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Battle Of Lake Erie |
| Lake Erie (Sept. 10, 1813). At Erie, Pennsylvania, Master-Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry had built two fine brigs, each carrying 20 guns. In addition, he had under his command a smaller brig captured from the British, and six small schooners, each armed with one or two heavy guns. With these nine ships, Perry blockaded the British fleet of six ships at the western end of the lake. The British came out to fight, and at first had the advantage. When Perry's flagship, the Lawrence, was disabled, he transferred in a small boat to the Niagara, which had suffered little damage in the battle. He went on to defeat the British fleet and capture it. Perry reported his victory to General Harrison in the famous words, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." |