"
The flagship had been named the Lawrence, after the heroic commander of
the Chesapeake. Luckily the English were not ready for battle, and Perry
had a month in which to drill his men before the enemy sailed out to
meet him. At last, on the morning of Saturday, September 10, 1813, the
British fleet was seen approaching, and Perry formed his ships in line
of battle.
The British squadron consisted of six vessels, mounting 63 guns, and
manned by 502 men. The American ships mounted 54 guns, with 490 men.
Although of smaller total weight than the American guns, the British
guns were longer and would carry farther, and so were much more
effective. The British crews, too, were better disciplined, a large
number of the men being from the royal navy, and the squadron was
commanded by Robert Heriot, a man of much experience, who had fought
under Nelson at Trafalgar.
The American shore was lined with an anxious crowd, who appreciated the
great issues which hung upon the battle. Perry, calling his men aft,
produced a blue banner bearing in white letters the last words of the
man after whom the Lawrence was named: "Don't give up the ship!"
"Shall I hoist it, boys?" he asked.
"Aye, aye, sir!" they shouted, and the bunting was run up to the
main-royal masthead. Then a hush fell upon the water as the two fleets
drew together.
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