A.]Sr .ACCOUNT

OF THE

ANIZATION & proceed:

BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

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AND

Celebration of the 45th Annirersary

OF THE

BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

AT PUT-IN-BAY ll^AND, OIT SEPTEIdBER TE]S[TH,

PRINTED BY HENRY D. COOKE & CO:
1858.

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A.:Nr A.cooTJ]srT

OF THE

ORGANIZATION & PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BATTLE OF LAKE EBIE

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AND

Celebration of the 45th Anniversary

BATTLE OE LAEE ERIE,
AT PUT-IN-BAY ISLAND, ON SEPTEMBER TENTH, 1858.

SATnTH-USKY:
PRINTED BT HENEY D. COOKE & COMPANY.
1858.

ORIGIN AND ORGANIZATION.

In the year 1852, five companies of the Volunteer Militia of Ohio
decided to celebrate the Anniversary of American Independence, by
holding a three days' encampment on the renowned and beautiful Island
of " Putin-Bay."
This spot was chosen by them as being, above all others in their
vicinity, the most national, and entitled to preference, from the glorious
associations with which it is identified, and worthy the commemoration
of that most hallowed of American days.
They were composed of the following finely equipped and disciplined
companies :
Bay City Guards — Capt. R. R. McMeens.
Sandusky Yagers — Capt. Louis Traub.
Sandusfey Artillery — Capt. L. A. Silva.
Washington Guards — Capt, William Lang.
TiflSn Artillery — Capt. Bagby.
The Island was generously surrendered to the service and control of
the military, by the gentlemanly proprietor. Col. A. P. Edwards, and
placed in the charge of Capt. R. R. McMeens, who was chosen comman
dant for the occasion.
The weather, during the whole period of the encampment, was one
of unclouded sunshine, rendered deliciously cool and exhilirating by the
gentle breezes constantly wafted from the broad and blue bosom of the
Lake. On the morning of the 4th, (it being Sabbath,) the Battalion was
reviewed by Maj. Gen. Isaac A. Mills, and his aid. Col. A. A. Camp,
and presented a very martial and imposing appearance ; after which, an
appropriate and eloquent discourse was delivered by the Rev. E. R.
Jewett. This was the first miUtary display, encampment or celebration ever
held on the Island since the time it was occupied by Gen. Harrison's
army.

On Monday, the 5th, ^Hhe day" was celebrated. A national salute
was fired at sunrise; immense crowds of citizens from the opposite shore
began to arrive, by steamers and sail craft; and in the afternoon an
eloquent oration was delivered by Horatio Wildman, Esq.
During the first trip of the Steamer Arrow from Sandusky to the
Island, a preliminary meeting was held, for the purpose of effecting a
monumental organization, at which the Rev. Dr. Bronson was chosen
Chairman, and Henry D. Cooke Secretary. On motion of Pitt Cooko,
Esq., a committee of five was appointed "to draft resolutions expressive
of the sense of the meeting, in reference to the erection of a monument
on Gibraltar Rock, Put-in-Bay, commemorative of Perry's brilliant
victory on Lake Erie, and in honor of the dead who fell in that memo
rable engiigernent."
Whereupon, Messrs. J. A. Camp, Rov. W. Pitkin, W. F. Stone, Wm.
S. Mills and H. D. Cooke were appointed such committee. The meet
ing then adjourned, to give time to the committee to prepare their report.
The committee subsequently reported the following resolutions, with an
appropriate preamble, which were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That it is expedient on this day to form an association for
the purpose above specified.
Resolved, That these proceedings shall be submitted to the considera
tion and concurrence of those assembled on Put-in-Bay Island.
On motion of W. F. Stone, the Secretary of the meeting was deputed
to lay the proceedings of this meeting before the Assembly at Put-in-
Bay, for further action.
In pursuance of the last resolution, the proceedings of the meeting
on board the Arrow were laid before the vast concourse in the grove on
Putin-Bay IslanJ, who fully concurred in the action of the preliminary
meeting, and a committee, consisting of Messrs. J. A. Camp, Wm. S.
Mills and Henry D. Cooke, were appointed to draft a preamble and
constitution, for the proposed association.
In the afternoon another meeting was called, for the purpose of final
action— the Rev. E. R. Jewett in the chair. Whereupon, the following
Constitution was adopted:
Whereas, On the tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
eighteen hundred and thirteen, the gal'ant seamen and marines of the
American Navy, commanded by the heroic Oliver Hazard Perry, ob
tained a glorious victory over the British Squadron on Lake Erie, which
victory turned the tide of war, hitherto adverse to our arms, and was
the precursor of a series of brilliant triumphs: Akd Whereas, on that
day many bold hearts, for whom a nation grieved, died victorious in the

service of their country, and since by their sei'vices and death have left
their nation in their debt, it is now both the duty and the pleasure of
their countrymen, to erect to their memory a monument, which shall
exhibit to future generations the appreciation the present entertains of
the value of their service and sacrifice. And inasmuch as the scene of
the glorious conflict should point the memorial of the triumph, it is both
expedient and proper that such monument should be erected on one of
the Put-in-Bay Islands of Lake Erie. Therefore, The undersigned
trusting to the cordial and efl3cient co-operation of their countrymen
throughout this broad land, do form themselves into an Association, for
the purpose above set forth, under the style of " The Battle of
Lake Erie Monument Association," and do adopt the following
COISrSTITTJTIO^. ARTICLE FIRST.
Any person can become a member of this Association by paying the
Treasurer the sum of one dollar.
ARTICLE SECOND.
The officers of the Association shall consist of a President, twenty-
five Vice Presidents, a Secretary, an Assistant Secretary and a Treasu
rer, whoso duties shall be such as usually belong to such officers.
ARTICLE THIRD.
The control and management of the property and interests of this
Association shall be vested in a Board of Managers, to be elected viva
voce, any ten of whom, at any regular meeting, shall constitute a quo
rum. They shall have power to fill vacancies in their own body. They
shall have power to elect from their own body an executive committee,
to consist of five members, three of whom shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business, to whora they may depute their authority,
and who shall be subject to their control.
The Executive Committee shall have power to call meetings of the
Board of Managers, and to name the time and place of meeting.
The especial duty of the Board of Managers is declared to be, to
carry into execution the object of this Association.
After the adoption of the Constitution, the meeting proceeded to elect
ofScers, in compliance 'v\'ith its provisions, when
Hon. Lewis Cass was chosen President.
On the list of Vice Presidents, the following gentlemen were chosen:
Col. J. J. Abert, U. S. Topographical Engineers, Washington City;

6
Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, Commodore R. F. Stockton, General Cadwal-
ader, Philadelphia; Hon. Reuben Wood, Ohio; Maj. John G. Camp,
Sandusky ; Capt. Stephen Champhn, Buffalo ; J. A. Harris, Cleveland ;
Hon. Judge Burnett, Cincinnati.
A Board of Managers was to be subsequently chosen.
A Provisional Executive Committee was appointed, consisting of Maj.
John G. Camp, Hon. E. Cooke, Earl Bill, Esq., Col. A. P. Edwards,
and J. A. Harris, Esq., with authority to act until the Board of Mana
gers shall elect an Executive Committee in the manner prescribed by the
Constitution, three of whom shall constitute a quorum for doing business.
The meeting then adjourned with three hearty cheers for the proposed
monument, and a considerable amount of subscriptions was left with
the President.
This great work was then considered to have commenced under the
most favorable auspices, and with flattering prospects of future comple
tion. But unfortunately, from the sudden and severe outbreak of chol
era throughout the Lake region of country, soon after, the excitement
consequent upon the Presidential campaign, as well as the very local
character of the celebration, no active or immediate steps were taken to
carry its provisions into effect, or complete its further organization, and
the whole matter was allowed to subside into a state of indifference and
ultimate neglect.
During the past summer, however, the subject was again agitated by
those who had become deeply interested in the laudable and patriotic
project, and the Hon. E. Cooke, being the only accessible member
of the original provisional committee, was waited upon and requested
to call a meeting of the committee, and fill, as authorized by the Con
stitution, the vacancies occasioned by death or otherwise, with the
view of reviving the subject, and enhsting all the cities of Lake Erie in
a union celebration on the approaching anniversary of the battle.
This was accordingly done, and the following committee appointed :
E. Cooke, Wm. S. Pierson, F. S. Thorpe, J. A. Camp, R. R. Mc
Meens.
The editor of the Commercial Register of Sandusky, was then solicit
ed by the committee, to bring the subject before the attention of the
press and people, in order to awaken their patriotism, and insure their
hearty co-operation. When in their daily issue of August 13th, the fol
lowing spirited appeal appeared :
THE TENTH OF SEPTEMBER.
" But few days in American history are more rich in patriotic associa-

tions, than the tenth of September, 1813; and at its recoUection every
truly American heart pulsates with a renewed thriU of patriotic enthu
siasm. It is gratifying to note that each succeeding recurrence of the
anniversary of the great event, that then transpired, the grand achieve
ment then attained, does not mark a waning in the hallowed regard in
'which that brilliant -victory, and the immortal victors are held by Ameri
ca's loyal sons. We are aU proud of that demonstration of our coun
try's triumph over Britain's boasted naval power; we are all proud of
our gallant Perry, and point with pride to his imposing prowess, rejoice
that he was an American, and enshrine the memory of his glowing deeds
of bravery, in the warmest corner of our inner hearts.
"It is a befitting tribute to the memories of those brave spirits who par
ticipated in the struggle of that memorable day, and our regard for the
importance of the event, that its every anniversary should find the Lake
cities, by their delegates assembled as brothers at Put-in-Bay, ground
made classic by its nearness to the battle scene, and by its being the urn
that holds the sleeping dust of those who fell in freedom's cause, com -
memorating that event with appropriate exercises, renewing the ties of
fraternal good feeling, and re-kindling those fires of patriotism, that burn
ed -with such undimned lustre in those brave hearts, that now lie pulse
less and still in unknown graves, near the hallowed scene of their glori
ous death. *****-**
" We repeat, then, the approaching tenth of September, wiU be an ap
propriate occasion to give this monument association a fresh impetus.
Let Buflialonians, Erians, Clevelanders, Sanduskians, Toledoans, and De-
troiters, go to Put-in-Bay, prepared to contribute liberally of their means
to this glorious work, and let us have a monument erected to commemo
rate the event which makes prominent the day we celebrate, that will do
us honor."
The press along the whole length of the Lake shore, responded to,
and reiterated the sentiment with a promptness and zeal most commen
dable and patriotic, for which the committee feel it their duty to ac
knowledge the appreciation of their indebtedness, and much of the sue
cessful results of the day.
Subsequently lie committee deemed it proper to publish the follow
ing card, for the purpose of announcing the proposed celebration, and
concentrating some definite action thereon.
OA.RD.
"We have met the enemy and they are ours."
From the spontaneous and favorable responses, of aU the leading jour
nals of the Lake cities, on the subject of holding a union celebration a

8
Put-in-bay Island, on the approaching anniversary of the Battle of Lake
Erie, the 10th of Sept. next, to do honor to the memory ofthe iUustri-
ous Perry, and homage to the graves of his illustrious dead, the
Executive Committee of the " Battle of Lake Erie Monument Asso
ciation," instituted on the 4th of July, 1862, have deemed it a prop
er occasion to invito all patriotic citizens to co-operate with them in
adopting the best measures to secure the necessary funds, obtain designs,
and insure the construction and early completion of the structure.
The site selected for the Monument, was on Gibraltar Rock, an isola
ted and commanding islet, where Perry's lookout was stationed, and di
rectly in view of the battle scene. Suitable materials for building can
be procured upon the ground, thus rendering its accomplishment feasi
ble with but trifling expense.
Then let Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, Sandusky, Toledo, Detroit, and all
other intervening places, with the adjacent country, come together upon
this spot, consecrated to our common glory by the heroic achievements
of our countrymen, and unite in erecting over the long neglected dust of
the " buried brave," a Monument worthy of their deeds and their death.
The interest of the occasion will be much enhanced by the presence
of Dr. Usher Parsons, of Providence, R. I., Capt. Stephen Champlin, of
Buffalo, N. Y., Lieut. E. Brownell, of New Port, R. I., and possibly,
some others of the few remaining sur-vivors of the battle.
The committee would earnestly request that each of the above places
would correspond with them, and assist in the selection of suitable speak
ers, the appointments of time, the order to be observed on arrival, &c.
E. COOKE, ^
W. S. PIERSON, I
F. S. THORPE, y Executive Committee.
J. A. CAMP,
R. R. McMEENS.
Meetings were held in most of tbe cities and towns, at which it was
resolved to attend, and take part inthe celebration; Committees of Con
ference were appointed, and correspondence had with the Executive
Comraittee, who upon advisement, and for the purpose of securing order
and concert of action upon arrival at the Island ; issued and forwarded
the following circular to such committees, for general observance and
government. Sandusky, Ohio, Sept. 1st, 1858.
Gentlemeu : " ' The Provisional Executive Committee of the Battle of
Lake Erie Monument Association,' appointed July 4th, 1852, at Put-in-

9
Bay, in view of obtaining immediate and concert of action, in the brief
time allowed for consultation on the 10th inst., respectfully ofier the fol
lowing suggestions :
1st. That the several delegations — where such selections have not
heretofore been made — prior to the landing on the Island, select five of
their number to act as their Executive Committee, and that the Naval
and Revenue ofScers of the United States service in attendance, each
select one or more persons for the same purpose.
2nd. That said Committee meet at the Flag Staff' near the dock at
11 A. M.
3rd. That after consultation, a general meeting of aU present be held,
delegations introduced, and officers of the day chosen, and a report from
the Committee be made of a plan for renewing the organization of 1862,
or a new organization, for building a Monument on Gibraltar, to com
memorate the Battle of Lake Erie.
4th. After the completion of such organization, a National Salute
be fired.
Adjourn for one hour, for pic-nic and such other refreshments as
each delegation may have provided.
Sth. On re-assembling after adjournment, speeches by orators se
lected for the occasion."
E. COOKE,
WM. S. PIERSON,
F. S. THORPE,
J. A. CAMP,
R. R. McMEENS,

Executive Committee.

Celebration of the 45th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, at
Put-in-Bay Island, on the tenth of September, 1858.
The celebration of the Battle of Lake Erie, on the 1 0th of September,
1858, was one ofthe most imposing and thrilling spectacles, and inter
esting events, witnessed upon the waters of Lake Erie, since the glori
ous day of the terrible conflict and brilliant victory itself. Large dele
gations, with vast crowds of citizens, from most of the large cities, and
many of the smaller villages of the Lake, congregated upon the Island,
made memorable and immortal, as the harbor of Perry's valiant fleet
on the morning ofthe battle, and as the resting, place of his illustrious
dead, who fell in that action.
The bay itself presented a most grand and gorgeous pageant, crowded
with a fleet of magnificent steamers, sail vessels, and yachts, all decorat
ed with gay colored banners, streamers, and pendants, while a battery of

10
fourteen brazen mouthed cannon, waked the echo's of old Erie with a
welcome, that made the bold rocks of Gibraltar tremble with their rever
berations. Veterans wore there, who had battled side by side with Perry ; old
men, who had heard the distant thunder of their guns ; statesmen, schol
ars, soldiers, men, women, and children, all animated and inspired by
the soul-stirring scene and associations that surrounded them.
The morning of the day was ushered in with dark and threatening
clouds, which while the boats were on their way to the Island, discharg
ed themselves in torrents of rain. But all failed to dampen the ardor of
the thousands who had armed themselves with a determination to spend
the day in appropriate commemoration of the glorious victory with
which it is identified.
But most timely and unexpectedly the rain ceased, and the clouds
disappeared as by magic, while the sun shone forth in the full effulgence
of his glory, gladdening the heaj'ts of all, and causing the transparent sur
face ofthe Lake to sparkle far and wide, in one glow of liquid light.
By half past 12 o'clock, all ofthe several delegations had reached the
bay. The whole fleet was then composed as follows :
U. S. Steamer Michigan — Commander, Joseph Lanman, U. S. N.
U. S. Revenue Cutter, A. V. Brown— Capt. H. A. Mitchell.
Steamer Forest Queen, Buffalo — Capt. Miller.
Steamer Ocean, Cleveland — Capt. Evans.
Steamer Arrow, Cleveland- — Cajst. Calverlv.
Steamer Queen City, Sandusky — Capt. McBride.
Steamer Island Queen, Port Clinton — Capt. Orr.
Steamer Bay City, Toledo — Capt. Edwards.
Steamer Jersey City, Toledo — Capt. Monroe.
Steamer May Queen, Detroit — Capt. Viger.
Tugs, Niagara and Star.
Yachts E. K. Collins, Cleveland ; Monarch of the Glen, Perrysburgh ;
Morning Star, and Comet.
Twenty other sailing vessels swelled the number of excursionists to
not less than eight thousand people.
At one o'clock, the Executive Committees of the several cities, repre
senting the various delegations, met in front of the residence of Capt.
Fox, on the Island, and was organized by the appointment as temporary
chairman, of Wm. S. Pierson, Esq., of Sandusky.
On nomination, the following appointments were made as officers of
the day :

11
President of the Day — Gov. Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio.
Vice Presidents — Hon. Ross Wilkins, Detroit, Mich. ; Judge H. V.
Wilson, Cleveland, 0. ; Hon. E. Cooke, Sandusky, 0. ; Gen. John E.
Hunt, Toledo, O. ; Capt. Stephen Champhn, U. S. N., Buffalo; Maj. C.
W. Hunter, 111. ; Hon. Joshua R. Giddings, Jefferson, O. ; Hon. H. W.
Baker, Norwalk, O. ; Commander Joseph Lanman, U. S. N., Steamer
Michigan ; WiUiam B. Craighill, Esq., Pt. Clinton, O.
Secretaries — Geo. A. Benedict, Cleveland; H. D. Cooke, Sandusky;
Wm. C. Earl, Toledo ; J. A. Goodrich, Port Clinton; J. H. Herrick, Ra-
vcna; J. A. Harris, Cleveland; J. L. Newbury, Detroit.
Committee on Order of Exercises — B. Verner, Detroit, Mich. ; Doct.
]McMeens, Sandusky, O. ; H. V. Willson, Cleveland, 0.; WiUiam Baker,
Toledo, 0.; Capt. ChampUn, Buffalo, N. Y.; Lieut. Shirk, U. S. N.;
Capt. H. A. Mitchell, U. S. Revenue Service.
Marshal of the Day — Gen. J. W. Fitch, Cleveland, O.
The Committee on Exercises reported the following:
National Salute by the U. S. Steamer Michigan.
Prayer by Rev. Dr. Duffield, of Philadelphia.
Introductory address by Gov. Chase.
Report from Wm. S. Pierson, Esq., of Sandusky, Chairman of Exe
cutive Committee of the Monument Association, on perm anentorgani-
zation. The address of welcome to the officers and survivors of the war of
1813, by the Hon. E. Cooke of Sandusky.
Music, by White's Band, Toledo.
Response and address by Dr. Usher Parsons, tho only known living
survivor of the flag-ship Lawrence.
Song by Ossian E. Dodge, and the Barker family.
Address by Mayor Samuel Starkweather, of Cleveland.
Music, by Cleveland Band.
Ode by D. Bethune Duffield, Esq., of Detroit.
Music, by Yager Band, Sandusky.
Address by Judge Mason, Toledo.
Music, by the Independent Band, Detroit.
At 2 o'clock, a National Salute was fired by tho U. S. Steamer Michi
gan, and the several ArtiUery companies on the ground.
The exercises followed in the order named in the programme. Gov.
Chase opened the proceedings in a neat and elegant speech, as foUows :
Fellow Citizens : — We are assembled to-day upon a most interest-
incr occasion. Forty-five years ago this day, American valor met Brit
ish valor, and American skill and conduct met British skUl and conduct

12
upon yonder Lake, and American valor, and skill, and conduct, tri
umphed — and may they ever triumph. [Applause.]
But we have met to-day to indulge iu no feelings of exultation over a
conquered foe; but to celebrate the greatness and the glory of our
country, identified as they are and must be forever with the remembrance
of the men by whom the triumph was achieved. We welcome here
to-day the remnants of that gallant band who fought that battle. How
delighted must be their eyes as they pass over scenes which meet them
now — when they contrast that weakness with this strength, that compar
atively feeble nation with this great and glorious people !
I said we have met together to interchange no feeUngs of exultation
over the past, but to thank them who have achieved the inestimable
blessings we enjoy, and rejoice that Providence has favored our prosperi
ty. Why should we exult over that nation which was then our foe ?
Instead of meeting upon fields of battle, we are now peacefully engaged
in commerce. Instead of answering cannon, and exchanging salutes
upon fields of battle, our shouts of welcoming fly across the ocean and
are re-echoed from thence across our mountains, until they lose them
selves in the Pacific. Instead of sending our thoughts even by the slow
methods of intercommunication, American perseverance and skUl have
traversed the ocean — not above it, but beneath — and Ughtning now
speeds our words of cheer and welcome to our Anglo-Saxon brethren,
while all our thoughts go up to Heaven in one expression, " God bless
them." We rejoice to welcome this vast multitude of citizens, to whom at last
is to be conferred the destiny of the country. We rejoice to welcome
the brave soldier, to whom our defence may be committed ; the brave
saUor, who defends the honor of his country ; and last, but not least, we
rejoice to welcome here to-day our fair country-women, by whom men
are nurtured for the performance of the duties of life.
I am admonished, fellow-citizens, that we must be brief, for the sun
will rapidly hasten to its setting. It has been thought that the best
mode in which I could communicate it to the rest, wiU be to set the ex
ample. [Cheers.]
Gov. Chase's speech was enthusiastically received, and at its conclu
sion, W. S. Pierson, Esq., Chairman of the Monument Associa
tion, reported the foUowing Ust of permanent officers of the association,
which was adopted, viz. :
President — Hon. Lewis Cass, of Michigan.
Vice Presidents — Hon. Isaac Toucey, of Conn. ; Dr. Usher Pai'sons,
R. I.; Sidney Brooks, R. L; Lieut. Thos. BrowneU, U. S. N.; Gov.

13
Elisha Dyer, R. I.; Wm. Wetmore, Esq., R. I.; Hon. Edward Everett,
Mass.; Hon. Wm. H. Seward, N. Y.; Auguste Belmont, Esq., N. Y.;
Hon. MiUard Fillmore, N. Y.; Capt. Stephen Champlin, N. Y. ; Gov.
W. F. Packer, Penn.; Wm. G. Moorehead, Esq., Penn.; Gov. S. P.
Chase, Ohio; S. Starkweather, Cleveland; E. Cooke, Sandusky; S.
L. CoUins, Toledo; Ross Wilkins, Detroit; John Owen, Detroit; Col.
Todd, Kentucky; Col. Jno. O'Fallan, St. Louis; J. Y. Scammer, Esq.,
Chicago ; Hon. John Wentworth, Chicago ; Capt. J. P. McKinstrey, U.
S. N. ; Commander Jos. Lanman, U. S. N. ; Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, U.
S. Army.
On motion, Wm. S. Pierson, Esq., of Sandusky, was chosen Treasur
er, and Dr. R. R. McMeens, of Sandusky, Corresponding Secretary.
COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT.
Sandusky — E. Cooke, Wm. S. Pierson, Pitt Cooke, 0. Follett, A.
H. Moss, Dr. R. K. McMeens, Jacob A. Camp, Dr. E. S. Lane, F. T.
Barney, Geo. S. Patterson.
Cleveland— B. V. Willson, Geo. A. Benedict, J. W. Fitch, H. B.
Payne, H. P. Weddell, M. Johnson, L. A. Pierce, J. P. Ross, John A.
Foot, Samuel Starkweather.
Detroit— i. V. CampbeU, E. C. Walker, H. B. Misner, G. V. N. La
throp, S. D. Elwood, W. H. Craig, Ben. Verner, A. S. WiUiams, Jacob
M. Howard, S. C. Andrews.
Toledo — Charles Kent, J. B. Steedman, C. B. PhiUips, Peter Link,
M. R. Waite, R. Ci Lemmon, Robert H. BiU, S. J. Springer, Charles
King, Perry Truax.
Buffalo — Capit. Stephen ChampUn.
Fremont — Sardis Burchard.
Erie — W. W. Dobbins, Charies B. Wright, Charies M. Reed.
Port Clinton — John Jenney, J. H. Magruder.
Reviera St. Jago, New York; Capt. Lanman, U. S. Navy; Capt.
Martin, Revenue Service; Capt. Ottinger, Revenue Service.
The foUowing letters having been received were then read by the
Chairman, W. S. Pierson : — Washington City, Sept. 6th, 1868.
Dear Sir : — Your invitation to me to form one of the numerous as
semblage which wiU meet at Put-in-Bay on the 10th instant, has just
been received, and while I thank you for remembering me in connection
with that interesting occasion, I regret that it will be out of my power
to avail myself of your kindness, as I shall be necessarily detained here
by my public duties. But though absent I shall not the less participate
in the feelings of gratitude and exultation, which the event you propose

14
to commemorate is so well calculated to inspire in every American
breast. The Victory of Perry upon Lake Erie not far from the place of
your convocation, on the 10th of September, 1813 was one of tbe most
glorious, as well as one of the most important achievements recorded in
our military annals.
I was with the Army then encamped in your region of country, du
ring that hard fought contest, where we were all awaiting, with anxious
solicitude, the operations of the fleet, as the command of the L.ike was
essential to our movements, and now after the elapse of almost half
a century, it would rejoice me to hear my fellow citizens recall and
recount the glories of that memorable day, mid the scenes where
they were gained, and which they will ever illustrate. It is good
for the Ainorican people to assemble together in the time of their
strength to commemorate the deeds of patriotism and valor, which in
the time of their weakness, enabled our country to pass safely through
the trials, to which she was exposed. Such a tribute to departed worth
is the object of the proposed convocation, and I beg leave to express my
deep sympathy with the feehngs which have promjited it.
With much regard, I nm, dear Sir, Truly yours, LEWIS CASS.
Dr. R. R. McMeens.

Navy Department, Sept. 6th, 1858.
Dear Sir: — I have the honor to acknowledge the imitation, through
you, ofthe Executive Committee to bo present, on the 10th inst, at the
inauguration and laying of the corner stone of a Monument to be erec
ted on Gibraltar Rock, Put-in Bay Island, in commemoration of Perry's
Victory. I regret to state that my engagements wiU deprive me of the pleasure
of participating with you on the interesting occasion.
I am with much respect, Your obedient servant, JSAAC TOUCEY.
R. R. McMeens, M. D.

Portsmouth, Va., Sept. 3d, 1858.
My De An Sir: — Iha\e received your esteemed favor of the 27th
ult., requesting my presence and participation in the ceremonies at the
contemplated inauguration of the Monument on Gibraltar Rock — in
commemoration of our glorious naval triumph under the gallant Perry
on the 10th September, 1813.

15
As one of the five surviving ofScers whose fortune it was, together
with our brave tars, to be present on that glorious occasion, I thank you
for your kind remembrance of me.
I I'Cgret that present indisposition precludes the pleasure of being
with you to join you in doing honor to whom honor is so justly due, —
the brave dead, — and renders imprudent at this time an absence from
my home. I am sir. Your obedient servant.

R. R. McMeexs, M. 1).

H. N. PAGE.
Captain U. S. Navy.

Cincinnati, Sept, 9th, 1858.
Usher Parsons, M. D.
My Dear Doctor: — Yours of the 1st inst. arrived before my return
from the " Yellow Springs," which afforded me no little pleasure to hear
you intend to be at the glorious celebration at Put-in-Bay. I am denied
the pleasure of participating with you in consequence of sickness. I
confidently flattered myself 12 days ago, I would be enabled to be present
and unite with the few survivors in celebrating thfe mostbrilUant achieve
ment of the memorable battle of Lake Erie, on the 10th September,
1813, in which battle I was. Shortly after Col. Crogan's Victory where
I was on the morning after the British made good their retreat, I vol
unteered at Camp Seneca, and was led by Gen. Wra. Henry Harrison
to Perry's fleet.
I pray the good people who have been instrumcutid in promoting the
celebration may continue it annuaUy for all time to come.
May the blessing of Heaven guide and preserve all who attend the
celebration, truly and sincerely is my prayer.
Most sincerely your friend, W. T. TALIAFERRO.

New York, August 28th, 1858.
Mr F. T. Barney, Sandusky City, 0. :
My Dear Sir: — In answer to your favor
of the 21st inst. on the subject of the erection of a monument on the
little Island of Gibraltar, I have to say: that if said Monument he to
the memory of Commodore Perry, as I suppose it is, I will be too hap
py to contribute to it, not only b)' the free gift of the land requisite, but
by procuring subscriptions in New York and one or two other places,
which I think I can do ; I accordingly hereby confer upon you and my

16
friend Simon Fox, power to grant a sufficient part of the said Island of
Gibraltar, in perpetuity, for the erection of said monument, with such
reservations as you may deem necessary to prevent any sort of injury
to ray property in the group of Islands. It would please rae if I and
my successors after me, were appointed keepers of the ground ceded, and
of the monument. Respectfully yours,
RIVERA St. JAGO.

After the adoption of the above organization, and the reading of let
ters. Gov. Chase introduced Hon. E. Cooke, of Sandusky, who spoke as
follows :
Ladies, Gentleinen, Fellow Countrymen:
I rise, as the organ of the Executive Committee, to bid you welcome
to these classic shores, immortalized by American valor and rich in the
associations of a nation's glory. But how can I find language suitably
to express my congratulations to the assembled thousands who surround
me, and whose presence this day, gives the lie to the reproach that
" Republics know not how to be grateful." If I could hope to be heard,
by an audience so immense, I would thank you in the name of our
Common Country, for having come up in such vast numbers from the
beautiful cities of the Lake and the interior, to this patriotic consecra
tion. But -with a voice, impaired by the wasting power of many years,
I can hope to say but litttle else, than to offer up my fervent thanksgiv
ing to Almighty God, for those evidences of enthusiastic gratitude and
patriotic devotion, which the occasion has inspired, and which your
presence this day proclaims.
We have met to commemorate one of those rare and signal events,
which, considering the vast interests it involved, the glory it achieved
and the benefits conferred, has few parallels in history. We shall find
it difficult, however, justly to appreciate the importance ot Perry's Vic
tory, without calling to mind, for a moment, the peculiar condition of
our country which preceded and followed its achievements. A sangui
nary war had for raore than a year been raging between Great Britain
and tho United States. How it was sustained on the land and on the
ocean, history has recorded. It must be admitted, however, that its
commencement on the Niagara and in the Northwest, was characterized
by defeat, disaster and disgrace. Whether the inglorious surrender of the
fortress of Detroit and the conseijuent uncontroUed possession of the vast
Northwestern Territory by the enemy, was chargeable to treachery or

17
cowardice, it is not now necessary to inquire. The event smote the
heart of the nation with dismay aud covered the whole land with con
scious humiliation. Our whole \ast frontier from Buffalo to Arkansas,
was at once thrown open to the stroke of the tomahawk, and exposed
bare and defenceless to the merciless incursions of the savage foe. The
authority and protection of the United States had ceased within its
borders. The course of the enemy, leagued with their savage alUes. was
everywhere marked -with rapine, massacre and devastation. The heart
rending and bloody tragedy of the River Rasin ¦ — and other doomed
localities, foUowed in succession. Consternation and alarm everywhere
prevailed. Thousands "-without distinction of age or sex" were ex
pelled from their peaceful abodes by the invading foe, and the face of
Heaven was insulted by the murder of men, women and children, and
by the wanton conflagration of defenceless cabins and -viUages. The
flower and chivalry of the land were cut off in their glory, and their
bones whitened the face of the -wilderness. Deeds of cruelty and unut
terable horror were enacted, which filled the whole land with lamentation
and wrung drops of agony from the heart of the nation. A dark cloud
hung over our devoted country, throwing down from its frowning armory
the paleness of death upon her cheek, and its coldnesss upon her bosom.
True, the assaults upon the defences of Harrison and Croghan, on the
Maumee and Sandusky, had been gaUantly and gloriously repeUed.
But these exploits, briUiant as they were, availed Uttle to the reUef ofthe
frontiers, while the entire possession of the lake by a well manned fleet
of Veterans, remained in the undisputed control of the foe, with power
to descend, at any moment, -with their combined forces, upon any portion
of our exposed frontier. The crisis demanded action, vigorous action,
combined with valor and talent to direct it The command of ihe Lake
had become to us indispensible. In view of this, the creation of an
American fleet, the timber for which was then growing in the wUder
ness, was ordered by our Government, as well for purposes of pro
tection as invasion. In March, 1813, the charge of its construction
and command, was assigned to Oliver H. Perry, of Rhode Island, who
in spite of almost superhuman obstacles and difficulties, in less than
three months completed his work and launched his vessels at' the har
bor of Erie. But although he frequently sought to engage the enemy,
he was unable to bring them into action, until the ever memorable and
ever glorious day we have met to commemorate.
Of the battle and its thrilhng incidents, I have uo time to speak. I
ara not here, with a tongue of fire, to relight and emblazon the splen
dors of the achievement. That office raust be left for a more elab-

18
orate address, and to others better fitted for the task. And I rejoice to
say that some of its touching details will be given you to-day, in burn
ing words, from a living and honored actor in the scene. On this point,
therefore, I need only add, that although between single ships on the
ocean, the trial had been before signally glorious to our flag, yet this
was the first American Squadron that ever made battle with an enemy,
and this " was the first English fleet, since England had a navy, that
ever had been captured." And if anything further were wanting to
heighten the brUliancy of the achievement, it may be found in the fact
that our fleet was inadequately and unequally provided with men and
cannon, — manned mostly by raw recruits, uninured to battle, and com
manded by young men, without experience in naval warfare ! While
on the other hand that of the British was fully armed — furnished with
men who had encountered many conflicts on the ocean, and command
ed by the experienced and veteran Commander Barclay, who had won
rich laurels under Nelson, at the immortal Battle of Trafalgar ! !
Such was the tremendous contrast between the opposing forces!
shut now the volume that records the event, and tell me, thou man of
naval or mUitary science, upon what principle of human probabUity can
the triuraph of our arras, in a conflict so unequal, be predicted ?
The contrast was great, but, to the dauntless Perry, by no means ap-
palUng. After the line of battle had been set, and all yvas made ready,
— an hour — a silent hour was occupied in advancing to the conflict : — an
hour, in which the lives of the squadron, the fate of the North-west,
and the honor of the nation were suspended upon the talents and col
lected valor of one man ! How appaUing the responsibUity ! How
terrible the probation ! How vast the interests involved ! How intense
the gaze of millions upon the issue ! At such a moment, men of the
present generation, picture to yourselves the solemn spectacle, the sub
lime pageantry of two hostile armies, watching the movement from the
opposite shores of the Lake — of defenceless thousands throughout the
unprotected regions of the North-west, whose lives and homes were at
stake ; yea, of the mUlions of two great nations, whose final triumph
hung upon the issue — all, all awaiting with breathless anxiety the result
of the conflict, and tell me if it was not an hour in which the stoutest
heart of the Hero charged with such a battle might have justly trem
bled ? Yet, the heroic Perry remained unagitated, unshaken and invin
cible ! He had no fear, but for the safety and honor of his country : no
ambition, but to conquer or die in her defence.
At a quarter before 12 o'clock, the solemn suspense was broken,
and the conflict began. At 3 o'clock the battle ended. Its thunders

19
were hushed. Their echoes had died ayvay upon the distant shores of
the lake, and the deep " silence of nature " succeeded, broken only by
tbe cries of the wounded and the dying."  As the smoke
of Battle roUed away, it revealed a victory, which shed undying glory
upon the Republic, and gave immortal renown to the victors 
A victory which wiped from our escutcheon the disgrace of Hull's sur
render, avenged the insulted honor of our flag, and dissolved forever the
speU of boasted British maratime invincibility. The pupil of Nelson
had struck to the youthful Perry, and the country rang with acclama
tions of joy !
In estimating the immediate and momentous results of this victory,
it should not be forgotten that it at once opened a pathway for Gen.
Harrison, to the subjugation of Fort Maiden, to the re-conquest of De
troit, — to the restoration of peace and safety to our whole extended
frontier, and to the crowning glory of his campaign, by the capture of
the entire British army, at the Battle of the Thames ! It changed at
once the entire theatre of the war in this region, and transferred it, with
all its dread pageantry of death and devastation from our own soU, — • to
that of the bewUdered and astonished and panic-stricken foe. And, it
is no exaggeration to assert that from the moment of this victory, the
ambitious schemes of the enemy upon our western borders were forever
blasted, and that the last vestige of British domination in the Northwest
practically expired with the expiring notes of the last cannon, whose
thunders closed the battle of Lake Erie !
In -view of these grand and glorious results — connected with the di
rect influence they exerted— to revive the public spirit, to restore fresh
vigor to the American arms : — to waken the national confidence : — to
sustain the national credit and to strengthen the arms of the Govern
ment, at that gloomy period of the war, it is no wonder that the news
of the -victory flew on the wings of the wind, electrifying the whole na
tion with joy and filUng the heart of every patriot with gratitude and
exultation ! No wonder that the beUs of every church throughout the
Republic, rang out their merry peals as the news traversed the interior,
and that every city and hamlet in the land blazed forth with bonfires
and iUuminations and other manifestations of the highwrought public
rejoicings. And shall w-e, who are now in the peaceful enjoyment of the full
fruition of these results : — shall we, standing here in sight of the spot
where the great battle which secured them was fought and won : — shall
WE, who have fixed our homes and set up our household gods in the
midst of the Territory thus rescued and defended — remain indifferent to

20
an event which conferred such priceless blessings, which cost so much
blood and peril to achieve it, which added so much wealth to the fame
of the nation, and which stiU commands the applause and admiration of
the world ? No, never, never.
To these scenes, then, let us with each returning anniversary come
up for our instruction. Let us here re-kindle the beacon-fires of patri
otisra, which Perry left, on yonder cliff, with a fervent prayer that they
might burn forever. Let us bring honors this day for the noble dead
who perished in the fight — and let the laurel and the cypress be kept
forever fresh and green upon the lonely graves where their ashes are
enshrined. In a word, let us seek our great practical lessons of pubhc
duty and patriotic daring in the contemplation ofthe exploits and sacrifices
of that dauntless band, who near this spot, perilled their Uves for their
countr}'. But above all, let us this day signalize our grateful apprecia
tion of their glorious deeds, by efficient measures for the erection of a
monument on yonder " Gibraltar Rock," to the memory of Perry and
his noble comp.anions, — tliere to stand forever, a perpetual memorial of
our convictions of the unmeasured benefits conferred upon the Western
States by their patriotic and heroic valor.
At no distant day, upon that consecrated spot where sleep the ashes
of the brave, who fell in the conflict ; " with solemnities suited to the oc
casion ; with prayers to Almighty God for his blessing,'' and in the midst
of a cloud of witnesses Uke those which surround me, — let the corner
stone of that Monument be laid. There, let it rise : — there let it stand
as long as the blue waters of Erie shall continue to dash against its
rock-bound base, to mark the spot, which must be forever dear to us, to
our children, and to our chUdren's children, down to the latest syUable
of recorded time.
The lapse of forty-five years has laid down iu the dust most of the
brave men who participated in the victory. The illustrious chief him
self, who on that proud day, amid the roar and smoke and storm of bat
tle, inscribed his name upon the shield of immortaUty, has been com
pelled to yield to the only foe he could not conquer; but aU, thank
Heaven, are not yet gone. A little remnant of that immortal band still
linger among the living, to reap the rich rewards of their labors and
perils, in the affections and benedictions of their countrymen : — and four
of these have kindly yielded to the earnest in-vitations of the Committee,
and are now present, to receive an expression of the gratitute of the coun
try, for which they put their lives at hazard, and to which they devoted
the flower of their youth.
Fortunate should we esteem ourselves that we have been permitted to

21
behold this spectacle : a spectacle, the like of which in thrilling interest
and imposing grandeur, was never before vouchsafed to the present gen
eration. Happy, indeed, that God has granted us the sight of these
veteran survivors, under circumstances so novel and affecting. Soon,
alas ! too soon, shaU we seek in vain for one survivor, and the last of the
heroic band will be seen on earth no more forever. Let us then bring
fresh honors, this day, to those who still remain to link the living with
the dead, ere the grave shall have closed upon them forever.
Gallant and venerable men ! With grateful hearts we bid you wel
come, thrice welcome, to these Island shores, and to these bi'ight scenes of
your early glory. We thank the God of Mercy for having prolonged
your lives, that yve might thus greet you, and that you might behold
this deeply earnest demonstration of your grateful countrymen.
On revisiting the memorable spot yvhere you linked forever your own
fame with the glory of your country, after the absence of nearly half a
century, it is not strange that the stirring incidents of the victory, in
which you so honorably shared, should come down upon your raemory,
like an avalanche from the past, and agitate you with conflicting emo
tions. How changed the scene, since your eyes last beheld these lovely
shores ! True, the same lake which you then saw wreathed in the smoke
of battle and encrimsoned with the blood of your companions — still
continues its ce.iseless funereal wail over the slumbers of the buried
brave, or chants its loud anthems to the praise of your gallant deeds.
The same sun, which then looked down from his mid-day throne, and
fired your young hearts to deeds of glorious daring, still smiles upon your
return to this renowned theatre of your youthful courage and patriotism.
But in other respects how great the change I The haughty foe is gone
— the din of war is hushed, and instead of the thunders of hostile can
non and the shrieks of your dying comrades, you ha^e heard to-day the
.shouts of a new generation, who have come out from all the borders ot
the lovely land you defended, to greet you with the loud acclaim of an
overflowing and universal gratitude.
Forever hereafter the 10th of September, 1813, shaU be as sacred to
our hearts, as it has long been glorious to our annals. It was your good
fortune, most honorably, to participate in the dangers of that day. Im
minent were the perils you encountered; glorious the deeds you per
formed, and great the sacrifices you made for your country. I wiU not
attempt their eulogy. They have already found their place yvith those
of your departed compatriots, among the solemn archives of our coun-

try, where they can never die : — and the histpry which records them is
but an imperishable transcript of your claims upon our gratitude.
You have come to most of the thousands before you as from a distant
age, to revive recollections and recount incidents, around which the mists
of tradition had began to cluster : and you find yourselves to-day in the
midst of a generation, now in the full vigor and meridian strength of
manhood, who had not seen the Ught of Heaven, when you here nobly
bared your breasts to the shafts of death, in defence of the rights and
honor of your country.
You are now, where you stood forty-five years ago, with trailed ban
ners at the burial of your vaUant dead. Like myself, you belong to a
former generation. You look around you in vain for your youthful
companions in arms and brothers in peril. They have been gathered
to their fathers. But you look around you not in vain for the eviden
ces of your country's happiness, and for the rich rewards of your patri
otic sacrifices and toils : — you look around you not in vain for the joy
and gratitude of the living thousands who surround you, and who have
been made happy — most happy — to bid you welcome, thrice wel
corae, on this consecrated day.
We forbear further to betray our emotions : for eulogy belongs less
to the living than to the dead : and there is not a heart, throughout this
vast assembly, that does not fervently pray that we may long be spared
the duty of granting to you our last and highest honors. Distant, far
distant be the day which shall mark your setting sun. May the same
God who shielded you in battle, and guided and preserved you in after
life, still smile upon your declining years, and cover them with his rich
est and choicest blessings.
After the applause which followed the close of this address had sub
sided, Mr. Cooke introduced to the audience Capt. Stephen Champlin,
as the last sur\iving commander of the Perrv Squadron, who led the
Scorpion in the front line of the battle, and yvho tired \h% first and last
gun in the conflict He was received with tremendous cheers. Where
upon Gov. Chase read the foUowing highly appropriate response, in lieu
of a speech, from the modest but gallant commander : —
!Mr. President : — Unaccustomed to speak in public, and having no
confidence in my voice, I ask the fav^or of you to read the following
reply to the flattering sentiments just offered :
Fellow Citizens: — I cordi.ally thank you, for the distinguished hon
ors paid to the memory of my old commander, Commodore 0. H. Per
ry, and the gallant officers and men under his command in the battle on
this lake — and also the flattering notice of my services on that occasion.

23
— you have hereby amply rewarded me for the toil and exposure of life
on that eventful day— next to a consciousness that I performed my duty
faithfuUy is the approbation of so vast a multitude of my fellow citizens :
I renewedly thank you, and beg leave to offer the foUowing sentiment :
" The thirty-six volunteers of General Harrison's Army, -who came to our assistance
in our greatest need, to whom we were much indebted for their valuable services."
Six rousing cheers were here given for Capt. Champlin.
Mr. Cooke next introduced the venerable WiUiam Blair, of Lexing
ton, Richland county, Ohio — as one of the thirty-six volunteers of Gen.
Harrison's army just referred to — and exhibited to the audience from
the neck of the old veteran, a rich and massive sUver medal, bearing the
impress of Perry, with appropriate inscriptions — which had been voted
to him, with the thanks of the Coraraonwealth by the State of Penn
sylvania, of which he was then a citizen, in testimony of his patriotism
and bravery at the battle of Lake Erie. The old hero was too much
affected to say one word, but amidst a storm of applause acknowledged
the kindness sho-wn him, by a modest bow and a ffood of tears.
Mr. Cooke then introduced Lieut. Thomas Brownell, of Newport,
R. I., who was second in command of the schooner Ariel. The ap
pearance of this brave and faithful officer, was greeted with overwhelm
ing applause. He responded by thanking his fellow-citizens for this
flattering and cordial expression of their feelings, and assured thera
that it was gratefully appreciated by him.
Dr. Usher Parsons, of Providence, R. I., the surgeon ofthe flag-ship
Lawrence, at the time of the battle, was then introduced and gave a
detailed and thriUing account of the engagement. His address yvas
listened to with the most intense interest, and was frequently interrupt
ed with cheers that made the welkin ring. The following is the ad
dress entire :
Mr. President and Citizens ofthe Lake Shore :
The survivors of the battle of Lake Erie here present, have listened
with intense interest to the eloquent address just delivered, and thank
you most sincerely for the cordial reception you have given to its
friendly and complimentary allusions to our services on the day we
are now assembled to commemorate.
Forty-five years ago, we were here as spectators and participators
in the battle, and now, in advanced years, are invited to join a vast
number of patriotic citizens, gathered from the beautiful and flourish
ing cities bordering this Lake, to celebrate the victory then gained by
our squadron.
We have come hither, my friends, to honor the meraory of those

24
who fell in that glorious conflict, and are sleeping under the soil near
where we are now gathered. We have come also to pay a grateful
tribute of respect to the memory of Commodore Perry and his associ
ates in the battle, who have since passed away in the ordinary course
of human life. And you, citizens of the Lake shore, have sought out
and invited here a little remnant of survivors to bless our eyes with
the evidences of your prosperity and happiness, and to warm our
hearts with tokens of assurance that our toils and peril of life on that
eventful day are not forgotten. Would to God that more had been
spared to participate with us in these generous demonstrations of grati
tude and respect But they have passed away ; and in a very brief
period of time, no spectator yvUl be left to tell the story of Perry's
Victory. That victory derives a general interest, froni the fact that it was the
first encounter of our infant navy, in fleet or squadron. In combats
with single ships, we had humbled the pride of Great Britain. The
Guerrier, Java, and Macedonia, had surrendered to our stars and stripes.
But here, on yonder waves, that nation yvas taught the unexpected les
son that we could conquer them in squadron. But this battle derives
a partioular interest from its bearing on the war of 1812, and from the
relief it brought to your shores ; — in wresting the tomahawk and scalp
ing knife from savage hands ; — shielding a frontier of three hundred
miles, from assaults and conflagrations of a combined British and sav
age foe; — opening the gates of Maiden to General Harrison's army,
that enabled it to pursue and capture the only army that yvas captured
during the war ; and in restoring to us Detroit, and the free navigation
ofthe upper Lakes.
My friends, you have read, and your fathers have told you the story
of this victory. Yet, from the interest you still manifest by coming
here in thronging multitudes, as well as by the expressed wish of some
present and of the press, it is apparent that. you wish the story to be re
peated, probably with the dasire that you may hereafter relate it to your
chUdren, as coming from a spectator of the scene : I will, therefore,
give a brief sketch of the battle :
I shaU not detain you with a history of the construction and equip
ment of the squadron, and of the many difficulties encountered, but
commence wilh our arrival here twenty-five days before the action,
and our cruising in that tirae between Maiden and Sandusky, and re
ceiving near the latter place, a visit from Gen. Harrison and suite,
preparatory to an attack on Maiden.
Early in the morning of the 10th of September, 1813, yvhOe we lay

25
at anchor in this Bay, a cry came from mast-head—" sail ! ho !" all
hands leaped from their berths, and in a few minutes the cry was re
peated, until six sail were announced. Signal was raade to the squad
ron — "¦Enemy in sight! gei under way!" and soon the hoarse sound
of trumpets and shrill pipe of the boatswains resounded throughout our
scjuadron with " all hatids up anchor ahoy .'"
In passing out of this Bay, it was desirable to go to the left of yon
der islet, but on being notified by Sailing Master Taylor that adverse
winds would prevent, the Commodore replied, go then sir to the right,
for this day I am determined to meet and fight the enemy.
There were nine American vessels, carrying 54 guns and 400 men,
and six British vessels carrying 63 guns and 511 men.
At the head of our line were the Scorpion, Capt. Champlin, and
Ariel, Lieut. Packet — next the flag-ship Lawrence, of 20 guns, to en
gage the flag-ship Detroit, the Caledonia to fight the Hunter ; the Ni
agara of 20 guns, to engage the Queen Charlotte, and lastly, three smaU
vessels to fight the Lady Provost, of 13 guns, and Little Belt, of 3 guns.
Our fleet moved on to attack the enemy, distant at 10 o'clock, about
five miles. The Commodore now produced the Burgee, or fighting
flag, hitherto concealed in the ship. It was inscribed with large white
letters on a blue ground, legible throughout the squadron — " DonH
give up ihe Ship" — the last words of the expiring Lawrence, and now
to be hoisted at the mast-head of the vessel bearing his name. A
spirited appeal was made to the crew, and up went the flag to the fore-
royal, amid hearty cheers repeated throughout the squadron — and the
drums and fifes struck up the thrilling sound — all hands to quarters.
The hatches or passage-way to the deck were now closed, excepting a
small aperture ten inches square, through which light was admitted
into the Surgeon's room, for receiving the yvounded, the floor of which
was on a level with the surface of the Lake, and exposing them to
cannon balls as much as if they were on deck.
Every preparation being made, and every man at his station, a pro
found silence reigned more than an hour, the most trying part ofthe
scene. It was like the stillness that precedes the hurricane. The
fleet moved on steadily till a quarter before 12, when the awful sus
pense was relieved by a shot aimed at us from the Detroit, about one
mile distant. Perry made more sail, and coming within canister dis
tance, opened a rapid and destructive fire upon the Detroit. The
Caledonia, Capt. Turner, followed the Lawrence in gaUant style, and
the Ariel, Lieut. Packet, and the Scorpion, Mr. Champlin, fought no
bly and effectively.

26
The Niagara failing to grapple with the Queen, the latter vessel shot
ahead to fire upon the Lawrence, and with the Detroit, aimed their
broadsides exclusively upon her, hoping and intending to sink her.
At last they made her a complete wreck, but, fortunately the Comrao
dore escaped without injury, and stepping into a boat with his fighting
flag thrown over his shoulder, he pushed off for the Niagara amid a
shower of cannon and musket balls, and reached that vessel unscathed.
He found her a fresh vessel, with only two, or at most, three persons
injured, and immediately sent her commander to hasten up the small
vessels. Perry boarded the Niagara when she was abreast of the Law
rence, and further from her than the Detroit was on her right. The
Lawrence now dropt astern and hauled down her flag. Perry turned
the Niagara's course toyvard the enemy, and crossing the bows of the
Lawrence, bore down headforemost to the enemy's line, determined to
break through it and take a raking position. The Detroit attempted
to turn, so as to keep her broadside to the Niagara, and avoid being
raked, but in doing this, she fell against the Queen, and got entangled
n her rigging, which left the enemy no alternative but to strike both ships.
Perry now shot further ahead near the Lady Provost, yvhich, from being
crippled in her rudder, had drifted out of her place to the leeward, and
was pressing forward toward the head of the British line to support
the two ships. One broadside frora the Niagara silenced her battery.
The Hunter next struck, and the two smaller vessels in attempting to
escape, were overhauled by the Scorpion, Mr. Champlin, and Trip,
Mr. Holdup, and thus ended the action, after 3 o'clock.
Let us now advert for a moment to the scenes exhibited in the flag
ship Lawrence, of which I can speak as an eye-yvitness. The wound
ed began to come down before she opened her battery, and for one, I
felt impatient at the delay. In proper time, however, as it proved, the
dogs of war were let loose from their leash, and it seemed as though
heaven and earth were at loggerheads. For more than two hours, Ut
tle oould be heard but the deafening thunders of our broadsides, the
crash of balls dashing through our timbers, and the shrieks of the
wounded. These yvere brought down faster than I could attend to
them, farther than to stay the bleeding, or support a shattered limb
with splints, and pass them forward upon the berth-deck.
When the battle had raged an hour and a half, I heard a call for me
at the small sky-light, and stepping toward it, I saw the Commodore,
whose countenance was as calra and as placid, as if on ordinary duty.
'' Doctor," said he, "send me one of your men," meaning one of the six
stationed yvith me to assist in moving the wounded. In five minutes

2Y
the caU yvas repeated and obeyed, and at the seventh call, I told him he
had aU my men. He asked if there were any sick or wounded who could
pull a rope, when two or three crawled upon deck to lend a feeble hand
in puUing at the last guns.
The hard fighting terminated about 3 o'clock. As the smoke cleared
away, the two fleets were found mingled together, the smaU vessels hav
ing come up to the others. The shattered Lawrence lying to the wind
ward, was once more able to hoist her flag, which was cheered by a few
feeble voices on board, making a melancholy sound compared with the
boisterous cheers that preceded the battle.
The proud, though painful duty of taking possession of the conquered
ships, was now performed. The Detroit was nearly dismantled, and the
destruction and carnage had been dreadful. The Queen was in a con
dition little better — every coraraander, and second in command, says
Barclay in his official report, was either kiUed or wounded. The whole
number kiUed in the British fleet, was forty-one, and of wounded, nine
ty-four. In the American fleet, twenty-seven kUled, and ninety-six
wounded. Of the twenty-seven killed, twenty-two were on board the
Lawrence, and of the ninety-six wounded, sixty-one were on board this
same ship, making 83 killed and wounded out of 101 reported flt for
duty in the Lawrence on the morning of the battle. On board the Ni
agara were two kiUed, and twenty-three wounded, making twenty-five,
and of these, twenty-two were killed or wounded after Perry took com
mand of her.
About four o'clock a boat yvas discovered approaching the Lawrence.
Soon the commodore was recognized in her, who was returning to re
sume the command of his tattered ship, determined that the remnant of
her crew should have the privilege of witnessing the formal surrender of
the British officers. It was a time of conflicting eraotions when he
stepped upon the deck. The battle was won, and he was safe, but the
deck was slippery with blood, and strewed with the bodies of twenty offi
cers and men, some of whom sat at table with us at our last meal, and
the ship resounded yvith the groans of the wounded. Those of us who
were spared and able to walk, met hira at the gangway to welcome him
on board, but the salutation was a silent one on both sides — not a word
could find utterance. And now the British officers arrived, one fi-om
each vessel, to tender their submission, and with it their swords. When
they approached, picking their way among the wreck and carnage of
the deck with their hilts toward Perry, they tendered them to his ac
ceptance. With a dignified and solemn air, and with a low tone of
voice, he requested them to retain their side arms, inquired with deep

28
concern for Commodore Barclay and the wounded officers, tendering to
them every comfort his ship afforded, and expressing his regret that he
had not a spare medical officer to send thera, that he only had one on
duty for the ffeet, and that one had his hands full.
Araong the ninety-six wounded there occurred three deaths ; a result
so favorable was attributable to the plentiful supply of fresh provisions
sent off to us frora the Ohio shore ; to fresh air, — the wounded being
ranged under an awning on the deck untU we arrived at Erie, ten days
after the action, and also to the devoted attention of Commodore Perry
to every want.
Those who were kiUed in the battle were that evening committed to
the deep, and over them was read the impressive Episcopal service.
On the following morning the two fleets sailed into this bay, where
the slain officers of both were buried in an appropriate and affecting
manner. They consisted of three Araericans, Lieutenant Brooks and
midshipmen Laub and Clarke, and three British Officers, Captain Finnis
and Lieut. Stokes of the Queen, and Lieutenant Garland, of the Detroit.
Equal respect was paid to the slain of both nations, and the crews of both
fleets united in the ceremony. The procession of boats, with two bands of
music — the slow and regular raotion of the oars, striking in exact time
with the notes of the soleran dirge, the mournful waving of flags and
sound of minute-guns from the ships, presented a striking contrast to
the scene presented two days before, when both the Uving and the dead,
now forming in this solemn and fraternal train, were engaged in fierce
and bloody strife, hurling at each other the thunderbolts of war.
On the eighth day after the action, the Lawrence was dispatched to
Erie with the wounded, where we received a cordial welcome and kind
hospitaUty. The reraainder of the vessels conveyed Harrison's army to
to Maiden, where they found the public stores in flaraes, and Proctor
with his army in hasty retreat. Perry joined Harrison as a volunteer
aid, who with our troops, chiefly from Ohio and Kentucky, overtook
and captured the army. Perry then accompanied Harrison and Cora-
raodore Barclay to Erie, where they landed araid peals of cannon and
and shouts of the raultitude, and from thence he proceeded to Rhode
Island. Comraodore Perry served two years as coraraander ofthe Java, taking
yvith hira raost of the survivors of the Lawrence. He after this cora
manded a squadron in the West Indies, where he died in 1819.
Possessed of high-toned morals, he yvas above the low dissipation and
sensuaUty too prevalent with some officers of his day, and in his domes
tic character was a raodel of every domestic virtue and grace. His lit-

29
erary acquirements were respectable, and his taste refined. He united
the graces of a manly beauty to a lion heart, a sound mind, a safe judg
ment, and a firmness of purpose which nothing could shake.
But this intelUgent audience already know and appreciate his noble
virtues and honor his glorious achievements. The maps of your shores
and inland towns and counties are inscribed with his name ; and the no
ble State ot Ohio and the United States, are about to decorate the walls
of their respective capitols with splendid representations of the battle
we are this day commemorating.
My friends, in the name and behalf of the citizens of Rhode Island, I
tender you their grateful acknowledgments for the honor done that little
State on this interesting occasion. She sent hither the Commander of
the squadron, and a majority of the officers and men. She glories in
the victory gained, and regards the name and fame of her gallant son
as one of her choicest jewels, and will ever cherish grateful sentiments
towards those who respect and honor his memory. You have come
hither, my friends, for this holy purpose from all the cities of the lake
shores, and are about to lay the corner stone to a monument to perpet
uate his memory and fame. Though his name will outlive structures
of marble or of bronze, yet rest asured that the citizens of Rhode Island
will haU with delight the report of this day's transactions, and in their
future western pilgrimages wiU linger about this spot and invoke
Heaven's choicest blessings on you in return for your generous mag
nanimity. Old companions in the confiict, I rejoice to see you and once more
take you by the hand, and a more fitting occasion than the present
could hardly occur or be conceived of. In the days of our youth we
came to the rescue of this Lake, and to assist in restoring peace to the
frontier. A kind Providence has lengthened out our days beyond man's
aUotted period of existence, and now, after the lapse of nearly half a
century, permits us to revisit the place where important scenes transpired
in our eariy years, and to unite in celebrating the victory achieved by
our much loved commander. We joyfully survey the wonderful chan
ges and improvements that have occurred since the war of 1812. Buf
falo was then a populous village, but soon after a heap of ashes. Erie
contained but a score of dwelUngs. Cleveland was a cluster of log cab
ins, Sandusky the same, Toledo was nowhere, and Detroit in possession
of the enemy ; and not a single American vessel was left on the lakes,
on whioh to hoist our stars and stripes.
And what do we behold now? A population increased an hundred
fold ; magnificent and prosperous cities, lofty spires and domes on tem-

30
pies of worship ; coUeges and seminaries of learning ; extensive com
merce ; raUroads diverging and intersectmg in aU directions ; the white
outspread wings of coraraerce gUding to and fro, and freighted with the
exhaustless products of the North and North-west, — aye, and ploughing
yon crystal waves, once shrouded in the smoke of our cannon, and
crirasoned with the blood of our companions.
Old friends, we part to day, probably to meet no more. Our mem
ories of the past, and the happy experiences of this celebration, fill our
hearts with grateful and tender emotions, and wUl serve to gild the eve
ning twihght of our days. I bid, you an affectionate fareweU.
At the conclusion of Dr. Parson's address, a patriotic song, prepared
for the occasion, was sung by Ossian E. Dodge and the Barker Family.*
Mayor Starkweather, of Cleveland, was then announced, and addressecl
the asserablage in the following spirited and patriotic speech :
Mr. Starkweather in speaking for the large corapany, of the citizens
of Cleveland, who had corae to honor this occasion by their presence,
said, that if it was possible for them to feel a greater interest in it than
some others, it was because the fate of that city, for the time, was in
volved in the issue of the battle we have met to commemorate.
Mr. S. spoke of the feeUngs with yvhich the whole population of their
then infant city, rushed to the water's side when aroused by the distant
thunders of that great battle, and of the painful suspense with which
they Ustened to the echoes, which might be tidings of its results, and
how exultant they became of our victory, when they heard the big guns
fired the last; for however, in argument, said Mr. S., they may not suc
ceed who have the last words, in battle they are sure of the victory who
fire the last guns, and we have the pleasure of now seeing upon the
stand, the heroic Champlin, by whose order they were fired to arrest a
captive ship in its attempt to escape.
Forty five years, said Mr. S., have now passed away, since our gaUant
men, who fell in that battle, have been reposing beneath yonder wil
low in their lonely graves, and now after the lapse of so many years, we
have the satisfaction to behold this vast multitude, yvho have come to
honor these graves, and who have come resolving with one heart, that
upon this sacred spot a raonuraent shall arise, commemorative of the
great battle of Lake Erie, and yvorthy of the heroes who achieved our
glorious victory.
To estimate the iraportanee of that battle, we have only to know that
upon its results depended the safety of our whole frontier from the
Straits of Macinac to the Falls of Niagara, and what was more than all,
"¦See Incidents of the Day.

31
upon its results depended the honor of the American navy, and that to
conceive of the sensations occasioned by its results, we must realize that
between two of the most powerful, most Christian and kindred nations
of the earth, there was a deadly war, that here was the dividing line
of their dominions, that across this water each must pass, in the attempt
to invade the territory of the other, and that here was destined to be felt
their great encounter for supremacy on this inland sea. And here Mr. S.
proceeded to describe at some length the scenes presented on the eve of
the battle, the beUigerent armies of Harrison and Proctor, as they stood
upon those opposite shores, waiting the result, and the opposing fleets as
they approached each other, and it was there, said Mr. S., by yonder
beautiful island caUed " Western Sister, " they met, and what a meeting
was there? England had until then, been the proud mistress of the
seas. " Brittiania rules the waves " had been the theme and the senti
ment of her national songs. Upon this element she claimed to be in
vincible, and though under the stars and stripes, the charm of her in-
vincibiUty had been broken, it was in a conflict of ship with ship, but it
yvas now to be tested in a conflict of fleet with fleet.
When the brave Perry led his gallant men into that fierce, unequal,
and for a time that doubtful conflict, well raay he be supposed to have
addressed them in the language like that of the renowned Henry the Sth
on the eve of the battle of Agincourt, when he is thus raade to speak :
" He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
¦Will stand a tip-toe when this day is named.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his friends,
And say — to-morrow is St. Crispian.
Old men forget; yet all ahall be forgot;
But he'll remember, -with advantages,
yVhat feats he did this day; then shall our names
Familiar in their mouths aa household words,
Be in their flo-wing cups freshly remembered."
And forever raeraorable in Araerican annals, wUl be the day we cele
brate, and upon each return of this day, multitudes in happy throngs,
will come to visit this sacred spot, to look upon this land and this water,
once the scenes of such memorable events, and that they may behold
its change, from a scene of bloody strife, to scenes of the most happy
intercourse, and rejoice in the contemplation that the nations which
warred against each other here, have forgotten all their animosities, and
wiU war against each other no more, and that to unite the hearts of these
two great nations, a chord has been laid across the great ocean, and
slender and delicate as was that chord, it would never be broken, for it
has been laid under the favoring dispensation of Heaven, and under its
edict " whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."

32
In response to a general caU from the multitude, Hon. Joshua R.
Giddings was then introduced by Gov. Chase. He said that the scenes
of the conflict of 1813 were famiUar to him. Forty-six years ago he
was a soldier, bearing knapsack and blanket. In breathless silence aU
awaited the result of this famous battle. For three long hours they Us
tened to the booming of the cannon. Long before they had got any
correct information it was said we had achieved a victory. It was an
awful day — that Tenth of September. May God spare you from wit
nessing scenes to which our veteran friends here were so famiUar. Why
should men, worshipping the same God and trusting in the same salva
tion, slay each other? Perry stood for the raaintenance of high and ho
ly principles of right — the right of man to enjoy liberty and develop his
moral nature. The battle for right is stUl raging. But a hundred men
wdU fiy in civil life where one will yield on the battle-field. To you is
committed the maintenance of the rights for which our friends fought
and bled — they have done their duty, wUl you do yours ? May you
prove worthy of all the blessings whioh have been conferred upon you !
An ode prepared for the occasion by D. Bethune Duffield, Esq., of De
troit, was next announced by the President of the day, who made a play
ful allusion to the infancy of Michigan at the tune of the battle. Tliis
caUed out the Hon. Ross WUkins, of Detroit, who rejoined in a humor
ous and teUing speech. Michigan, he said, though an infant at that
time, was now full grown, and one of the fairest of the sisterhood of
States. She asked no odds of Ohio, because the latter happened to be
a few years the elder of the two. But she would defer to the clairas of
Rhode Island — "Uttle Rhody" — who was so well represented here to
day, and whose gallant sons so well raaintained the national honor, on
this sarae field forty-five years ago. "Indeed," said Judge Wilkins,
the battle of Lake Erie was a Rhode Island fight. Her sons were the
most conspicuous participants in the hazards and glories of the engage
ment. Immortal honor was stamped upon her proud escutcheon by the
gallant acts of her brave sons on that memorable occasion. While
Michigan was ready to concede to her sister States every thing that is
their due, she wiU yet stand up for her rights. The speaker humorously
referred to the squabble, commonly known as the " Toledo War," be
tween Michigan and Ohio, over a piece of territory, in yvhich contest his
State came out behind. But she would some day make up for this de
feat, if possible.
The speaker then introduced D. Bethune Duffield, Esq., who dehvered
the following poem of felicitous conception, patriotic sentiment, and rare

33
beauty and finish. It is an admirable effort, worthy our most preten
tious poets, and was pronounced by the Survivors present " the most
accurate and faithful description of the battle they had ever yet heard
or read " —
THE BATIXE OF LAKE ERIE.
Come ye, whose feet old Erie kindly laves,
And join to pour an anthem o'er her waves.
This day to her broad breast she calls the Froe,
And bids them welcome to her Jubilee.
Thou stately Queen of all the lordly lakes
Down where Niagara's thundering chorus breaks,
Snatch forth a strain of Nature's lofty praise
To sweU the chant thy sister Cities raise.
Corae, thou old Erie, worthy of thy narae.
Bearing the trophy of thy hero's farae, —
The fragments of that torn and shattered wreck
With battle's foot-prints still upon the deck ;
And thou, too, ancient " City of the Straits,"
Bring forth the guns that once assailed thy gates.
Tho' rude and harmless now they seem to be.
They once were leveled at thy liberty.
And thou, fair Forest City, gliding from thy grove,
Corae like the swan and o'er the waters raove.
And coy Sandusky, nestled in thy bay.
Where lovers dream the evening hours away.
Come with Monroe from River Raisin's shore
And proud Toledo, valiant as of yore;
Come, grave Maumee, for years full widely known.
By Heroes, and a fever all thine own ; —
Corae one, corae all, young men and maidens come,
With streaming banners and the rattling drum.
Extend thy peace-clad galleys far and wide.
And deck with pennants all the heaving tide.
Corae with your Steamers, each in grand array,
Corae with glad hearts to celebrate this day.
And loudly let the brazen cannon play !
'Tis not of scenes at Salarais we sing.
Nor brazen prows led by some Roman King;

34
Not Drake, who, bursting like a Northern gale
Upon the dread Armada's myriad sail.
Broke up and scattered on th' avenging sea
The power that struck at Albion's liberty ;
Nor him to whom yvere given the massive keys
That first unlocked our dark Hesperian seas.
That grand old sea-king, sent and led of God,
To kiss with foreign keel our virgin sod ;
Not Nelson struggling on the bloody brine
To carve great England's name on Ocean's shrine ;
Nor brave Paul Jones, who scourged the English seas.
The winged herald of our liberties.
Nor Lawrence, who, when life was on the slip.
Still bravely cried, " Pray, don't give up the ship."
'Tis none of these whose mighty deeds we sing,
But one to whom the Nation's heart will cling
Till Erie rolls no wave to either shore.
An old Niagara's voice be heard no more :
The MAN, who five and forty years ago.
Here, on these waves, then tinged with crimson glow,
'Mid crashing spars, and War's wild overthrow.
Laid proud old England's blood-red pennant low.
Let all our Cities in one common Hymn
Send Perry's praise around old Erie's brim.
Perry the young. Perry the bold and brave.
The Christian Hero of our common wave ;
Let all the bugles their best music pour.
Let all the cannon in glad triumph roar.
And let their echoes, leaping frora each shore.
Still chime his name,
And lofty fame,
Forever, and forever more 1
Slow creeps to birth the opening Autumn day.
Slow breaks along the Lake his herald ray.
The birds not yet from out the forest raise
In chorus clear, their matin hymn of praise —
Still sleeps the duck upon the quiet flood,
StiU weeps the tinted maple of the wood ;
Not e'en the mournful cry of waking loon
Has yet ascended to the sinking moon;

35
Nor night scarce lifted from the misty deep
The sable mantle of great Nature's sleep ;
When circled round this lonely island-bay,
The British hulls like drowsy dragons lay —
Bright glow the colors round their bulwarks spread,
Bright beams their snowy canvas overhead ;
Softly their ensigns open on the air.
Compact their lines, their brazen metal bare —
" Sail ho! Sail ho! " sounds from the mast head high.
And thro' the slumbering fieet, the startling cry
Calls out from bunk and berth, the ready crew.
To find their leader's orders all in view;
For, see ! his signals on the dawn display,
" The foe in siglit — lei all he under way! "
Now trumpets hoarse along the waters speak.
And block and tackle thro' each vessel creak ;
The sailor's deep-toned chimes in chorus fall
Responsive to the boatswain's piping call ;
As thro' the fieet, goes up with clam'rous joy.
The shout, '' all hands trip anchor, and ahoy! "
Now slowly glide the vessels under way,
And point their prows beyond the silent bay ; —
" Yon isle, pass to ilie left! " their Leader cries,
" It is noi safe! " the SaiUng Mate replies ;
" Thien io ihe right! for I ihis very day
Am full resolved io 'meet ihe enemy! "
And with the wind then filling up his sail.
He leads the fieet tow'rd War's descending gale.
And while the vessels onward slowly drag,
Lo ! upward mounts brave Perry's fighting flag ;
And soon the noisy music of the drum
Commands ''all hands io quarters! " and they come —
Sealed are the hatches, .and the Unt outspread
To staunch the wounded, and enshroud the dead —
And Surgeons with their aids, descend and wait
For such as here raay pass Death's bloody gate —
Upon the flag-ship of the royal fleet
Stands one who erst had fought at Nelson's feet.

36
Who in the bloody flght at Trafalgar
Had bravely won an honorable scar.
Coldly he looks, (and with that high disdain
Which Albion loves to wear when on the main,)
On that raw fleet now straggling frora the bay.
Led by a youth who on that deadly day
First mingled in the sea-fight's wild affray —
His vessels framed along the wood-clad shore
Had scarcely dipped the wave which onward bore
Their dauntless builder to the battle's roar —
Young were his years, but ali his bearing told
That he a Warrior's wisdora could unfold
When e'er the struggle of the day should corao.
And shot and shell began to thunder horae.
Slow wore the day, each Captain's skillful eye
Seeking to yveather-gage his eneray.
The winds were hushed — hushed was each sailor's breath.
Ere the mad guns expelled their blast of death;
Signiils were flashing through each battle line,
And gun-boats dashing to obey the sign.
Silence hung heavy o'er the emerald wave.
That silence which so sorely tries the brave.
And ere it ushers in the battle-cry.
Gives visions to the home returning eye.
And whispers to each heart, what if tJiou die!
Or like the hurricane's mysterious hush
That sleeps upon the air, before the rush
Of overturning winds, and tempest blast
That down to Earth both tower and turret cast.
Eight bells had pealed the full meridian hour
As battle's glooray front began to lower.
Set were the sails, — set every sailor's lip.
On board each fair and slow-advancing ship;
And with the proper range each crew now runs,
Through every port-hole all the black raouthed guns.
From out the rigging, as their vision cleared.
The eager look outs with their glasses peei'ed.
" Whai see'st in yon fleet?'' the Briton cries,
" / see ihe crew ai prayers," a tar replies —

3Y
" At prayers!" says one, with mocking laugh and jeer,
" I'd railier liear the rebels curse and swear!"
'• Ai prayers" another said ; " such men I fear;
" Perliaps ihe Nation's Qod those prayers may h.ear!
"And woe to tliose who meet His glittering Spear!"
Closer, still closer, creep the squadrons on.
Nearer, yet nearer, frowns the shotted gun —
And now the sea bird's wild, prophetic scream,
(As o'er the waves his snowy pinions gleam,)
A moment starts each palpitating crew.
And bids all hearts express the last adieu.
But see that silver wreath of curling smoke, —
'Tis Barclay's gun ! The silence now is broke.
Champlin, with rapid raove and steady eye.
Sends back in thunder tones a bold reply.
Another gun ! another thunders out,
And hark ! there goes the British battle-shout.
And hark again ! above the pealing roar,
'" Close order, men! lei slip the dogs of war!"
'Tis Perry's trurapet speaks, and thro' the fleet
His guns, unrauzzled, pour their iron sleet.
And soon, with battle's blaze, begin to heat.
" Close action," was the order of the day.
And down mid gathering smoke, and flre, and spray,
The " Lawrence" fearless holds her deadly way.
Bravely she met the storm of iron hail.
That swept her decks and splintered every rail ;
Three hostile vessels crowding hard and fast.
Poured, through her bulwarks. War's destructive blast;
And as each spar, and brace, and bowline fell.
And men lay shattered by the crashing shell.
She seeraed alraost the very prey of Hell !
Muzzle to muzzle stUl she poured her fire.
Though every minute saw a Ufe expire —
And when unbroken limbs had ceased to be
And none remained erect on foot or knee.
The wounded men came crawling from below
To pull a rope or let a lanyard go.

38
One gun was left upon her starboard side —
'Twas all she had to stem War's dreadful tide;
This Perry seized — and with a lighted brand.
Discharged a shot with his ensanguined hand,
For noyv, alas I the scuppers held most all his bleeding band !
Stripped of her spars, and shorn of every sail.
The "Lawrence" lay a wreck before the gale;
Her guns disabled, and without a crew.
What could her still unconquered Captain do?
He yields to Yarnall his poor shattered wreck.
And points his way tow'rd the Niagara's deck;
Behold, he leaves the vessels spUntered side.
To drive his boat across the bloody tide, —
With flag in hand and close -compressed lip.
He tells brave Yarnall " Don't give up the ship !"
Then bids the coxswain let the painter slip.
Now, bolt upright he stands, although the sky
Seems raining leaden buUets ou his yvay ;
Until his men, aU over-anxious grown.
Among the stern-sheets drag the Hero down.
The gauntlet pass'd — novv all his sailors' eyes
Turn to the ship where his proud ensign flies,
Then, louder than the roaring cannon's voice,
They lift the cheer, and with glad hearts rejoice ;
For, though around him War's dread volley flew.
The God of Battle safely led him through —
Gave to his hand another gallant craft.
And sent a breeze his ownward way to waft,
A moment more, and on he wildly drives.
While aU his battle-thirst again revives.
Grand as Leonidas at Thermopylaj,
Dashed now our Hero on the enemy ;
FuU armed, once mere in thunderbolts he falls.
And pours his broadside on their wooden walls;
The gun-boats roar along his bloody wake.
And like young demons, rend the lines they break.
Flash after flash his fatal lightnings shone.
Crash after crash he brings their canvas down —
Groan after groan succeeded every gun,

39
Moan foUowed moan, until the work was done —
A squadron lost, and Perry's victory won!
Yes I the great battle now at last is done !
Hush'd are the shoutings, hush'd is every gun ;
Down run the ensigns of Great England's Might !
Down drops her star athwart the gloomy night !
Brave Barclay, fainting at his sore defeat.
His sword surrenders, with his broken fleet;
While upward leap the glorious stripes and stars.
And well adorn the Briton's shattered spars.
Loud shout our heroes at each heated gun,
" A baiile and a name ihis day is won!
And England's triumph on ihe sea is done! "
Brave Perry, gathering now the victor's spoils.
Sadly and slowly tow'rd the harbor- toils;
Bright were his eyes, though sad his pensive mood.
As he beheld his scuppers run with blood ;
Or saw afloat upon the crirasoned wave,
Sorae face, that e'en in death, revealed a brave.
His heart was tender, and he raourned the death
Of those who served hira with their latest breath;
And with a tear and prayer his dead he lay
Within the shade of this sweet island-bay.
And here, through Autumn's melancholy days,
Old Erie sobs, and chants their endless praise.
Here too the foe, in slow procession come,
With wailing trumpets, and with muffled drum;
The plaintive music sweeps the harbor's walls.
And out upon the lake its echo falls.
Where War's dark cloud still hugs the trembUng wave,
And spreads her mantle o'er the sailor's grave;
While every soldier, every sailor heart
Forgets his flag, and acts out Nature's part;
Walks slowly by the rude but bannered bier.
And give's his foe the honest warrior's tear.
And there beneath yon willow's waving bough.
The foes of yesterday, are brothers now.

40
This day from Lake-washed cities here we throng
To raise anew the chivalrous battle song.
To see again the battering squadron's flame.
Again to hear the cannon loud proclaim
Their thundering pajans to great Perry's name —
To raeet the remnants of his glorious band
And grasp with raore than grateful hand,
Champlin and Blair, Brownell and Parsons pure!
Long raay their yvaning strength and years endure.
New generations here this day we see
With brilliant pomp and gay festivity.
With lute and tobret and the vocal chime,
That rings far dcwn the avenues of Tirae,
With brazen trurap and clanging drura and bell.
In soul-refreshing strains again to tell
How well,
How bravely well.
Great Perry stood
When shot and shell
Around hira fell.
And vexed and seethed old Erie's peaceful flood.
And dyed her eraerald waves with Valor's precious blood.
But raore! we come this day with grateful thanks.
To crown this classic island's wooded banks
With broad foundation stones, on which to rear
The thrilling record of that glorious year, —
To write on high old Erie's Naval story.
And give to God, and Perry all the glory !
Yes ! let the monumental shaft arise
Above these forest boughs and greet the skies;
Here let the woodland birds each morning raise
To Perry, and his braves, their hymn of praise.
Here let the Nation come with each glad year
And yield this dust the tributary tear;
Here wreathe the Auturan cup, and loud proclaira
Fresh honors to our Hero's honored narae, —
Here chant, how Man the very Fates can bend
By bravely persevering to the end.
'Twas this that won for Perry his renown.

41
'Tis this that plucks from Tyranny her crown,
'Tis this that saves our flag on Land and Sea,
And girds with sentinels of Liberty
This teeming land — God keep it ever free !
Then let us send the towering shaft on high,
To court new blessings from each morning sky ;
To teach our rising youth on land and flood.
That Liberty is worthy of their blood ;
And on its tablet write, in boldest line.
Those words that round this Lake should ever shine —
That modest message of our Hero's pen, —
Long may it live among our Naval men,
Long gleam from aU our armed forts and towers,
"WE'VE MET THE ENEMY, AND THEY ARE OURS !"
Hon. Judge Mason, of Toledo, was next introduced. We regret to
say this gentleman's remarks were almost wholly lost upon his hearers,
as what with the whistling of stearaers, firing of salutes, beating of
drums, ringing of bells, &c., his audience were in a measure deafened.
We are, therefore, unable to lay before our readers a satisfactory re
port of the gentleman's speech, which we regret very much.

INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE.
The dis'jourse on the Battle of Lake Erie by Dr. Usher Parsons,
being written by an eye witness of high character and intelligence, is
tho most authentic history that we have of that day. From this dis
course, dehvered before the Rhode Island Historical Society, in 1852,
we extract the following passages, as giving a graphic picture of what
was going on in the Lawrence:
Araono- those early brought down w^as Lieut. Brooks, son of the late
Governor of Massachusetts, a most accoraplished gentlemen and officer ;
and renowned for personal beauty. A cannon-ball had struck him in
the hip, he knew his doom, and inquired how long he should live ; I told
him a few hours. He inquired two or three times how the day was
going, and expressed a hope that the Comraodore would be spared.
But new-coraers frora deck brought more and more dismal reports, until
finaUy it was announced that we had struck. In the waiUngs of de
spair among the wounded, some of whom were for sinking the ship, 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

42
to see if it were true, and then to poor Brooks to cheer him ; but he was
no more, — he was too much exhausted by his wounds to survive the
confusion that preceded this happy transition.
When the battle was raging most severely. Midshipman Laub came
down, with his arm badly fractured; I apphed a splint, and requested
hira to go forward and lie down. As he was leaving rae, and while ray
hand was on hira, a cannon-ball struck him in the side, and dashed
against the other side of the room, instantly terminating his sufferings.
Another person was kUled, and one wounded in the Surgeon's room, and
six cannon-baUs passed through this roora in a line of ten feet, and all
of thom between three and four feet frora the floor.
There were other incidents less painful to witness. The Commo
dore's dog had seated himself in the bottom of the closet containing all
our crockery. A cannon-ball passed through the closet, and sraashed
crockery and door, covering the floor with fragments. The dog set up
a barking protest against the right of such an invasion of his chosen
retirement. Lieut. Yarnall had his scalp badly torn and came below with the
blood streaming over his face. Some lint was hastily applied and con
fined with a large bandanna, with directions to report hiraself for better
dressing, after the battle, as he insisted on returning to the deck.
The cannon-balls had knocked to pieces the haramocks stowed ayvay on
deck, and let loose their contents, which were reed or flag tops, that
floated in the air like feathers, and gave the appearance of a snow storra.
These lighted on Yarnall's head covered with blood, and coming below
yvith another injury, his bloody face covered with cattails, made his
head resemble that of a huge owl. Some of the wounded roared out
with laughter, " That the Devil had corae for us." At half-past 2 o'clock,
out of one hundred and one sound raen, wherewith the Lawrence had
gone into action, twenty-two were killed, and sixty-one yvounded, a
slaughter unprecedented in naval warfare ! Her rigging was shot away
— her spars were splintered, hor sails torn to pieces, her guns dismoun
ted; she lay a helpless wreck on the water. Capt. Perrv had himself
just assisted to flre her last gun. He ordered the boat to be lowered;
and saying to his first Lieutenant, Mr. Yarnall — who though severely
wounded, refused to stay below, — "Heave to your discretion to strike
or not — but the American colors must not come down over niy head to
day." He took the battle flag upon his shoulder, and descended into
the boat A few minutes later the Lawrence was compelled to strike
her colors.
As the American colors came down, there went up from the British

43
snips a shout of triuraph. To one Wilson Mays, on board the Law
rence, the Master, Mr. Taylor, said — " Go below. Mays, you are too
weak to be here." " I can do something, sir." " What can you do?"
" I can sound the pumps, sir, and let a strong man go to the guns ;"
and when the fight was ended, there ho yvas found with a ball through
his heart.
The foUoyving song, for some time subsequent to the Battle, was quite
current among the sailors, and was thought proper to be introduced
here for preservation, as a relic of the tiraes : — ¦
BATTLE OF ERIE, 1813.
Avast, honest Jack, now before you get mellow,
Come tip us that stave just, my hearty old fellow,
'Bout the young Commodore, and his fresh water crew,
Who keel-hauled the Britons and captured a few.
" 'Twas just at sun-rise, and a glorious day.
Our squadron at anchor snug in Put-in-Bay,
When we saw the bold Britons, and clear for a bout.
Instead of put in, by the Lord we put out.
" Up went Union Jack, never up there before,
' Don't give up the ship !' was the motto it bore ;
And as soon as that motto our gallant men saw,
They thought of their Lawrence and shouted huzza!
" 0 ! then it would have raised your hat three inches higher,
To see how we dashed in among them like fire!
The Lawrence went first and the rest as they could.
And a long while the brunt ofthe action she stood.
" 'Twas peppering work — fire, fury and smoke,
And groans that from wounded lads spite of 'em broke.
The water grew red round our ship as she lay.
Though 'twas never before so, till that bloody day.
" They fell all around me like spars in a gale;
The shot made a sieve of each rag of a sail;
And out of our crew scarce a dozen remained;
But these gallant tars still the battle maintained.
" 'Twas then our commannder — God bless his young heart,
Thought it best from his well-peppered ship to depart,
And bring up the rest, who were tugging behind—
For why — they were sadly in want of a wind.
" So to Yarnall he gave the command of his ship.
And set out like a lark, on this desperate trip.
In a small open sail, right through their whole fleet,
yVho with many a broad-side our cock-boat did greet.
" I steered her, and damme if every inch
Of these timbers of mine at each crack didn't flinch:
But our tight little commodore, cool and serene,
To stir ne'er a musttle by any was seen.

44
" Whole volleys of muskets were levelled at him,
But the devil a one ever grazed e'en a limb,
Though he stood up aloft in the stern ofthe boat
Till the crew pulled him down by the skirt of his coat.
" At last, thro' Heaven's mercy we reached t'other ship.
And the wind springing up we gave her the whip.
And run down their line, boys, thro' thick and thro' thin,
And bothered their crews with a horrible din.
" Then starboard and larboard, and this -way and that.
We banged them and raked them, and laid their masts flat,
TiU one, after t'other, they hauled down their flag,
And an end, tor that time, put to Jonny Bull's brag.
" The Detroit and Queen Charlotte and Lady Provo.<it:
Not able to fight or run, gave up the ghost:
And not one of them all from our graplings got free,
Tho' we'd fifty-four guns and they just sixty-three.
" Smite my limbs! but they got their bellies full then,
And found -n-hat it was, boys, to buckle ivith men,
Kho fight, or what's just the same, think that they fight
For their country's free trade, and their own native right.
" Now give us a bumper to Elliott and those
Who came up in good time to belabour our foes;
To our fresh water sailors we'll top off one more.
And a dozen, at least, to our young Commodore.
" And though Britains may brag of their ruling the ocean,
And that sort of thing, by the Lord I've a notion,
I'll bet all I'm worth — who takes it, who takes'?
Tho' their lords ofthe sea, we'll be lords of the lakes!"

INCIDENTS OF THE CELEBRATION.
Loud calls being made for Ossian E. Dodge, at the close of Dr. Par
son's address, Gov. Chase stepped forward and remarked :
" It is with no little gratification that I am enabled to state that yve
will now have an original song by an original singer! That the song
is good, and will be yveU sung, you will be weU assured yvhen I inform
you that it will be sung by the author Ossian E. Dodge." Three hearty
cheers were now given for Mr. Dodge, when that gentleman came for
ward with the " Barker Family" to assist him in the chorus; and just
as he yvas about commencing, — the Governor again arose and re
marked :
"Though our singer's name is Dodge, and it is a common dodge of
his to dodge out an original song in a few Jhinutes time, — we are hap-

4.5
py to know that he hasn't on this oocasion dodged us." Shouts of
1 aughter followed, but Mr. Dodge quickly replied.
" If — as it has been stated- — ^I am in the habit of hastily dodging at
songs, I hope whenever our worthy Chairman is present — that ray songs,
may be truly Chase-d." Amid peals of laughter, Mr. Dodge noyv com
menced the following song, and was vociferously cheered at the end of
each verse.
WE'VE MET THE ENEMY AND THEY'RE OURS.
Just forty-five years now have fled
Since Perry young and bold,
Fought bravely aud for Freedom bled,
And thus his victory told.
CHOEUS.
Hurrah! hurrah! tra la la, la la la,
We live for music, love and flowers;
Hurrah ! hurrah ! tra la la, la la la,
We^ve met the enemy and theyh-e ours.
Applause or praise with flattering tongue
Brave Perry ne'er did court;
But when the victory he had won
This was his plain report.
Chorus.
When e'er opponents of the free
Are on our -waters found.
Our gallant sons of Liberty
yvill thus the air resound. Chorus.
Bat now with England we're at peace
And free from toll and care.
We'll strive the Union to increase
And fill with strains the air.
Chorus.
Our love for peace and brotherhood
Comes from the God above.
For evil we should render good,
And conquer all with love.
Chorus.

ON BOARD THE STEAMER OCEAN. TIIE RETURN.
On casting off, the steamers kept together in the Bay for some time,
whilst the bands kept up a constant playing, gun answered gun frora
the steamers and from the shore, and cheer answered cheer from the
crowded boats. Finally, with a parting cheer, the steamers separated
and headed for home.
It having been noticed that Mr. Dodge was busily writing a song du-

46
ring the exercises on the stand, he was loudly caUed for at the close of
Judge Mason's remarks to sing his " machine song," but excusing him
self on the ground of not having sufflciently strong lungs to successfully
corapete with six stearaboat bells, and as many more engine whistles,
he promised to sing the song on the stearaer Ocean, — claiming that that
would be a more appropriate place — inasmuch as the song contained a
history of the entire day's proceedings. On being called for on the
boat, Mr. Dodge said that he hoped no one would criticise the song as a
poetical coraposition — for although in business life the motto was '' meas
ures not men" — with a rhyming raachine under full headway it was
quite the reverse — being " men not measure." Here it is : —
DODGE'S MACHINE SONG.
'Tis oftentimes said that a rhyming machine.
Is a novel invention, not every day seen;
But bringing to-day quite an old one along,
I'll set the mill going and grind out a song.
Well, just at the half past seven o'clock.
The good steamer Ocean pulled out from the dock,
And while from the river she merrily ran on
The ladies all screamed at the sound of the cannon.
There were plenty of soldiers with musket and sword.
And a number of men lost their hats overboard.
While soon in the cabin we all had a chance
To each take a lady and all have a dance.
And now I will this opportunity take
To say that steamboats are well manned on the lake;
And you will no doubt all respond to my motion
That none can be more so than good steamer Ocean.
To prove that this steamer is rapid and tierce,
She's got for an agent one Geneial Pierce.
And passengers dream of the cupids and heavens,
While sailing so smoothly with good Capt. Evans.
When the steamer is ready and all wish to start her,
The clerk sells the tickets — one good David Carter;
And to be doubly sure that she'll never be late.
One William McKay is the popular mate.
Of danger tbere never can be any fear
So long as George Watson is chief engineer;
And no one to grumble can ever be able
AVhen the Stewart, Jolm Greensdale, provides for the table.
While sailing along seven miles from the raain,
There suddenly rose quite a drizzling rain.
When a man who was just on the invalid li.st
Said he wished from his heart that the storra might be missed.

47
The storm passing over, the weather proved fair—
'Twas thought through the means of a minister's p'-ayer—
And soon into harbor we easily ran
Amid deafening cheers from the ship Michigan.
On the Forest Queen coming there sprung up a race,
To get the first view of our Governor Chase,
And to see 'em all running was no little sport.
While the cannon kept booming their splendid report.
On getting together and mounting the stand.
We -were stilled by the chief raagi-^trate of the laud;
And then brother Duffield soon offered a prayer.
And proffered his thanks that the weather was fair.
And next the large crowd with the happiest face
Paid the best of attention to Governor Chase;
He welcomed old soldiers, all men and their babies.
And welcomed most heartily all ofthe ladies.
Sandiiskv next gave us her venerable Cooke,
.'HI though he was feeble yet talked like a book;
He said we had all of us cause to be merry
While thinking of valorous Commodore Perry.
Capt. Champlin who thought he could write lo you belter,
Next gave to the crowd a most capital letter;
When biave Capt. Brownell, whom none can impeach.
With tears in his eyes gave acapital .speech.
The good Surgeon Parsous ne.xt rose on the stand
And gave us account of the Commodore's band;
He caused his old comrades to shed many tears.
And brought from the audience nine hearty cheers.
The next man to mention in this lengthy ditty.
Was the honorable Mayor frorn our own Fore-.t Cily,
Who spoke very eloqueut, feeling and loud,
And plainly wilh eloquence carried the crowd.
Just forty-five years have departed, my friends,
Since England found (»ut that she must make amends,
And the lords of that country will ever remember
Young Commodore Perry and the Tenth of September.
Our Good " Father Gidding'.s" of \enerable worlh.
By the call of the crowd was obliged to come forth.
And with warm, honest heart, and with eloquence good
He stiried up the people and heated the.r blood.
Judge Wilkin's, an aged and comical man,
Next hand.somely spoke for the State Jlichigan,
And his whole speech with humor and eloqu' nee rung
That the pride of Toledo should ever be sung.

48
Friend Duffield now rose, and perhaps you all know him,
Who read us a witty and capital poem;
He pictured the battle quite vivid and terse.
And did it quite handsomely all up in verse.
The acrtech ofthe pipes blowing steam in the basin.
Proved rather too much for Toledo Mason;
When the crowd without stopping to render their vole.
Made a rapid stampede for their favorite boat.
I've come down at last to the end of the list.
And the mill raust now stop for want of a grist;
For the mill requires feeding as everyone knows,
So the ditty is now brought at last to a close.
Three rousing cheers were given for Mr. Dodge at the conclusion,
and he was requested to repeat the song which had been given at the
platform on the Island.

ON BOARD THE STEAMER QUEEN CITV.
While the steamer was passing out of Sandusky Bay, with three of
the survivors of the Battle on board. Dr. Usher Parsons recognized
and pointed out the locality where the fleet had come to anchor, a few
days before the engagement, and fired three guns, a signal previously
agreed upon between Capt. Perry and Gen. Harrison. The next day the
General and his suite came on board drenched with rain, among whom
were the celebrated Gov. McArthur and Hon. Lewis Cass, and also
a nuraber of Indian chiefs. Here they received the volunteer reinforce
ments frora the army. A day or two after their reception on board,
the Geueral and Stafi' w-ere saluted with the usual number of guns.
They stood during the time on the quarter deck of the Lawrence in full
dres uniform, and the Doctor remarked that he has never since looked
upon a nobler and more martial staff of officers. When the firing be
gan, the " Indian Braves " dodged belowin double quick tirae, and
remained in the cabin until it ceased. Their ears were unused to such
kind of thunder.
As it was known that our Cleveland friends had their " Bard " on
board the Ocean, and the Detroiters the " distinguished poet of the
day "on the May Queen, it was suggested, during the return of the
Queen City, that "Sandusky" ought also to be represented by the
Muses, whereupon one of her citizens became rhapsodical, and subse
quently produced the following:
THE ISLA.NDS OF ERIE.
BY R. E. MCMEENS, M. u.
Tlie Islands of Erie, arrayed in full dress,
Enrobe the lake scene with a strange lovelines.s.

49
As gorgeously decked in bright verdure they lie,
In the soft mellow haze of a still Autumn sky.
No more brilliant gems though lauded they he
Ever gleamed mid the groups of old Grecian sea.
They circle the storm-hrewing gates of the West;
To soothe the "Mad Spirit"* of Erie to rest.
And lend their slight forms to the rage of the sea,
To shelter the storm-tossed in succoring lee;
Or like sentinels seem to be pointing the wny
To the harboring arms of bold "Put-in-Bay."
When the winds breathless sleep in their caverns of peace
How sylph-like they sit on the lake's lucent face;
Or mirrored in beauty on crimson dyed wave
When the sun silent sinks in his gold-tinted grave,
xind the purple horizon, depends as a shroud,
Of tapestried mantle, in folds of rich cloud.
Then deep'ning so gently upon the pale glow,
So sombre and sad, scarce seeming to l;now.
When the last flitting ray of fading twilight.
Merges in darkness and death gloom of night.
Oh! Islands of Erie, how many a scene
Of ship-wreck and battle around you have been.
How many a gallant young hero went down.
When Perry and sailors won glorious renown.
You stand as proud monuments over the dead.
Who sleep at thy feet in their cofiinless bed ;
^Thile the winds shriek or whisper a requiem sigh.
And the waves join in murmuring a fond lullaby,
And the Mariner gliding along by thy side,
Piccounts all their deeds with emotions of pride.
Oh ! Islands of beauty, on Erie's broad breast
That smile in the sunshine like havens of rest;
Or when the Storm-God in his wrath wildly raves.
Like " Sisters "t of mercy hang over the waves.
Ever bloom in your freshness as lovely as now.
To enrapture the eye and make the heart glow.

*Erie in the Indian tongue signifies "Mad Spirit."
flhe -westernmost group are named the "Three Sisters.''

All ordinary communications, pertaining to raatter connected with the
Monument Association should be addressed to the Secretary, and those
of a business and financial character to W. S. Pierson, Esq., Treasurer,
both of Sandusky City, Ohio.
R. R. McMEENS, M. D., Secretary.

Ja'l

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