpose of this work. It is not intended to be an eulogy upon him, but a faithful history of the events of his life, so far as they are deemed of interest or of any importance in appreciating his character. If, however, some passages may seem to be unduly laden with praise, it is because the author has found it impossible, after delving into old and authenticated records of a century ago, to give a true account of the short but troubled life of Commodore Perry, without indulging in enthusiasm for the nobility of his character and for the important nature of his public services.

In narrating, therefore, the events of his active and useful life, this work becomes much more than a mere biography of a great man; it is a faithful history of

PREFACE

the naval operations on Lake Erie in 1813, and of tlie subsequent movements of the army under the command of General William H. Harrison, in the peninsula of Upper Canada. The success of these operations resulted in the overthrow of British power in the Northwest, maintained the integrity of the United States, and promoted the great material expansion of the vast territory now known as the Middle West.

In celebrating the centenary of these glorious events, which added so much lustre to the American arms, it is not intended to reflect the least feeling of exultation over a conquered foe, but rather to celebrate the greatness of our country. It is to commemorate above all things the one hundred years of uninterrupted peace with Great Britain, a peace which was made possible by Perry's decisive victory on Lake Erie. In no other naval engagement were the consequences to the whole country of such momentous character. The Hero of Erie was only twenty-eight years old at the time of that crowning event in his career, and he was but thirty-four when he gave up his final command; but his life was filled with fine things finely done. In his life he was subject to the respect and admiration of his countrymen; in liis death to their deepest sorrow. The universal esteem which was felt for his many virtues was translated into reverence for his memory, into veneration for his example. He still lives in the hearts of Ills coinitrymen, clothed in perpetual youth, just as he stocKl on the (juarter deck of the Xiagara, Avhen he saw tliat his ctlorts were crowned with success, and could si'iid ilicm this glowing message: ''We have met the ciuMiiy and ihcy are ours."

J. C. M.

Chapter I

Edmund Perry, his third great-grandfather, settles in Narragansett — His grandfather, Freeman Perry, marries daughter of OHver Hazard — Third son, Christopher, father of Oliver, serves in revolution — A master of merchantman — Marries — Birth of Oliver — Anecdotes of boyhood — Early indications of high character and intellect — Taught navigation — French aggressions on American commerce — Creation of navy — Oliver's father a post-captain — Builds the General Greene — Oliver enters the navy.

Chapter II

Sails with father in the General Greene to West Indies — Ordered to San Domingo — Capture of Jaquemel — Incident of the British 74 — Spirited conduct of Captain Perry — Return to Newport — Peace with France — Tripolitan war — Oliver sails for the Mediterranean — Promoted to acting-lieutenancy — Arrives ofif Tripoli — Boat expedition — Perry returns home — Sails in 1804 with Barron for Mediterranean — Renewed difificulties with Tripoli

— Perry transferred to Gibralter — Character as an officer — Returns in the Essex.

Chapter III

Builds and commands flotilla of gunboats at Newport — Is engaged to be married — Sails for New York — Protects the harbor — British spoliation of our commerce — Builds more gunboats

— Commands the Revenge — Sails for Charleston — Encounter with a British sloop — Ordered to Newport — Wreck of Revenge — Crew saved — Furlough — Married — War with England declared — Applies for sea service — Appointed to command gunboats at Newport — Zeal and discipline — Conduct towards Captain Morris — Loss of Lieutenant Blodgett — Offers services to Commodore Chauncey — Claims command of the Argus — His delicacy to Allen.

CHAPTER IV Creating a Naval Force on Lake Erie Designated to command the naval forces on Lake Erie — Leaves Newport — Visits his parents — Proceeds to Lake Ontario—Conditions of warfare on western frontier — Capture of the Detroit and Caledonia — Leaves for Erie — Origin of the first vessels of war — Difficulties of construction — Want of arms and articles of equipment — Rushes work on vessels — Launch of gunboats and brigs.

CHAPTER V Arming and Manning the Lake Erie Fleet Joins Chauncey in attack of Fort George — Perry's account — Ordered to Black Rock — Tracks the gunboats to the lake — Sails for Erie — Pursued by British squadron — Arrival at Erie — Want of men — Ordered to co-operate with General Harrison — Letters to Chauncey — Asks him to assume command in person — Receives small reinforcements — Deficient in officers.

CHAPTER VI Cruising Up the Lake

Co-operates with General Harrison — Chauncey holds back reinforcements — Perry resolves to sail with half-manned fleet — Difficulties of lifting vessels over bar — British fleet appears — Gunboats sent out to harass them — The batteries remounted — Enemy disappears — Letter of Perry to General Harrison — Fleet sails in pursuit of enemy — Returns to Erie to take on supplies for army — Reinforcements under Elliott on way — Schooner Ariel brings them up — Distribution of seamen — Chauncey's letter to Perry — Considers it insulting and resigns command — Letter to secretary of navy — Chauncey keeps back marines — Reply of secretary of the navy — Chauncey urges Perry to remain.

CHAPTER VII Preparing for Battle with the British Fleet Sails from Erie — Order of sailing — Arrives off Sandusky Bay — Meeting with General Harrison — Put-in Bay his rendezvous—Discovers British fleet at Maiden — Sickness in the fleet — General Harrison sends Kentucky volunteers — Recovers from fever- Sails for Maiden — Plan of attack — Sails for Sandusky Bay — Communicates with Harrison — British suffer from want of provisions — Strength of Barclay's fleet — Effective strength of Perry's fleet — Exercise of crews in seamanship and gunnery- Final instructions — Shows battle flag.

Barclay sails from Maiden — Perry goes out to meet him — Wind changes — Enemy hoves to in line of battle — Perry raises battle flag — Encourages men — Beginning of the conflict — Perry at disadvantage — The Niagara keeps out of carronade range — The Queen Charlotte attacks the Lawrence — Terrible carnage thereon — Scenes of bravery — The Lawrence disabled — Bravery of Turner — Perry transfers flag to Niagara — Flag of Lawrence lowered — Perry bears down to cut British line — Broadsides right and left — Terrible loss on Detroit — Gunboats get into the action — Raking the enemy — The enemy surrenders — Announcing the victory — Receives formal surrender on Lawrence — Dead consigned to the deep — Sidelights on the battle.

CHAPTER IX Events After the Battle

American losses — Humane efforts of Dr. Parsons — Perry visits Barclay — His solicitude for wounded officer — Losses to British — Sails for Put-in Bay — Burial of dead officers — Official report of battle — Shields Elliott from censure — Transcript from log of Lawrence — Barclay's official report — Movements of Niagara condemned — Elliott asks for letter of approbation — Perry gives it — Proves great error of his life.

CHAPTER X Following Up the Campaign on Land

Results of Perry's victory — Great rejoicing — Movement of army to Put-in Bay — Landed on Canadian shore — Maiden evacuated and destroyed — Tecumsed opposed to retreating — Pursuit of the enemy to Sandwich — Reoccupation of Detroit — Indians make peace — Advance up the Thames — Perry volunteers services with General Harrison — Enthusiastic reception in the army — Procter overtaken — Draws up line of battle — Nature of the ground — Charge of the mounted Kentuckians — Capture of enemy in front — Shelby saves regiment on left — Indians driven away — Bravery of Colonel Johnson — Death of Tecumseh — Escape of Procter — Results of victory.

CHAPTER XI Reaping the Rewards of Victory

Perry sails for Detroit — Joint proclamation — Learns of glory won — Letter of secretary of the navy — Advanced to rank of post-captain — Sails for Put-in Bay — Notifies Barclay of parole —

Reception at Erie — Elliott neglected — Meeting with Elliott — Sails for Buffalo — Turns over command — Barclay presents sextant to Perry — Continues homeward — Reception at towns on way — Arrives at Newport — Festivities there — Invitations to attend celebrations — Prize money granted for captured fleet — Perry goes to Washington — Reception at all cities he visits — Resolutions of state legislatures.

CHAPTER XII Resuming Command on the Sea

Reception at Boston — Affair of the Ximrod — Commands the Java — Burning of Washington — Commands battery on the Potomac — Attack on Baltimore — Appointed to flying squadron — Algerine hostilities — Declaration of war — Decatur makes peace — Perry resumes command of the Java — Sails for New York ^ Ordered to the Mediterranean — Boisterous passage — Calls at Algiers — Threatened hostilities — Perry interviews the Dey — Pacific termination — Arrival of Commodore Chauncey — Difficulty with Heath — Lieutenant Forrest rescued — New treaty with Algiers — Java ordered home with it — Treatment of sick sailors — Arrival at Newport — Tributes of esteem from officers.

CHAPTER XIII

Renewed Difficulties vdth Heath and Elliott

Employed in surveys — Revival of difficulty with Heath — Assailed by the press — Supported by friends — Complimentary appointment by the president — Heath takes action — Perry's letter to Decatur — Heath appears in Rhode Island — Is arrested and driven from state — Perry goes to New York to meet him — The duel — Elliott vents his malice — Correspondence between them — Elliott challenges Perry — Refusal to meet him — Prefers charges against Elliott — Asks for court martial thereon — Charges not acted upon. Reasons therefor.

CHAPTER XIV His Last Cruise Perry called to Washington — Tendered delicate diplomatic mission — Instructions from department of state — Boards the John Adams — Sails for the Orinoco — Discomforts of the journey — Arrival at Angostura — Negotiations — Sickness on the schooner — Unfavorable feeling — Perry's notes — Succeeds in mission — Dinner in his honor — Leaves Angostura — Attacked by yellow fever — Struggle to reach his ship — Dies within sight of it — Burial at Port of Spain — Deep sorrow throughout United States — Family provided for — His character by intimate friend.

CHAPTER XV

Body removed to Newport — Monument erected there — Memorial at Gibralter Rock on site of his lookout — Monument at Cleveland dedicated in 1860 — Great celebration — Perry Victory Centennial in 1913 — History of the movement — Enthusiasm aroused — Aid of government — Memorial to be erected at Put-in Bay — Description of — Beauty of design — Celebrations in lake cities — Naval parades — Restoration of the old Niagara — Activity of commissioners.

Bibliography

ILLUSTRATIONS

Oliver Hazard Perry, from a rare portrait Frontispiece

Commodore Perry's Birthplace , near South Kingston, R. I.... 5

Perry's Lookout, on Gibralter Rock, Lake Erie )

V 119 The Battle Flag, "Don't Give Up the Ship." )

The Battle of Lake Erie, from a rare engraving 132

Perry Transferring His Flag to the Niagara 141

The Niagara Breaking Through the British Line 146

The Burial Scene of the American and British Officers 156

The Charge of the Mounted Kentuckians, Battle of the Thames. 186

Memorial Erected on Gibralter Rock, Lake Erie )

The Famous Statute of Commodore Perry, by Walcutt... ) The Perry Memorial, Put-in Bay, Lake Erie 276

AND THE

BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

Chapter I

ALL persons, while living, possess some influence A% Avliich extends beyond themselves, and are in some way useful to others. Certain persons are so eminently distinguished for talents and good works that the limit of their influence is extended beyond their lives, and there are a few whose usefulness does not cease with their existence. Their example is consecrated by death and rendered sacred in its influence, forming a mantle of inspiration which exalts the mind, elevates the views, and gives to ambition its proper course. But how rare are the characters who by a single great event, in which everything seemed to flow from their personal prowess, have determined the destiny of the nation, and embossed their names upon the pages of history. In the deeds of the great American naval commanders, Jones, Perry, Farragut, and Dewey, the trait of initiative and executive talent, coupled with a high sense of efficiency, were most conspicuous. To these qualities the Hero of Erie added a generous humanity to a conquered and suffering foe, and won the lasting admiration of his countrymen.

A study of the ancestry of Oliver Hazard Perry leaves no doubt, that he possessed the noblest traits of character and qualities of a high and commanding

I nature, through the divine law of heredity. His paternal ancestor in the tiftli <;eneration, Edmund Perry, was born in Devonsliire, P^ugiand, about the year 1630. Brouglit up in the environment of high-minded gentle folk of honest and sturdy stock, he was a gentleman of education and refinement, and was gifted with considerable literary attainments. He was an influential mend)er and one of the public speakers of the Society of Friends, and became an object of persecution which was so rife during tlic domination of Cromwell, against tlie (^lakers. This eventually led to his emigration to Plymouth, in Massachusetts, about thirty years after the founding of tliat colony.

But the persiH'utions which had driven him from his native land he found, raged with equal fury in th(^ colony in which he had taken refuge, and, in order to l>e able to worship his Creator according to the dictates of liis conscience, he was compelled to flee still farther from tlie haunts of civilized man. With others of his persuasion he at length found a haven in South Kingston, on the waters of Narragansett Bay. On tlie beautiful promontory, which is almost encircled by the Atlantic, Ivong Island Sound, and the bay, they formed their little settlement founded on the dictates of peace and good will to all. In this place there were none but Indians to (lis])ute their rights, and from whom they amicably accpiired their estates by purchase; in all their intercourse treating them with conciliation and kindness. The estate of the elder Perry remained in the possession of the family for succeeding generations, long after the advent of Oliver Hazard Perry; and the descendants of the ])eaceable Indians continued in the vicinity in a civilized state. It was a remarkable fact that one of these, a full-blood(Hl native of the Narragansett tribe, followed Commander Perry to Lake Erie, and fell in the desperate defense of the Lmorencc in the naval enixa^enient on that lake.

In the direct line of descendants, Freeman Perry, great-grandson of Edmund Perry, and grandfather of the naval hero, was born on the second of February, 1732. At the age of twenty-four he married a daughter of Oliver Hazard, a gentleman of large property, of liberal education and cultivated tastes, who was a descendant of one of the original Quaker settlers of Narragansett. Society in Rhode Island at the time resembled that of Virginia, the soil being cultivated by slaves, and commerce created wealth, with its luxuries and refinements. Freeman Perry was educated in the law, in the practice of which profession he attained distinction, filling various offices of trust; and was a member of the Colonial Assembly and a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He died at the family homestead in October, 1813, at the advanced age of eighty-two, having lived to witness the blaze of glory which surrounded his able descendant — his grandson — after his famous victory.

The third son of this sturdy patriot, named Christopher Raymond, and father of Oliver Hazard Perry, was born on the fourth of December, 1761. Although still in his youth when the revolution broke out, he participated in the dangers and hardships of that trying period, in fighting the battles of his country, both on land and sea. He first served in a corps of volunteers from his native- town, called the Kingston Reds; and afterward entered before the mast in an American privateer, commanded by Captain Reed. Later, in the course of a cruise in the sloop-of-war Mifflin, in which he was second in command, he was captured and confined for three months on board the Jersey prison-ship, where he suffered all the liardships and studied barbarities by which the Britons sought to punish the colonists for cherishing the love of freedom and defending their liberties. At length he escaped, the emaciated victim of the contagion which swept through the ship, to recount the horrible story of British captivity. As soon as he had recovered liis health, with resentment against Euohuid quickened into fresh intensity by his terrible experience , he entered on board the United States man-of-war Tnimbull, commanded by Captain Nicholson; and was in the memorable enoaoement with the British ship Watt, of superior force, in which the enemy, having ninety-two killed and wounded and about to surrender, ( scajx'd by the topmasts of the Trumbull, which were badly wounded by their lofty tiring, going by the board. This action was said to have been one of the severest of the war.

V\Hm the conclusion of the revolution, in 1783, Christojiher continued on the sea, and soon after made a voyage to Ireland as mate of a merchantman. On the return voyage to Philadelphia, among the passengers on board was a lady of Scotch descent, named Sarah Alexander, who was descended in a direct line from William Wallace. The acquaintance thus begun on the broad expanse of the ocean, soon developed into the romance of a strong attachment; and in October, 1784, they were married in Philadelphia. The sturdy young sailorman, though as yet only twenty-three years of age, had liscu to the command of a merchant ship employed in the East India and other trade; and on this occasion he look leave from his ship for sutficient time to remove with his l>ridc to his old home in Narragansett. There they were joyously recei^'ed l»y Perry's extensive family circle, and the young wife was soon so comfortably settled in the old homestead as to be most favorably impres.scfl with the good people among whom her lot was now cast. The estate of Judge Perry, the captain's father, consisted of about two hundred acres, and the house sto(Ml at the base of a hill overlooking a wide extent of country interspersed by picturescpie lakes, with the waters of Narragansett separating it from the opposite shore of New])ort, and the broad Atlantic st retcliinu o

O far away to the southward. A short distance from the house was the old post road between New York and Boston, which in colonial days followed the circuitous line of the coast to be out of reach of Indian depredations. In the neighboring wood were white stones which marked the graves of the Quaker, Edmund Perry, and several generations of his people.

In these pleasant surroundings the young captain lingered for a brief period of retirement; but ere long resumed his voyages to many distant lands. His young wife, who was welcomed in his father's household as a beloved daughter, was exceedingly intelligent and wellinformed as well as beautiful, and to a sweet and happy disposition she added a degree of force of mind and energy of character, which were brilliantly rellected in the eventful life of her first born son. This child, named after his great grandfather, Oliver Hazard, was born on the twenty-third of August, 1785. In early life he gave little promise of physical energy, being slender and feeble, and his health was extremely delicate. Yet he was of more than ordinary size, and it was supposed that his constitutional weakness was due in a great measure to the rapidity of his growth. His chief characteristics were an uncommon beauty of mind, a gentleness of disposition, and an utter disregard of danger. He knew no fear, a quality which was nobly exemplified throughout his life.

In his childhood all strangers were friends in whom there could be no guile. An incident revealing his confiding and thoroughly courageous disposition is still preserved in the family. When scarcely more than two years old, he was playing one day with an older child in the road in front of his grandfather's house. A horseman was rapidly approaching when the older boy, seeing the danger, ran out of the way calling to Oliver to do the same. But the little fellow sat still until the horse was almost upon him when, as the man drew rein, he looked up and lisped to him, "Man, you wud'nt wide over me, wud vuli." The horseman, who was a friend of the family, dismounted and carried Oliver into the house, where he related the occurrence with great interest, and with as much pride as if it had been his own child, ne thouo-ht the boy's conduct gave token of some very worthy <iualities.

When yet in his babyhood Oliver was taught by his mother the letters and a few simple words, and it was not long before he could read quite well. At five years of age he was sent to school kept by a kind old man of the neighborhood, endowed with liberal acquirements, tliougli more noted for his goodness of heart and childlike simplicity. But the old master was notoriously lazy and insisted on holding sessions while reclining in his bed, around which the children stood to recite their lessons. As the school was at some distance from his home, Oliver used to take his cousins, who lived on an adjoining farm, to and from their lessons. They had no brother, and, although they were older than Oliver, were glad to accept his boyish protection in adventures on the road. No one thought it strange, as he was large for his years, and inspired a confidence in his manliness which was amply justified. From his earliest boyhood he seemed to exercise an influence over those who approached him, which was soon converted into affectionate regard by his gi-aceful manners, and by a disl)Iay of quiet firmness and calm self-composure. The distinction which he aftens'ard acquired excited no astonisliment among the friends of his youth; it seemed Init the realization of the promise Avhich his early years liad inspired.

All aneedote, illustrative of his generous sympathy and the consistency of his character in boyhood and in maturer years, was often related by his mother. One day, when his father was home from the sea and was l)usy witli the accounts and ]iapers of a long voyage.

his little sister, who Avas about two years younger than himself, found a paper which had fallen from the table and tore it into pieces. When the paper, which was of some importance, was missed, the children were directed to search for it. Oliver soon recovered the fragments and handed them to his father; while the guilt of the little girl was manifest in her shame-faced air. His father, in the irritation of the moment, lifted his hand to inflict the usual trifling punishment, when Oliver rushed between them and, pushing his little sister aside, raised his arm to ward off the blow, saying in a firm, yet deprecating tone, "Oh, papa ! don't strike her." The captain was so impressed by this act that he was completely disarmed of the least resentment, and the little mischief-maker was at once received into his favor. The mother spoke of her son's manner of performing this act as being so protecting and kind towards his sister, and yet so firm, so earnest, and sO' respectful towards his father. It increased the affectionate confidence of the little girl in her brother ; and the parents ever after freely intrusted her, as well as their other children, to his guidance and protection.

As Oliver grew and became proficient in his studies, he was placed in the school at Tower Hill, about four miles from his home; but neither he nor his cousins, who accompanied him back and forth, thought anything of the long tramp through the woods, over the hills, and across the fields. The master of this school, called "Old Master Kelly," was so old that he had once taught Oliver's grandfather; but he was not lazy, and it is recorded that he was never known to have lost his temper. While Oliver was attending this school the old man was obliged to retire from sheer physical incapacity, and a Mr. Southworth was engaged in his stead. He also was an excellent teacher and kind to his pupils. Both Oliver and his cousins afterward referred to the period under his tuition, as the happiest of their school days, and recalled with evident pleasure their wayside adventures in their daily rambles. After a year or two their teacher left the neighborhood, and Oliver's uncle lu-ocured the services of a Mr. Bryer, a Scotchman of education and talents, to tutor the children. The teacher resided in the Perry family, and, as Oliver also had the benetit of his instruction, he, too, lived for awhile with them.

Meanwhile, Captain Perry, having made many successful voyages to Europe and South America, as well as to the East Indies, found himself in possession of a snug fortune. His income for those times was large, and he was amply able to provide better scliooliug f(»r his children, amounting now to four, than the country district afforded. About 1794 he therefore removed his family to Newport, where Oliver was placed in the school of ^Ir. Frazer. Under the careful and judicious instruction of this teacher, the boy made more rapid progress in all his studies. The relaxed discipline, however, of the rural school furnished but a poor preparation for the stern rule w^hich the master found necessary to exercise among his more numerous pupils. For some trifling violation of the strict rules, Oliver one day received a sharp blow on the head from a hea\'y ferule hurled by the schoolmaster, in an uncontrollable fit of passion, such as he had often given way to. This violent chastisement was too much for the proud and iiigh-spirited boy, who had been brought up upon the principle of brotherly love, and, seizing his hat, without asking leave, he at once went home; and in telling his nu)th(T of the affair said that ''he could iirr< y niter tlidf scliool nqaiu:'

-Mthough his mother was possessed of strong feelings, ;nid was indignant at the treatment of her boy, she was not much edified by his declaration that he would not return to school, nor dispostnl to yield to it. So she ma<le no reply but (juietly bound up his wound and sootlied him with her motherly solicitude. She was too sensible to withdraw him from the authority of Mr, Frazer, even though he had abused it, as she wisely reflected if she yielded to Oliver's determination in this instance, he would likely expect the same indulgence whenever he felt discontented from motives less wellfounded, and might weaken her control over him. She therefore wrote a note to the schoolmaster, in which she expressed her indignation at the outrage upon her boy, stated the motives which led her to keep him in the school, and concluded with the hope that her renewed confidence in the schoolmaster would not be violated. The next morning, at the usual hour for going to school, she called to Oliver, as if she knew nothing of his resolve, handed him the note and told him she did not think he would be mistreated again. The proud spirit of the boy was stirred to its depths, his lip quivered, and tears came to his eyes; but he started off without a word, as the thought of disobeying his mother never entered his head. During the lifetime of this noble exemplar of womanhood, she reared five sons, all of whom entered the naval service of their country, having been fitted to command others by learning themselves thus early to obey.

The schoolmaster, meanwhile, had become conscious of his own culpable violence and want of control, and, being a man of generous feelings, he keenly regretted the incident and resolved to atone for it. He appreciated the good sense and magnanimity displayed by Mrs. Perry, and henceforth devoted himself untiringly to Oliver's improvement, becoming thereby w^armly attached to the boy, and winning in return his confidence and friendship. Newport was then a commercial port of some importance, and, as many of the older boys in the school intended to follow a seafaring life, Mr. Frazer had an evening class in which he taught the application of mathematics to navigation and nautical lO OLIVER HAZARD PERRY