Title

Chapter 5

Identifier

http://www.nflibrary.ca/nfplindex/show.asp?b=1&ref=oo&id=297951

page

176-203

Bibliographic Citation

Richardson's War of 1812.

10168041

Richardson's War of 1812.

Type

Text

extracted text

IX
THE ATTACK ON FORT STEPHENSON

The Right Division were not long suffered to remain inactive—Like Sir Thomas Picton' s famous division in Spain,.
they might, on a much more modest and limited scale, have
been termed the fighting division of Canada. No other
corps was so incessantly in the field—no other corps
achieved such important and beneficial results to the
country, and when it is considered that this force comprised scarcely more than a single regiment of the line, the
repeated claims made upon its energies and exertions,
becomes even more remarkable. Late in July, at the
earnest instance of Tecumseh, who had formed a plan for
the reduction of Fort Meigs, which he conceived would
be crowned with the fullest success, a second expedition,
consisting of the main body of the ost, (Captain Derenzy
having recently joined with those detachments of the
regiment which had borne so conspicuous a part in the
Battle of Queenston) a few militia, and nearly a thousand
Indians, accompanied by a few pieces of light artillery,
was undertaken against this fortress. On our arrival in
the Miami the whole of the regular force and guns were
disembarked on the right bank of the river, out of view
of the fort, yet not far from the point where our light batteries had been carried during the late siege.
Tecumseh's plan was as follows. Immediately in rear
of Fort Meigs, and at right angles with the river, ran the
road to Sandusky, (distant about thirty miles) upon, or
near, which the chief had been apprized by his scouts
that General Harrison, who with a large portion of his
force had left the fort soon after its relief from General
Procter's presence, was at that moment encamped. Having
r77

I

78

THE ATTACK ON PORT STEPHENSON

THE ASSAULT REPULSED

landed some miles lower down the river, the whole of the
Indian force was to march through the woods, and gain,
unperceived by the troops in the fort, the Sandusky road
where a sham engagement was to take place, leading the
garrison to believe a corps hastening to their relief had
been encountered and attacked by the Indians, and inducing them to make a sortie for their rescue. The moment they had crossed the open ground, intervening between their position and the skirt of the wood, we were
to rise from our ambuscade, and take them in the rear,
making at the same time a rush for the fort, before the
enemy could have time effectually to close his gates.
All the preliminary features in this plan, (which
certainly was one that gave every fair promise of success) had been completed, and we were waiting with
some interest and impatience the result, when the heavy
firing of two distinct parties suddenly commenced on
the Sandusky road. We were all instantly, although
noiselessly, upon the alert, but in vain did we look
for any movement in the fort. Many of the garrison lined the ramparts in the rear, and seemed to look
out anxiously in the direction of the firing, but they gave
not the slightest indication of a design to leave the fort,
even when the musketry had become so animated and
heavy, that we were half in doubt ourselves whether
the battle was a sham one or a real. Either they had
obtained information of our presence, or they suspected
the nature and object of the ruse, and we had the mord&cation to find ourselves utterly foiled in the grand design
of the expedition. Annoyed at the failure of his cherished scheme, Tecumseh urged upon General Procter, the
necessity of doing something before our return, and it
being found out of all question to attempt the reduction
of Fort Meigs with the light guns (6-pounders) which accompanied us, it was determined to change the theatre
of operation to Sandusky. Thither the main body of Indians proceeded by land, while we re-embarked in our

,

179

boats, and descending again the Miami, gained Lake Erie,
and thence the Sandusky river, on which the fort of that
name' is built.
The expedition having reached the Sandusky river
early on the 1st of August, a landing was effected on the
same day, and within range of the enemy's guns, several
ineffectual discharges from which passed over us, as we
traversed a plain several hundred yards in extent in order,
to gain the wood, on the skirt of which it was intended
to plant the batteries. These being immediately erected,
at daybreak on the following morning our fire was
opened, and continued until three o'clock in the afternoon of the 2nd, when, it being evident that no breach
could be effected on the stockade work, General Procter
resolved to attempt it by assault. Accordingly at four
o'clock the troops divided into three columns of about
12o men each, were put in motion, and advancing through
the plain, in double quick time, were suffered to approach
within fifty yards, before they were met by the destructive fire of the enemy. The strong line of picketing, constituting their defence, was surrounded by a ditch flanked
by batteries, and beyond the ditch was a deep ravine
covered with brushwood, and more or less approximate to
the place, according to its windings. Far from being
checked by the severe fire of the Americans, the divisions
redoubled their exertions, and vying with each other to
take the lead, dashed down the ravine, and clambering
up the opposite steep, were soon beneath the walls of the
fort.
Not a fascine, however, had been provided ; and
although axes had been distributed among a body of
men selected for the purpose, they were so blunted by
constant use, that it would have been
the work of hours
'The proper

name of this fort is Fort Stephenson, and was situated
the centre of what is now the city of Fremont, called
l..o
wenegt
w
rain
erci
e
S
a
dfdue sebkt:d: previous to 1846. It is
deii
6e
n
on the nhSandusky
at the head of navigation
riverr and about 20 miles
from Sandusky bay.
The fort was a simple stockade , skirted by a ditch about 9 feet
k hIot u was terectedo w ti e
um
m rn
s usm
e e. r of 1812 , and
.

ining

18o

THE ATTACK ON FORT STEPHENSON

cut through the double line of pickets, even if a n
enemy had not been there to interrupt its progress. In
defiance of this difficulty, the axe-men leaped without
hesitation into the ditch, and attempted to acquit themselves of their duty ; but they were speedily swept away
by the guns from the batteries, charged with musket
balls and slugs and directed with fatal precision. The
troops had established themselves on the edge of the
ditch, but it was impossible to scale without the aid of
ladders or fascines ; and within a few paces of the enemy
only, they saw their comrades fall on every hand with no
hope of avenging their deaths. The second division had
only two officers attached to it. Brevet LieutenantColonel Short,' of the 41st, was killed while descending
the ravine at the head of his column, when, the command
devolving on Lieutenant Gordon of the same regiment,
that officer encouraging his men, and calling on them to
follow his example, was one of the first in the ditch, and
was in the act of cutting the picketing with his sabre,
when a ball, fired from a wall-piece, struck him in the
breast. Although dangerously wounded, he refused to
abandon his post, and continued to animate his men by
his example, until a second ball, fired from the same
piece, and lodging in his brain, left the division without
an officer. The action had continued nearly two hours
without producing the slightest impression on the enemy,
when the bugles sounded the " cease-firing," and the
men were ordered to lie flat on the ground on the edge of
the ravine. The first division were so near the enemy,
that they could distinctly hear the various orders given
in the fort, and the faint voices of the wounded and dying
in the ditch, calling out for water, which the enemy had
the humanity to lower to them on the instant. After
to

= Lieut.-Col. William Charles Short, who was killed in this assault, came to Canada with the 41st Regiment. While stationed
at Fort George his first wife died and was buried on Aug. 15th,
1805. On July 30th, 1809, he married Jane Crooks, an elder sister

of Hon. James Crooks. They had one son, James Symington
Short.

MAJOR CROGHAN'S GALLANT DEFENCE

18 1

continuing in this position until nine o'clock, the columns
received an order to effect their retreat in silence, which
w as done accordingly, the enemy merely firing a few volleys of musketry, producing however no material effect.
The troops having been re-embarked the same night, the
expedition descended the river, and returned to Amherstburg. Our loss in this affair was severe-3 officers,
sergeant, 22 rank and file killed ; 3 officers, 2 sergeants,
36 rank and file wounded ; and I sergeant, 28 rank and
file missing. Of this number, the proportion of the ist
division alone, consisting principally of the light company
of the 41st, which had attacked the strongest point of
the position, was five and thirty men.
During the assault, no assistance whatever was afforded
by the Indians, who, unaccustomed to this mode of warfare, contented themselves with remaining quiet spectators of the scene. The " devoted men " alone, to whom
I have before alluded, followed close in the rear of one of
the columns, but they had not long witnessed the effect of
the enemy's fire on the divisions, when they retreated to
the wood with a precipitation, that with any other people,
would be attributed to cowardice, but with the natives
it could only be considered as the effect of habit. They
expressed much astonishment at the coolness and intrepidity with which the men supported the fire of the enemy,
without returning it until arrived at the edge of the ditch;
and concluded by saying that they had ever hitherto deem• ed themselves the bravest nation in the world, but were
now willing to concede that distinction to the warriors
of their Great Father.
The garrison of Sandusky when attacked, consisted of
a force inferior in number to that of the assailing columns,
and was commanded by Major Croghan of the line, a
promising officer, only nineteen' years of age. The galG rove, George Croghan (pronounced Crawn) was born at LLocustrove,ofOhio,
years
age. on Nov. 15th, 1791, and was consequently more than 21

182

ADJUTANT-GENERAL BAYNES' REPORT

THE ATTACK ON FORT STEPHENSON

lant defence made by him on this occasion met with the
highest encomia from his countrymen, and he was immediately promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel ;
neither was his conduct without its reward in the approbation of a sex, whose favor and encouragement seldom
fail to act as incentives to the acquisition of military glory.
The ladies of Ohio (the State in which Colonel Croghan
was born) subscribed a considerable sum, with which a
handsome sword was purchased and presented by themselves. It is but just to record an act of great courtesy
on the part of this gentleman. An officer having been
despatched to Sandusky with a flag, some days subsequent to the assault, in order to obtain an exchange of
the prisoners, who were chiefly wounded, was received
with much politeness by the commandant, who at the
moment of departure drew from his secretary a pair of
pistols, which had been lost in the brushwood of the
ravine during our retreat at night. Presuming from the
workmanship and style, that they might be, what in fact
they actually were, old family arms, and naturally imagining that their loss must be regretted by their possessor,
he begged the officer in question to take charge of, and
• present them to the individual to whom they belonged.
It is unnecessary to add that they were gratefully received.
They were my own, and had been lent to the gallant
Lieutenant Gordon.
It is somewhat singular that General Procter's report'
of the second expedition to the, Miami is nowhere to be
found. It could not fail to prove a document of some interest to the public, desirous of knowing in what manner
he had accounted for his unpardonable neglect of all
necessary precaution, to ensure the successful issue of an
attack which ought, in no way, to have been rashly undertaken. The only British document, referring to the matter at all, is the following brief notice by Sir George
= General Procter's report, as found in the Canadian Archives,
is given at the end of this chapter.

183

Prevost, on the subject ; evidently founded on a more detailed communication from General Procter, which it has
been expedient to suppress.
General Order.
Head Quarters, Kingston,
Adjutant-General's Office, 3rd Sept . , 18 3 .
His Excellency the commander of the Forces, has received a despatch from Major-General Procter reporting
the circumstances of an attack, made by a small portion
of regular troops, and a body of Indian Warriors, on the
2nd of August on the American Fort of Lower Sandusky,
which owing to the strength of the enemy's works,which
resisted the fire of the light field guns brought against it
—so that a practicable breach could not be effected—as
also from the want of sufficient co-operation on the part
of the Indian Warriors, unused to that mode of warfare,
the assault was not attended with that brilliant success
which has so uniformly signalized the gallant exertions
of the Right Division. The Major-General extols the
intrepid bravery displayed by the detachment under Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Short, in endeavoring to force a
passage into the enemy's fort, and laments the loss of the
brave soldiers who have fallen in this gallant, although
unsuccessful assault.
Return of killed and wounded.
I brevet lieut.-col., 2 lieutenants,' sergeant, I drummer,
and file killed. I sergeant and 28 rank and file
missing. 2 captains, I lieutenant, 2 sergeants, i drummer,
35 rank and file wounded.
Killed, Brevet Lieut.-Col. Short, Lt. Gordon, 41st
Regt., Lt. Laussaussiege, Indian Department.
Wounded, Captain Dixon, Royal Engineers, Capt. Muir
and Lieut. McIntyre, 41st Regt., all slightly.
By His Excellency's command,
Edward Baynes, Adjutant-General.
21 rank

184

THE ATTACK ON FORT STEPHENSON

Copy of a letter from Major Croghan, to Gen. Harrison
dated
Lower Sandusky, August 5, 1813.
Dear Sir—I have the honor to inform you, that the
combined force of the enemy, amounting to, at least 500
regulars, and 700 or 800 Indians, under the immediate command of Gen. Procter, made its appearance before this
place, early on Sunday evening last ; and, so soon as the
General had made such disposition of his troops, as would
cut off my retreat, (should I be disposed to make one),
he sent Col. Elliott, accompanied by Major Chambers,
with a flag, to demand the surrender of the fort, as he was
anxious to spare the effusion of blood ; which he should
probably not have in his power to do, should he be reduced to the necessity of taking the place by storm. My
answer to the summons was, that I was determined to defend the place to the last extremity ; and that no force,
however large, should induce me to surrender it. So soon
as the flag had returned, a brisk fire was opened upon us,
from the gun-boats in the river, and from a five and ahalf inch howitzer, on shore, which was kept up with
little intermission throughout the night. At an early
hour, the next morning, three sixes, (which had been
placed, during the night, within 25o yards of the pickets),
began to play upon us—but with little effect. About 4
o' clock, P. M . , discovering that the fire, from all his guns, was
concentrated against the north-western angle of the fort,
I became confident that his object was to make a breach,
and attempt to storm the works at that point : I, therefore, ordered out as many men, as could be employed, for
the purpose of strengthening that front—which was so
effectually secured, by means of bags of flour, sand, &c.,
that the picketing suffered little or no injury. Notwithstanding which, the enemy, about 5 o'clock, having formed in close column, advanced to assail our works, at
the expected point ; at the same time making two feints
at the front of .Captain Hunter's lines. The column,
which advanced against the North-Western angle, consisting
of about 35o men, was so completely enveloped in smoke,
as not to be discovered , until it had approached within 15 or
20 paces of the lines ; but, the men being all at their
posts, and ready to receive it, commenced so heavy and
galling a fire, as to throw the column a little into con-

l

GENERAL PROCTER'S REPORT

185

fusion. Being quickly rallied, it advanced to the outer
works, and began to leap into the ditch. Just at that
moment, a fire of grape was opened, from our 6-pounder
(which had been previously arranged, so as to rake in
that direction),which, together with the musketry,threw
them into such confusion, that they were compelled to
retire, precipitately, to the woods. During the assault,
which lasted about half an hour, an incessant fire was
kept up by the enemy's artillery, (which consisted of five
sixes, and a howitzer), but without effect. My whole
loss, during the siege, was one killed, and seven wounded
slightly. The loss of the enemy in killed, wounded and
prisoners, must exceed 150. One Lieut.-Colonel, a Lieutenant, and 5o rank and file, were found in and about the
ditch ; those of t remainder, who were not able to escape, were taken off, during the night, by the Indians.
Seventy stand of arms, and several brace of pistols, have
been collected near the works. About 3, in the morning,
the enemy sailed down the river, leaving behind them a
boat, containing clothing, and considerable military stores.
Too much praise cannot be bestowed on the officers,
non-commissioned officers, and privates, under my command, for their gallantry, and good conduct, during the
siege.
Yours, with respect,
G. CROGHAN, Maj. 17th U.S. Inf. comg.
MAJOR -G ENIUZAL HARRISON,

Comg. N.W. Army.
The following is Procter's report referred to on page
182 :
Sandwich, Aug. 9th, 18 3.
Sir, —It being absolutely requisite, for several urgent
reasons, that my Indian force should not remain unemployed, and being well aware that it would not be
movable except accompanied by a regular force, I
resolved, notwithstanding the smallness of that force, to
move, and where we might be fed at the expense of the
enemy. I had, however, the mortification to find that
instead of the Indian force being a disposable one, or
under my direction, our movements should be subject to
the caprices and prejudices of the Indian body, to the

186

187

THE ATTACK ON FORT STEPHENSON

GENERAL PROCTER' S REPORT

degree in which my regular force was disproportionat e
to their numbers. For several days after the arrival of
Mr. R. Dickson his Indians were restrainable, and tractable to a degree that I could not have conceived possible.
I am sorry to add that they have been contaminated by
the other Indians. I was, very contrary to my judgment, necessitated to go to the Miami, in the vicinity of
the enemy's fort, where I remained a few days, in the
hope that General Harrison might come to the relief of
the fort, which was invested, in the Indian mode, when
finding that the Indians were returning to Detroit and
Amherstburg I moved to Lower Sandusky, where, however, we could not muster more hundreds of Indians,'
than I might reasonably have expected thousands. The
neighborhood of the Sandusky, and the settlement on the
Huron River, eight miles below it, could have afforded
cattle sufficient to have fed my whole Indian force for
some time, had they been induced to accompany us.
Sandusky is nearly fifty miles by water from Lake Erie ;
and nearly forty from several points whence strong reinforcements might be expected ; I could not therefore
with my very small force remain more than two days,
from the probability of being cut off, and of being
deserted by the few Indians who had not already done
so. The fort at Sandusky is composed of blockhouses
connected by picketing which they flank, and is calculated
for a garrison of five or six hundred men. On viewing
the fort I formed an opinion entirely different from any
person under my command. The general idea being
that the garrison did not exceed fifty men, and that the
fort could be easily carried by assault. On the morning
of the 2nd instant the gentlemen of the Indian department who have the direction of it, declared formally
their decided opinion that unless the fort was stormed we
should never be able to bring an Indian warrior into the
field with us, and that they proposed, and were ready to
storm one face of the fort, if we attempt another. I
have also to observe, that in this instance, my judgment
had not that weight with the troops, I hope might reasonably have been expected. If I had withdrawn without having permitted the assault, as my judgment certainly dictated, much dissatisfaction would have followed
me, and I could scarcely have continued to direct their
movements. I thus, with all the responsibility resting on

me, was obliged to yield to circumstances I could not
possibly have prevented. The troops, after the artillery
had been used for some hours, attacked two faces, and,
mpossibilities being attempted, failed. The fort from
i
which the severest fire, I ever saw, was maintained during
the attack, was well defended. The troops displayed the
greatest bravery, the much greater part of whom reached
the fort and made every effort to enter ; but the Indians
who had proposed the assault, and had it not been
assented to, would have ever stigmatized the British
character, scarcely came into fire before they ran off out
of its reach. A more than adequate sacrifice having been
made to Indian opinion, I drew off the brave assailants
who had been carried away by a high sense of honor to
urge too strongly the attack. I enclose a disembarkation
return which will show how small my disposable force
was. The enemy had a six pounder and a smaller one
in the fort. I also enclose a return of the killed, wounded,
and missing. Our loss, though severe, and much to be
regretted, is less, everything considered, than could have
been expected. You will perceive that the Indian force is
seldom a disposable one, never to be relied on, in the
hour of need, and only to be found useful in proportion
as we are independent of it.
Ten Indians were surprised on a plain near Sandusky
and were cut to pieces. The Indians have always had a
dread of cavalry, of which the enemy have a considerable.
number. A troop of the 19th would be of the greatest
service here, in the confidence they would give to our
mounted Indians. I have experienced much deficiency
in my artillery, another officer at least is absolutely
required, and one of science and experience. The
enemy's defences are composed of wood. If we knew
how to burn them, as they did ours at Fort George, Mr.
Harrison's army must have been destroyed long since.
The enemy's vessels are out of Presque Isle harbor, and
so decidedly stronger than ours, that Captain Barclay
has been necessitated to return to Amherstburg, and with
all haste to get the new vessel ready for sea, which she
bee
woirlc
in eight or ten days at farthest, and then only
want hands. Whatever may happen to be regretted,
may be fairly attributed to the delays in sending here the
force
e i n o directed should be sent. Had it
Excellency
lne sent at once, it could have been used to the greatest

188

THE ATTACK ON FORT STEPHENSON

advantage, but it arrived in such small portions, and
with such delays that the opportunities have been lost.
The enemy are in great numbers at Presque Isle, and
have been already reinforced at Fort Meigs. General
Harrison's headquarters are near Lower Sandusky,
where he arrived on the 3rd instant. I must now look
for the enemy from two quarters, and will have to meet
them with my small force divided, for the Indians will
make no stand without us. You will probably hear of
the enemy' s landing shortly at Long Point, whence they may
gain the rear of the Centre Division, and also affect my
supplies. A hundred and fifty sailors would have effectually obviated this evil. I apprehend the enemy's rapid
advance to the River Raisin in force and establish himself
there, which he can do surprisingly soon. If I had the
means I would establish a post at that river, but not
having two or three hundred to send there it is not in my
power. I must entreat your Excellency to send me more
troops, even the second battalion of the 41st Regt., though
weak, would be extremely acceptable. If the enemy
should be able to establish themselves in the territory it
will operate strongly against us with our Indian allies.
Your Excellency may rely on my best endeavors, but I
rely on the troops alone, and they are but few, and I am
necessitated to man the vessels with them. I have never
desponded, nor do I now, but I conceive it my duty to
state to Your Excellency the inadequateness of my force.
have the honor to be, with much respect,
Your Excellency's obedient servant,
HENRY PROCTER,
Brigr.-General, Comg.
His Excellency,
Lt.-General Sir George Prevost, Bt.

X
THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

The period was nc vv fast approaching when the fruits
of so much toil and privation were to be wrested from our
asp, and the extensive line of territory, both original
gr
and acquired, so gallantly defended by a single regiment
against the repeated invasions of the enemy during a
period of fifteen months, was to fall beneath the efforts of
numerical strength. Since the capture of Detroit, the
Americans had been indefatigable in their exertions to
establish a superiority of naval force, on which, they well
knew, depended the ultimate success of their arms. Buffalo was the harbor selected' for the construction of their
flotilla, which, under the hands of numerous workmen,
soon presented a formidable appearance, and was deemed
more than sufficient to ensure their ascendancy on the
lake. Manned by experienced seamen taken from several frigates then blockaded in their sea-ports, and commanded by able and intelligent officers, these vessels put
forth towards the close of August, and continued cruising
off the harbor of Amherstburg, in which our fleet lay,
awaiting the completion of the Detroit, a vessel of twenty
guns then on the stocks, and the arrival of seamen long
promised and vainly expected from Lake Ontario. Captain Barclay had arrived some time previous to take the
command, and with him several officers and forty men :
but notwithstanding every remonstrance on the subject
made by the commanding officer of the division, no further assistance was afforded. The remaining part of the
crews were provincial sailors, willing and anxious, it
is true, to do their duty, but without that perfection and
experience in their profession, which are so indispensably
,

'Five vessels of Perry's fleet were built at Presque Isle (Erie)
harbor.
189

190 THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

necessary to the insurance of success in a combat at sea.
In defiance of this disadvantage, the enemy had no sooner
made his appearance, than the Detroit was launched in her
rough and unfinished state, and armed, in default of other
guns, with long battering pieces taken from the ramparts. Every calibre was employed—sixes, nines, twelves,
eighteens and even the two twenty-four pounders which
had been so successfully used at the Miami. The early part
of September was employed in getting in her masts and
rigging, and in a few days the fleet was ready to sail.
Our position at this period had become exceedingly critical. The want of provisions began to be seriously felt,
and the ultimate possession of the garrison depended
wholly on the result of the naval conflict, for which both
parties were preparing. In the event of the enemy being
successful, not only must we be open to the incursions of
the large forces, then collected in several quarters, and
ready to overwhelm us at the moment that the command of
the lake would afford them facility of movement, but the
means of obtaining supplies from Fort Erie must be entirely cut off. The quantity of provisions already consumed had been enormous ; for independently of the
wanton destruction of cattle by the Indians, who
often shot or stabbed them merely to possess themselves
of the horns, in which they secured their powder, leaving
the carcasses to putrify in the sun, ten thousand rations
were daily issued to the warriors and their families : the
latter apparently increasing in numbers, as our means of
supplying them became more contracted.
Such was the situation of the garrison, reduced in its
regular force to a handful of men, by the losses sustained
in the various engagements herein detailed, when Captain
Barclay, who had hoisted his flag on board the Detroit,
made the signal, early in the morning of the 9th, to
weigh anchor and bear across the lake. The little fleet,
consisting of six sail, were, at daylight on the moth, perceived by the enemy, then lying among a cluster of

THE BRITISH FLEET DESTROYED

191

islands at some leagues distance, who immediately bore
up under a light side-wind, favorable at that moment to
the approach of the two squadrons. At one o'clock' the
gagement commenced. The Detroit leading into
en
action, was opposed to the Lawrence, mounting eighteen thirty-two pounders, and commanded by the American Commodore ; and such was the effect of the long
guns, that the latter vessel was soon compelled to strike
her flag, having only twenty serviceable men left. The
Detroit and Queen Charlotte had, however, suffered
severely in their sails and rigging from the fire of the
enemy's gun-boats ; and not only every one of their
boats had been so severely wounded as to render it impossible to take possession of the prize ; but the united and
unceasing exertions of their crews could not prevent
them from running foul of each other. Availing himself
of this unfortunate accident, Commodore Perry, who had
shifted his flag to the Niagara, a vessel of equal force
with the Lawrence, bore up and discharged his broadside with murderous effect. Waring immediately, a
second and equally destructive followed, and in this
manner was the action continued, rendering resistance
almost hopeless. The other smaller vessels, already
warmly engaged, could afford no aid, and the guns of the
unfortunate wrecks were at length nearly all unserviceable,—those, at least, of the only batteries which could
be brought to bear upon the enemy. Almost every ,
officer had been compelled to leave the deck, and the
helplessness of the crews could only be exceeded by their
despair, when after two hours and a half of incessant
nn m
cannonading,
oneardina g
. , the British flag was replaced by the Eagle
America.
The anxiety with which the issue of the combat was
awaited at Amherstburg, where the firing was distinctly
heard, may easily be conceived. From the heights overhanging the lake, and nearly opposite to the islands, the
'Barclay says, a quarter to twelve.

192

THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

first encounter of the fleets was clearly observed, but the
thick columns of smoke in which they were speedily
enveloped, precluded all possibility of following the progress of the contest ; nor was it until the thunder of the
artillery had been some time discontinued, that the clouds
of vapour gradually dispelling, presented the melancholy
picture of our vessels, several of them crippled and dismasted, following in the track of the American fleet, then
directing its course towards the bay of Sandusky.
In this affair, so unfavorable in its result to our already
precarious cause, the enemy had the most decided advan-.
tage, not only in respect to superiority of seamen, but in
number of ships, and in weight of metal.' Their fleet
consisted of nine sail, of which the two principal, the
Lawrence and Niagara, mounted eighteen thirty-two
pounders. Four others were armed with a long gun of
the same calibre, and keeping aloof during the action,
were enabled by the calm state of the lake to do much
execution among our principal vessels, which were corn'The most carefully-prepared and the fairest account of this action
is given by Theodore Roosevelt in " The Naval War of 1812."
Anyone who would desire to get an honest summing up of all the
evidence bearing on the contest should read the narration given
in this work. Both commanders and their crews were equally
brave and about equally skilful; Perry's line, however, was not so
well formed as Barclay's, the Niagara not coming to close action
until Perry took command. There could be no other ending to
the battle. Victory must rest with the stronger force, everything
else being practically equal. Perry's fame should rest chiefly upon
the indomitable energy and ability he displayed in preparing for
the contest, with the inadequate means at his command. In this
respect he far surpassed both Barclay and Procter. Although the
British officers were wretchedly provided with everything for
building and equipping vessels, yet they might have done more
with the material they had. Had Barclay shown the same vigilance subsequently to the 2nd of August as he had before that date,
Perry could not have got his largest and most formidable vessels
over the bar at the entrance to Presque Isle (Erie) harbor without
considerable trouble, and here his superior force would have been
at a great disadvantage.
The following is a table describing the two squadrons on the
day of the battle. The number of the guns is taken from Barclay's letter to Prevost and the tonnage and crews from Roosevelt's
estimate. I take Barclay's account of the guns because he gives
his squadron a slightly greater long-gun armament than Roosevelt, and the two accounts of Perry's armament about coincide.

193

COMPARISON OF THE SQUADRONS

pletely raked by their destructive fire. The vessels
composing Captain Barclay's force were—the Detroit,
twenty guns ; Queen Charlotte, twenty guns ; Lady
Prevost, twelve guns ; General Hunter, six guns ; and
BARCLAY'S SQUADRON.

si

CalCal - .6
g
Crew. side
de in Long
guns. fibre
ib .=
.= ibre
lbs.
Cf.J hP

Vessel.

r.

Detroit

138

Queen Charlotte ....
Lady Prevost .........

192
78

(2
I1
168
3
3
{2
4
2

Hunter

28

Little Belt.... ........
Chippeway ..............

21
9

{1
1

466

35

24 1 24
18
1 18
12
9
12 14 24
9 10 12
6 2 12
4
2
69
9
28

PERRY'S SQUADRON.

Vessel.

Lawrence .....
Niagara ...................
Caledonia ...............
Ariel ...........
Somers •
Scorpion ...................
Porcupine ...............
,
Tigress
...................
rippe

BroadTons. Crew. side in
lbs.
480
480
180
112
94
86
83
96
60

136
155
53
36
30
35
25
27
35

300
300
80
48
56
56
32
32
24

1671

532

928

Calf.
e- 4
0 0
m

-

12
12
24
12
24
32
1
24
1
32
32
24

ac

2
2
2
4
1

18
18

16

38

albre
32
32
32
32

In the table Perry's crew is given as 532, but sickness reduced
his effectives to 416. Barclay probably had more than 440 men,
but as some were unfit for duty, his effectives were about the same
or probably a few less than Perry's. During the action the Lawrence and Niagara each fought a long 12 instead of one of the carronades on the engaged side, making a broadside of 888 lbs., 312
lbs. being from long guns. Barclay's vessels threw a broadside of
at least 466 lbs., 202 lbs. of which was from long guns, but, as will
be observed, from guns of small calibre.

194 THE BATTLE OF LAKE BRIE

two small craft, one of which mounted a mortar, the
other a long eighteen-pounder ; and the whole weight of
metal did not amount to t, too pounds : while that of the
enemy, exclusive of the three remaining vessels of their
flotilla each mounting several guns, was 1,280: and when
it is taken into consideration that the accident which
occurred early in the engagement to the two principal
ships, prevented all possibility of bringing a second
broadside to bear, while the enemy, on the contrary,
were enabled to avail themselves of their whole metal,
the disproportion will appear even more enormous. Notwithstanding the disparity of force, however, a different
result might have been expected, had the unceasing
applications made for sailors been attended to by the
naval commander on Lake Ontario, to whose unwilling- ness to part with men, who might very well have been
spared for the occasion, must be attributed the sacrifice
of the gallant' Barclay and his fleet, and eventually that
of the Right Division. The necessity of having regular
and experienced seamen was never more cruelly exemplified than on the present occasion ; since, in all probability, had they been present, the accident which left
the Detroit and Queen Charlotte entirely at the mercy of
the enemy, would either have been prevented, or remedied in time. All that courage and perseverance could
effect was done : but against the decree of Prbvidence
who may successfully oppose himself ? Captain Barclay,
who had already lost one limb while fighting the battles
of his country, was so severely wounded in his only
remaining arm as to be compelled to leave the deck early
in the action. Captain Finnis, commanding the Queen
Charlotte, was killed by a round shot soon afterwards,
and the same ball carried off Lieutenant Garden, a promising young officer of the Newfoundland. Regiment, mingling the blood of the one and the brains of the other, on
the bulwark, in one melancholy and undistinguishable
mass. I had subsequently an opportunity of witnessing

BARCLAY'S OFFICIAL ACCOUNT

195

the devastation of this sanguinary day. The decks were
literally filled with the wounded ; and such was the crippled state of the Detroit, that not a mast was left standing : almost all the guns were dismounted, and it was
i mpossible to place a hand on that side which had been
exposed to the enemy's fire, without covering part
t of a wound, either from grape, canister, or round shot.
Subjoined is Captain Barclay's account of the action.
Head Quarters, Montreal, Nov. 25th, 1813.
My Lord,
I have the honor to transmit to Your Lordship copy
of a letter from Commodore Sir James Yeo, together
with Captain Barclay's official account of the action on
Lake Erie, referred to in my despatches to your Lordship,
No. 90 of the date of the 22nd September, and No. 91 of
8th October last.
The loss sustained on that occasion Your Lordship
will find subjoined to the general order also herewith
transmitted, which I have felt it my duty to issue in consequence of the recent events in this command.
I am happy to be able to add, that Captain Barclay is
recovering of his wounds, and that there is a prospect of
his valuable life and services being preserved for the
benefit of his country.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
George Prevost.
The Right Hon. Earl Bathurst,
His Majesty's Ship Wolfe,
at Kingston, Nov. 15th, 1813 .
Sir, —I yesterday received Captain Barclay's official
statement of the ill-fated action on Lake Erie, and as
Your Excellency must wish to be informed of every particular, I have the honor to enclose the same.
It appears to me that though His Majesty's Squadron
were very deficient in seamen, weight of metal, and particularly long guns, yet the greatest misfortune was the
loss of every officer, particularly Captain Finnis, whose
life, had it been spared, would, in my opinion, have
saved the squadron.
I have honor to be, &c.,
James Lucas Yeo, Commodore.
His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart.
Governor and General in Chief.

196

THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

His Majesty's late Ship Detroit,
Put-in Bay, Lake Erie, Sept. 12th, 1813.
Sir, —The last letter I had the honor of writing to you,
dated the 6th instant, I informed you, that unless certain
intimation was received of more seamen being on their
way to Amherstburg, I should be obliged to sail with the
squadron deplorably manned as it was, to fight the
enemy (who blockaded the port), to enable us to get
supplies of provisions and stores of every description ; so
perfectly destitute of provisions was the port, that there
was not a day's flour in store, and the crews of the
squadron under my command were on half allowance of
many things, and when that was done there was no
more. Such were the motives which induced MajorGeneral Procter (whom by your instructions I was
directed to consult, and whose wishes I was enjoined to
execute, as far as relates to the good of the country), to
concur in the necessity of a battle being risked under the
many disadvantages which I labored, and it now remains
for me, the most melancholy task to relate to you the
unfortunate issue of the battle, as well as the many
untoward circumstances that led to that event.
No intelligence of seamen having arrived, I sailed on
the 9th inst. fully expecting to meet the enemy next
morning, as they had been seen among the islands ; nor
was I mistaken ; soon after daylight they were seen in
motion in Put-in Bay, the wind then at south-west and
light, giving us the weather-gage. I bore up for them,
in hopes of bringing them to action among the islands,
but that intention was soon frustrated, by the wind suddenly shifting to the south-east, which brought the
enemy directly to windward. The line was formed
according to a given plan, so that each ship might be
supported against the superior force of the two brigs
opposed to them. About ten the enemy had cleared the
islands, and immediately bore up, under easy sail, in a
line abreast, each brig being also supported by the small
vessels. At a quarter before twelve I commenced the
action, by firing a few long guns ; about a quarter past,
the American Commodore, also supported by two
schooners, one carrying four long twelve-pounders, the
other a long 32 and 24-pounder, came to close action with
the Detroit ; the other brig of the enemy, apparently destined to engage the Queen Charlotte, supported in like

BARCLAY'S OFFICIAL ACCOUNT

197

manner by two schooners, kept so far to windward as to
render the Queen Charlotte's 24-pounder carronades useless, while she was, with the Lady Prevost, exposed to
the heavy and destructive fire of the Caledonia, and four
other schooners, armed with long and heavy guns, like
those I have already described.
Too soon, alas ! was I deprived of the services of the
noble and intrepid Captain Finnis, who soon after the
commencement of the action fell, and with him fell my
greatest support ; soon after, Lieutenant Stokoe, of the
Queen Charlotte, was struck senseless by a splinter,
which deprived the country of his services at this very
critical period. As I perceived, the Detroit had enough
to contend with, without the prospect of a fresh brig.
Provincial Lieutenant Irvine, who then had charge of
the Queen Charlotte, behaved with great courage, but
his experience was much too limited to supply the place
of such an officer as Captain Finnis, hence she proved of
far less assistance than I expected.
The action continued with great fury until half past two,
when I perceived my opponent drop astern, and a boat
passing from him to the Niagara (which vessel was at
this time perfectly fresh); the American Commodore seeing, that as yet the day was against him (his vessel having struck soon after he left her), and also the very defenceless state of the Detroit, which ship was now a perfect wreck, principally from the raking fire of the gun
boats, and also that the Queen Charlotte was in such a
situation, that I could receive very little assistance from
her, and the Lady Prevost being at this time too far to
leeward, from her rudder being injured, made a noble,
and alas ! too successful an effort to regain it, for he bore
up, and supported by his small vessels, passed within pistol shot, and took a raking position on our bow,nor could
I prevent it as the unfortunate situation of the Queen
Charlotte prevented us from wearing ; in attempting it
we fell on board her ; my gallant first Lieutenant Garland was now
wtm
mortally wounded, and myself so severely,
that I was obliged to quit the deck.
Manned
h squadron was, with not more than fifty
British seamen, the rest a mixed crew of Canadians and
a
s
soldiers andd who were totally unacquainted with such
service, rendered the loss of officers more sensibly felt,
and never in any action was the loss more severe ; every

198

REPORT OF LIEUT. INGLIS

THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

officer commanding vessels, and their seconds, were either
killed or wounded so severely, as to be unable to keep the
deck.
Lieut. Buchan, in the Lady Prevost, behaved most
nobly, and did everything that a brave and experienced
officer could do in a vessel armed with i2-pounder carronades, against vessels carrying long guns. I regret to state
that he was very severely wounded. Lieut. Bignall of the
Dover, commanding the Hunter, displayed the greatest
intrepidity '• but his guns being small, (two, four and six
pounders) he could be of much less service than he
wished.
Every officer in the Detroit behaved in the most exemplary manner. Lieut. Inglis showed such calm intrepidity, that I was fully convinced that, on leaving the deck,
I left the ship in excellent hands ; and for an account of
the battle, after that, I refer you to his letter which he
wrote me, for your information. Mr. Hoffmeister,purser
of the Detroit, nobly volunteered his services on deck,
and behaved in a manner that reflects the highest honor
on him. I regret to add that he is very severely wounded in the knee. Provincial Lieut. Purvis, and the military officers, Lieuts. Garden, of the Royal Newfoundland
Regt., and O'Keefe, of the 4ist Regt., behaved in a manner whin excited my warmest admiration ; the few British seamen I had behaved with their usual intrepidity,
and as long as I was on deck, the troops behaved with a
calmness and courage, worthy of a more fortunate issue
to their exertions.
The weather-gage gave the enemy a prodigious advantage, as it enabled them not only to choose their position, but their distance also, which they did in such a
manner as to prevent the carronades of the Queen Charlotte and Lady Prevost from having much effect ; while
their long guns did great execution, particularly against
the Queen Charlotte.
Capt. Perry has behaved in a most humane and attentive manner, not only to myself and officers, but to all
the wounded. I trust that although unsuccessful, you
will approve of the motives that induced me to sail under
so many disadvantages, and that it may be hereafter
proved that, under such circumstances, the honor of His

199

Majesty's flag has not been tarnished. I enclose the list
of killed and wounded.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
R. H. Barclay, Commander,
(Signed)
and late Senior Officer.
To Commodore
James L. Yeo, Bt., &c.
His Majesty's late ship Detroit,
Sept. loth, 1813.
Sir, —I have the honor to transmit to you an account
of the termination of the late unfortunate action with the
enemy's ms nuga dorno n.
thee quarter-deck after your being woundcoming
ed, the enemy's second brig, at that time, on our weatherbeam, shortly afterwards took a position on our weatherbow to rake us ; to prevent which, in attempting to wear,
to get our starboard broadside to bear upon her, a number of the guns of the larboard broadside being at this
time disabled, fell on board the Queen Charlotte, at this
time running up to leeward of us. In this situation the
two ships remained for some time. As soon as we got
clear of her, I ordered the Queen Charlotte to shoot
ahead of us if possible ; and attempted to back our foretopsail to get astern, but the ship laying completely unmanageable, every brace cut away, the mizzen top-mast
and gaff down, all the other masts badly wounded, not a
stay left forward, hull shattered very much, a number of
the guns disabled, and the enemy's squadron raking both
ships ahead and astern, none of our own in a situation to
support us, I was under the painful necessity of answering the enemy, to say we had struck, the Queen Charlotte having previously done so.
have the honor to be, &c.,
(Signed)
George Inglis.
To Capt.
,
&c., &c., &c.
A list of killed and wounded in His Majesty's ships and
vvveosusenlds eidn. an
action with the American squadron on Lake
Ene, the oth September, 1813 .
o fficers
4 and 38 men, killed ; 9 officers, 85 men,
3

To a l

I killed ; 94 wounded.

200

THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

Names of officers killed and wounded—Lieut. James
Garden, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, killed ; Detroit,
killed : First Lieut. John Garland ; wounded : Captain
R. H. Barclay, dangerously ; J. R. Hoffmeister, purser,
dangerously ; Queen Charlotte, killed : Captain Robert
Finnis ; wounded : First Lieut. James Stokoe, severely ;
James Foster, midshipman, slightly ; Lady Prevost,
wounded : Lieut. Edward Buchan, commanding, danger
ously ; First Lieut. F. Rolette, severely ; Hunter,
wounded : Lieut. George Bignall, commanding, severely;
Henry Gateshill, master's mate, slightly ; Chippeway,
wounded : master's mate, J. Campbell, commanding,
slightly.
(Signed)
R. H. Barclay, Commander,
and late Senior Officer.
The annexed is Commander Perry's Official account of
the action.
U.S. Schr. Ariel, Put-in Bay, 13th Sept., 1813.
Sir,—In my last, I informed you that we had captured
the enemy's fleet on this lake. I have now the honor to
give you the most important particulars of the action :—On
the morning of the loth instant, at sun-rise, they were
discovered from Put-in Bay, when I lay at anchor, with
the squadron under my command. We got under weigh,
the wind light at south-west, and stood for them. At
10 a.m. the wind hauled to south-east, and brought us to
windward ; formed the line, and bore up. At 15 minutes before 12, the enemy commenced firing ; at 5 minutes before 12, the action commenced on our part. Finding their fire very destructive, owing to their long guns,
and it being mostly directed at the Lawrence, I made
sail, and directed the other vessels to follow, for the purpose of closing with the enemy—every brace and bow
line being soon shot away, she became unmanageable,not
withstanding the great exertions of the sailing master.
In this situation, she sustained the action upwards of two
hours, within canister distance, until every gun was rendered useless, and the greater part of her crew either
killed or wounded. Finding she could no longer annoy
the enemy, I left her in charge of Lieut. Yarnall, who, I
was convinced, from the bravery already displayed by
him, would do what would comport with the honor of
-

OLIVER HAZARD PERRY.

PERRY' S OFFICIAL ACCOUNT

201

the flag. At half past two, the wind springing up, Captain Elliott was enabled to bring his vessel, the Niagara,
gallantly into close action ; I immediately went on board
of her, when he anticipated my wish, by volunteering to
bring the schooner, which had been kept astern by the
lightness of the wind, into close action.
It was with unspeakable pain that I saw, soon after I
got on board the Niagara, the flag of the Lawrence come
down; although I was perfectly sensible that she had
been defended to the last, and that to have continued to
make a show of resistance, would have been a wanton
sacrifice of the remains of her brave crew. But the enemy
was not able to take possession of her, and circumstances
soon permitted her flag again to be hoisted. At 45
minutes past two, the signal was made for "close action" ;
the Niagara being very little injured, I determined to
pass through the enemy's line—bore up and passed ahead
of their two ships, and a brig, giving a raking fire to them,
from the starboard guns and to a large schooner and
sloop from the larboard side, at half pistol-shot distance.
The smaller vessels, at this time, having got within grape
and canister distance, under the direction of Capt.Elliott,
and keeping up a well-directed fire, the two ships, a brig,
and a schooner surrendered, a schooner and sloop making
a vain attempt to escape.
Those officers and men, who were immediately under
my observation, evinced the greatest gallantry ; and, I
have no doubt that all others conducted themselves as
became American officers and seamen. Lieut. Yarnall,
1st of the Lawrence, although several times wounded,
refused to quit the deck. Midshipman Forrest, (doing
duty as Lieutenant), and sailing master Taylor, were of
great assistance to me. I have great pain, in stating to
you the death of Lieut. Brooks, of the marines, and Midshipman Laub, both of the Lawrence, and Midshipman
John Clark, of the Scorpion ; they were valuable and
promising officers. Mr. Hambleton, purser, who volunteered his services on deck, was severely wounded, late
in the action. Midshipmen Claxton and Swartwout, of
the Lawrence, were severely wounded. On board the
Niagara, Lieutenants Smith and Edwards, and Midshipman Webster, (doing duty as sailing master), behaved in
a very handsome manner. Captain Brevoort, of the army,
who acted as a volunteer, in the capacity of a marine

202

THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

officer, on board that vessel, is an excellent and brave
officer ; and, with his musketry, did great execution.
Lieut. Turner, commanding the Caledonia, brought that
vessel into action in the most able manner, and is an
officer, in all situations, that may be relied on.
The Ariel,Lieut. Packett, and Scorpion, sailing master
Champlin, were enabled to get early into action, and were
of great service. Captain Elliott speaks in the highest
terms of Mr. Magrath, purser, who had been dispatched
in a boat, on service, previous to my getting on board
the Niagara ; and, being a seaman, since the action has
rendered essential service in taking charge of one of the
prizes.
Of Captain Elliott, already so well known to the government, it would be almost superfluous to speak :—in
this action, he evinced his characteristic bravery and
judgment ; and, since the close of the action, has given
me the most able and essential assistance.
I have the honor to enclose you a return of the killed
and wounded, together with a statement of the relative
force of the squadrons. The Captain and ist Lieutenant
of the Queen Charlotte, and ist Lieut. of the Detroit,
were killed. Captain Barclay, senior officer, and the
commander of the Lady Prevost, severely wounded. The
commanders of the Hunter and Chippeway,slightly wounded. Their loss, in killed and wounded, I have not been
able to ascertain.; it must, however, have been very
great.
I have caused the prisoners, taken on the loth inst.,
to be landed at Sandusky ; and have requested Gen. Harrison to have them marched to Chillicothe, and there
wait, until your pleasure shall be known respecting them.
The Lawrence has been so entirely cut up, it is absolutely
necessary she should go into a safe harbor ; I have,therefore, directed Lieut. Yarnall to proceed to Erie, in her,
with the wounded of the fleet ; and dismantle, and get
her over the bar, as soon as possible.
The two ships, in a heavy sea, this day at anchor, lost
their masts, being much injured in the action. I shall
haul them into the inner bay, at this place, and moor
them for the present. The Detroit is a remarkably fine
ship ; sails well and is very strongly built ;—the Queen
Charlotte is a much superior vessel to what has been
reiSresented;—the Lady Prevost is a large, fine schooner.
PERRY'S STATUE, CLEVELAND, OHIO.

PERRY' S OFFICIAL ACCOUNT

203

I also bag your instructions, respecting the wounded ;
I am satisfied, sir, that whatever steps I might take, governed by humanity, would meet your approbation ;under this impression, I have taken upon myself to
promise Capt. Barclay, who is very dangerously wounded, that he shall be landed as near Lake Ontario as possible ; and, I had no doubt, you would allow me to
parole him ; he is under the impression, that nothing but
leaving this part of the country will save his life. There
is also a number of Canadians among the prisoners—many
who have families.
I have the honor, &c.,
0. H. Perry.
Hon. W. Jones, Sec. Navy.

The Return above alluded to by Commodore Perry,'
admits the American loss to have been 27 killed, and
96 wounded—total 123.2
=Perry was not a Commodore, neither was Barclay. The Commodore of the Americans was Isaac Chauncey, and of the British
Sir James Lucas Yeo. James Fenimore Cooper says : " Perry
was not made a Captain until after the Battle of Lake Erie, his
commission being dated Sept. 10th, 1813, the day of his victory."
2These casualties were distributed in the following manner,—
VESSEL.

KILLED.

WOUNDED.

Lawrence ........................22........................ 61
.................. 2........................ 25
Niagara
Caledonia
0
3
Somers ...............................0..........................2
.................. 1.......................... 3
Ariel
2
Trippe ......................... ,......... 0
Scorpion
........ 2..........................0
—
—
............ 27........................96
Total

TOTAL.

83
27
3
2
4
2
2
—
123