Chapter XIII: Section 2: And be it further resolved, That the President of (2)

To the Honourable U.S. brig Niagara, off the Western Sisters,
William JONES, Head of Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813, 4 P.M.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of the
United States a signal victory over their enemies on this lake.
The British squadron, consisting of two ships, two brigs, one
schooner, and one sloop, have this moment surrendered to the
force under my command, after a sharp conflict.

I have the honour to be, etc.,
O. H. PERRY.

_____

_Captain O. H. Perry to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honourable United States schooner Ariel,
William JONES, Put-in-Bay, Sept. 13, 1813.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: In my last I informed you that we had captured the enemy's
fleet on this lake. I have now the honour to give you the most
important particulars of the action. On the morning of the 10th
instant, at sunrise, they were discovered from Put-in-Bay, where
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 five minutes before 12, the action commenced
on our part. Finding their fire very destructive, owing to their
long guns, and its 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, notwithstanding 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 (p. 179)
the enemy, I left her in charge of Lieutenant Yarnall, who,
I was convinced, from the bravery already displayed by him, would
do what would comport with the honour of the flag. At half-past
two, the wind springing up Captain Elliot 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 2
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 Captain
Elliot, 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. Lieutenant Yarnall, first 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 Lieutenant Brooks, of the marines, and
midshipman Lamb, both of the Lawrence, and midshipman John
Clarke, 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. Midshipman Claxton
and Swartout, 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 officer, on board that vessel, is an
excellent and brave officer, and with his musketry did great
execution. Lieutenant Turner, commanding the Caledonia, brought
that vessel into action in the most able manner, and is an
officer that, in all situations, may be relied on. The Ariel,
Lieutenant Parker, and Scorpion, sailing-master Champlin, were
enabled to get early into action, and were of great service.
Captain Elliot speaks in the highest terms of Mr. Magrath,
purser, who had been despatched 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 Elliot, 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 honour to enclose you a return of the killed and (p. 180)
wounded, together with a statement of the relative force of
the squadrons. The captain and first lieutenant of the Queen
Charlotte, and first lieutenant of the Detroit, were killed.
Captain Barclay, senior officer, and the commander of the Lady
Prevost, severely wounded. Their loss in killed and wounded I
have not yet been able to ascertain; it must, however, have been
very great.

Very respectfully, &c.,
O. H. PERRY.

_Statement of the force of the British squadron._

Ship Detroit 19 guns: 1 on pivot and 2 howitzers.
Queen Charlotte 17 " 1 "
Schooner Lady Prevost 13 " 1 "
Brig Hunter 10 "
Sloop Little Belt 3 "
Schooner Chippeway 1 " 2 swivels.
--
63 guns.

NOTE: The Detroit is a new ship, very strongly built, and mounts
long twenty-fours, eighteens and twelves.

_Statement of the force of the United States squadron._

Brig Lawrence 20 guns.
" Niagara 20 "
" Caledonia 3 "
Schooner Ariel 4 " (1 burst early in action.)
" Scorpion 2 "
" Somers 2 " and 2 swivels.
Sloop Trippe 1 "
Schooner Tigress 1 "
" Porcupine 1 "
--
54 guns.

The exact number of the enemy's force has not been ascertained,
but I have good reason to believe that it exceeded ours by nearly
100 men.

S. HAMBLETON, _Purser_.
O. H. PERRY, _Captain and senior officer_.

_____

_The Secretary of the Navy to George Harrison._

To
George HARRISON, Esq., Navy Department,
Navy Agent, Philadelphia. July 4th, 1814.

Sir: In order to have made the swords and medals contemplated by
the inclosed resolutions of Congress, I have to request that you
will engage artists for that purpose whose abilities and (p. 181)
taste will insure their being executed in the best manner.
You will perceive by the resolution that the device for the medal
for Captains Perry and Elliott must be emblematical of the action
on Lake Erie; and, it appears to me, that representations of the
several engagements are the most suitable devices for the others.
The best representations of those engagements yet engraved may be
seen, I understand, in the Academy of Arts at Philadelphia, where
the artists and amateurs might readily determine on the devices.
The number of dies for the medals will be as follows, viz.:

Capture of the Guerrière by the Constitution 1
" " Macedonian by the United States 1
" " Frolic by the Wasp 1
" " Java by the Constitution 1
" " Peacock by the Hornet 1
" " Boxer by the Enterprize 1
Victory on Lake Erie 1
--
Dies 7

The reverse of the medals will be properly appropriated to the
respective portraits of the several commanders, which, I believe,
have all been published. These, however, ought to be correct
likenesses. Of the number of medals of each kind to be struck,
you will be informed in due time.

As it will scarcely be possible to represent distinctly the
deeply interesting scenes of the memorable victory of Erie on one
face of the medal, it may be well to omit the portrait of
Commodore Perry, and divide the representation of the action into
two prominent and distinct parts which mark the crisis of the
battle, in the first terminating with the abandonment of the
Lawrence, and the passage of the hero in his gig, with his flag,
from that ship to the Niagara. Second, the bringing up of the
gunboats and small vessels by Captain Elliott, and the subsequent
breaking through the enemy's line and capture of his whole fleet.
Thus the entire action may be distinctly and beautifully
represented.

Herewith you will receive one of the medals struck for Commodore
Preble, which is tolerably well executed and of good size. The
emblematical figures ought to be bold and distinct, rather than
minutely delineated, which renders the effect less striking and
enhances the labour and cost. With respect to the cost it must be
regulated by a due attention to the views of the Legislature and
to economy without parsimony.

The number is considerable, and will require all the artists who
are qualified for the execution.

It is very desirable to have them completed as soon as possible,
and particularly before the next meeting of Congress. If the
number of artists in Philadelphia shall not be sufficient, you
will employ those of New York or elsewhere. I submit this
business to your care with confidence and pleasure, because I
know that your own discriminating tastes and judgment in these
matters will be combined with your admiration of the men, and the
scenes to be commemorated, in producing the best and most speedy
execution.

The sword for Captain Elliott will be an elegant dress sword; (p. 182)
a cut and thrust, with belt, &c., such in form as is prescribed
for a dress sword of a captain in the navy, but decorated with
devices and inscriptions suitable to the occasion, and finished in
the best style the sum of $800 will procure. The swords of the
warrant officers, twelve in number, will be of the same form
and with proper belts, &c., will be finished in the best style
that $250 each will procure. These you will please have finished
as soon as possible.

The medals should be finished in succession according to the
order of the dates of the events, unless the whole can be put in
hand at once, which is very desirable.

I am respectfully, Sir, your most obedient servant,
W. JONES, _Secretary of the Navy_.

No. 32. (p. 183) PLATE XXXIII.

_September 10, 1813._

Jesse D. Elliott. Nil actum reputans si quid superesset agendum.
[Rx]. Viam invenit virtus aut facit.

CAPTAIN JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT.

[_Victory of Lake Erie._]

JESSE D. (_Duncan_) ELLIOTT. NIL ACTUM REPUTANS SI QUID SUPERESSET AGENDUM.[86] (_Jesse Duncan Elliott. Considering nothing done, if aught remained to be done._) Bust of Captain Elliott, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

[Footnote 86: Nil actum credens quum quid
superesset agendum. Lucan, Pharsalia, Book II,
657.]

VIAM INVENIT VIRTUS AUT FACIT. (_Valor finds or makes a way._) The United States fleet on Lake Erie, carrying fifty-four guns, and commanded by Captain Perry, stands out to meet the British fleet with sixty-three guns, under Captain Barclay. Exergue: INTER CLASS. AMERI. ET BRIT. DIE X. SEP. MDCCCXIII. (_Inter classim Americanam et Britannicam, die 10 Septembris, 1813: Between the American and British fleets, September 10, 1813._) FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).[87]

[Footnote 87: The resolution of Congress voting
this medal, and the official reports of the action
on Lake Erie, are given under No. 31, page 176.]

JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT was born in Maryland, July 14, 1782. He was appointed midshipman in 1804; was promoted to be lieutenant in 1810; served under Commodore Chauncey on the lakes in 1812; and on October 8, commanding an expedition, he cut out two British ships from under Fort Erie. For this daring act Congress voted him a sword of honor. He was master-commandant in July, 1813; and second in command in (p. 184) Perry's victory on Lake Erie, for which he received from Congress a vote of thanks and a gold medal. On Perry's departure in October, 1815, he succeeded him in command. He became captain in 1818; and afterward commanded the Mediterranean squadron, and the navy yards of Boston and of Philadelphia. He died in Philadelphia, December 10, 1845.

No. 33. (p. 185) PLATE XXXIV.

_February 24, 1813._

Jac Lawrence dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. [Rx].
Mansuetud. maj. quam victoria.

CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE.

[_Capture of the Peacock._]

JAC. (_Jacobus_) LAWRENCE DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI[88] (_James Lawrence. It is sweet and becoming to die for one's country._) Bust of Captain Lawrence in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

[Footnote 88: Horace, Book II, Ode II, 13.]

MANSUETUD. MAJ. QUAM VICTORIA. (_Mansuetudo major quam victoria: Clemency greater than victory._) The action is over. The United States sloop-of-war Hornet, of twenty guns, Captain Lawrence, is lying to and sending her boats to the rescue of the crew of the British brig-of-war Peacock, of twenty-two guns, Captain Peake, which has lost her mainmast, and is going down head foremost. Exergue: INTER HORNET NAV AMERI ET PEACOCK NAV ANG DIE XXIV FEB MDCCCXIII. (_Inter Hornet, navem Americanam, et Peacock, navem Anglicanam, die 24 Februarii, 1813: Between the American vessel Hornet and the English vessel Peacock, February 24, 1813._) On the platform, FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

JAMES LAWRENCE was born in Burlington, New Jersey, October 1, 1781. He was appointed a midshipman in 1798, and became a lieutenant in 1802; served against Tripoli, 1802-1804, and was second in command under Decatur, in the Intrepid, when the Philadelphia was destroyed off (p. 186) Tripoli. In 1810 he became master-commandant, and on February 24, 1813, with the Hornet, captured the British brig-of-war Peacock, Captain William Peake. For this action, Congress awarded him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. As captain he commanded the Chesapeake in 1813 and fell, mortally wounded, in the engagement with the British ship Shannon, Captain Broke. His last words, when carried below, were, "Don't give up the ship!" He died four days after the combat, on June 5, 1813, and was buried with military honors at Halifax, Nova Scotia. His remains were afterward taken to the United States, and now lie in Trinity church-yard, New York city.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain Lawrence, etc._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States be requested to present to the
nearest male relative of Captain James Lawrence, a gold medal,
and a silver medal[89] to each of the commissioned officers who
served under him in the sloop-of-war Hornet, in her conflict with
the British vessel-of-war, the Peacock, in testimony of the high
sense entertained by Congress of the gallantry and good conduct
of the officers and crew in the capture of that vessel; and the
President is also requested to communicate to the nearest male
relative of Captain Lawrence the sense which Congress entertains
of the loss which the naval service of the United States has
since sustained in the death of that distinguished officer.

[Footnote 89: The silver medals are copies of the
one in gold given to Captain Lawrence.]

Approved January 11, 1814.

_____

_Captain Lawrence to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honourable United States ship Hornet,
William JONES, Holmes' Hole, March 19th, 1813.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honour to inform you of the arrival, at this
port, of the United States ship Hornet, under my command, from a
cruise of 145 days, and to state to you, that after Commodore
Bainbridge left the coast of Brazils, (on the 6th of January
last,) the Hornet continued off the harbour of St. Salvador,
blockading the Bonne Citoyenne until the 24th, when the Montagu
74 hove in sight, and chased me into the harbour; but night (p. 187)
coming on, I wore and stood to the southward. Knowing that
she had left Rio Janeiro for the express purpose of relieving the
Bonne Citoyenne and the packet, (which I had also blockaded for
fourteen days, and obliged her to send her mail to Rio in a
Portuguese smack,) I judged it most prudent to change my cruising
ground, and stood to the eastward, with the view of cruising off
Pernambuco; and on the 4th day of February, captured the English
brig Resolution, from Rio Janeiro, bound to Maranham, with
coffee, jerked beef, flour, fustic and butter, and about 25,000
dollars in specie. As the brig sailed dull, and could ill spare
hands to man her, I took out the money and set her on fire. I
then ran down the coast for Maranham, and cruised there for a
short time; from thence ran off Surinam. After cruising off that
coast from the 5th to the 22d of February, without meeting a
vessel, I stood for Demarara, with an intention, should I not be
fortunate on that station, to run through the West Indies, on my
way to the United States. But on the morning of the 24th, I
discovered a brig to leeward, to which I gave chase; ran into
quarter less four, and not having a pilot, was obliged to haul
off; the fort at the entrance of Demarara river at this time
bearing south west, distance about 2-1/2 leagues. Previously to
giving up the chase, I discovered a vessel at anchor without the
bar, with English colours flying, apparently a brig of war. In
beating round Corobano bank, in order to get at her, at half past
3 P.M. I discovered another sail on my weather quarter edging
down for us. At 4.20 minutes she hoisted English colours, at
which time we discovered her to be a large man-of-war brig; beat
to quarters, and cleared ship for action; kept close by the wind,
in order, if possible, to get to the weather gage. At 5.10
minutes, finding I could weather the enemy, I hoisted American
colours, and tacked. At 5.20 minutes, in passing each other,
exchanged broadsides within half pistol shot. Observing the enemy
in the act of wearing, I bore up, received his starboard
broadside, ran him close on board on the starboard quarter, and
kept up such a heavy and well directed fire, that in less than
fifteen minutes he surrendered, being literally cut to pieces,
and hoisted an ensign, union down, from his fore-rigging, as a
signal of distress. Shortly after, his main-mast went by the
board; dispatched Lieutenant Shubrick on board, who soon returned
with her first lieutenant, who reported her to be His Britannic
Majesty's late brig Peacock, commanded by Captain William Peake,
who fell in the latter part of the action; that a number of her
crew were killed and wounded, and that she was sinking fast,
having then six feet of water in her hold; dispatched the boats
immediately for the wounded, and brought both vessels to anchor.
Such shot-holes as could be got at were then plugged, her guns
thrown overboard, and every possible exertion used to keep her
afloat, until the prisoners could be removed, by pumping and
bailing, but without effect, and she unfortunately sunk in five
and a half fathoms water, carrying down thirteen of her crew and
three of my brave fellows, viz.: John Hart, Joseph Williams, and
Hannibal Boyd. Lieutenant Conner, Midshipman Cooper, and the
remainder of the Hornet's crew, employed in removing the
prisoners, with difficulty saved themselves by jumping in a boat
that was lying on her bows as she went down. Four men, of the
thirteen mentioned, were so fortunate as to gain the fore-top,
and were afterwards taken off by the boats. Previous to her going
down, four of her men took to her stern boat, which had been much
damaged during the action, which I hope reached the shore (p. 188)
in safety; but from the heavy sea running at the time, the
shattered state of the boat, and the difficulty of landing on the
coast, I much fear they were lost. I have not been able to
ascertain from her officers the exact number killed. Captain
Peake and four men were found dead on board. The master, one
midshipman, carpenter, and captain's clerk, and twenty-nine
seamen were wounded, most of them very severely; three of them
died of their wounds after being removed, and nine drowned. Our
loss was trifling in comparison. John Place, killed; Samuel
Coulson and Joseph Dalrymple, slightly wounded; George Coffin and
Lewis Todd, severely burnt by the explosion of a cartridge. Todd
survived only a few days. Our rigging and sails were much cut;
one shot through the foremast, and the bowsprit slightly injured.
Our hull received little or no damage. At the time the Peacock
was brought to action, the L'Espiègle (the brig mentioned above
as being at anchor), mounting sixteen two-and-thirty pound
carronades, and two long nines, lay at about six miles in shore,
and could plainly see the whole of the action. Apprehensive that
she would beat out to the assistance of her consort, such
exertions were made by my officers and crew in repairing damages,
&c., that by 9 o'clock the boats were stowed, a new set of sails
bent, and the ship completely ready for action. At 2 A.M. got
under weigh, and stood by the wind to the northward and westward,
under easy sail.

On mustering next morning, found we had 277 souls on board,
including the crew of the American brig Hunter, of Portland,
taken a few days before by the Peacock. And, as we had been on
two-thirds allowance of provisions for some time, and had but
3,400 gallons of water on board, I reduced the allowance to three
pints a man, and determined to make the best of my way to the
United States.

The Peacock was deservedly styled one of the finest vessels of
her class in the British navy, probably about the tonnage of the
Hornet. Her beam was greater by five inches, but her extreme
length not so great by four feet. She mounted sixteen twenty-four
pound carronades, two long nines, one twelve-pound carronade on
her topgallant-forecastle, as a shifting gun, and one four or
six-pounder, and two swivels mounted aft. I find, by her
quarter-bill, that her crew consisted of 134 men, four of whom
were absent in a prize.

The cool and determined conduct of my officers and crew during
the action, and their almost unexampled exertions afterwards,
entitled them to my warmest acknowledgments, and I beg leave most
earnestly to recommend them to the notice of government.

By the indisposition of Lieutenant Stewart I was deprived of the
services of an excellent officer; had he been able to stand the
deck I am confident his exertions would not have been surpassed
by any one on board. I should be doing injustice to the merits of
Lieutenant Shubrick, and of acting-lieutenants Conner and Newton,
were I not to recommend them particularly to your notice.
Lieutenant Shubrick was in the actions with the Guerrière and
Java. Captain Hull and Commodore Bainbridge can bear testimony to
his coolness and good conduct on both occasions.

With the greatest respect, I remain, &c.,
James LAWRENCE.

P.S. At the commencement of the action my sailing master and
seven men were absent in a prize, and Lieutenant Stewart and six
men on the sick list.

No. 34. (p. 189) PLATE XXXV.

_September 11, 1814._

Tho. Macdonough. Stagno Champlain clas. Reg. Brit superavit.
[Rx]. Uno latere percusso. alterum impavide vertit.

CAPTAIN THOMAS MACDONOUGH.

[_Victory of Lake Champlain._]

THO. MACDONOUGH. STAGNO CHAMPLAIN CLAS. REG. BRIT. SUPERAVIT. (_Thomas Macdonough Stagno Champlain classim Regis Britannia superavit: Thomas Macdonough defeated the Royal British fleet on Lake Champlain._) Bust of Captain Macdonough, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

UNO LATERE PERCUSSO. ALTERUM IMPAVIDE VERTIT. (_Beaten on one side, he fearlessly turns the other._) Naval action on Lake Champlain, between the United States fleet, carrying eighty-six guns, under Captain Macdonough, and the British fleet, with ninety-five guns, commanded by Commodore Downie. To the right, the city of Plattsburgh in flames. Exergue: INTER CLASS. AMERI. ET BRIT. DIE XI SEPT. MDCCCXIIII. (_Inter classim Americanam et Britannicam, die 11 Septembris, 1814: Between the American and British fleets, September 11, 1814._) On the platform, FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

THOMAS MACDONOUGH was born in Newcastle County, Delaware, December 23, 1783. He entered the navy as a midshipman in 1800; served in the Tripolitan campaign, and was with Decatur in the Intrepid, when the latter blew up the Philadelphia. He was made a lieutenant in February, 1807, and a master-commandant in July, 1813. He defeated the British squadron, commanded by Commodore George Downie, on Lake Champlain, September 11, 1814, for which victory he received the thanks of Congress and a gold medal, and was promoted to the rank of (p. 190) captain. He commanded the Mediterranean squadron for several years, and died at sea, November 18, 1825, of consumption, on his homeward voyage to the United States.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to Captains Macdonough and Henley, Lieutenant Cassin, etc._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
thanks of Congress be, and the same are hereby, presented to
Captain Thomas Macdonough, and through him to the officers, petty
officers, seamen, marines, and infantry serving as marines,
attached to the squadron under his command, for the decisive and
splendid victory gained on Lake Champlain, on the eleventh of
September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fourteen,
over a British squadron of superior force.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause gold medals to be struck, emblematical of the action
between the two squadrons, and to present them to Captain
Macdonough and Captain Robert Henley, and also to Lieutenant
Stephen Cassin, in such a manner as may be most honourable to
them; and that the President be further requested to present a
silver medal,[90] with suitable emblems and devices, to each of
the commissioned officers of the navy and army serving on board,
and a sword to each of the midshipmen and sailing-masters, who so
nobly distinguished themselves in that memorable conflict.

[Footnote 90: The silver medals are copies of the
one in gold given to Captain Macdonough.]

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to present a silver medal, with like emblems and devices, to the
nearest male relative of Lieutenant Peter Gamble, and of
Lieutenant John Stansbury, and to communicate to them the deep
regret which Congress feel for the loss of those gallant men,
whose names ought to live in the recollection and affection of a
grateful country.

_Resolved_, That three months' pay be allowed, exclusively of the
common allowance, to all petty officers, seamen, marines, and
infantry serving as marines, who so gloriously supported the
honour of the American flag on that memorable day.

Approved October 20, 1814.

_____

_Resolution of Congress Complimentary to Lieutenant Silas Duncan._

_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States in Congress assembled_: That the provisions of the
joint resolutions of Congress passed October twentieth, eighteen
hundred and fourteen, entitled "Resolution expressive of the
sense of Congress of the gallant conduct of Captain Thomas
Macdonough, the officers, seamen and marines, and infantry (p. 191)
serving as marines on board of the United States squadron on Lake
Champlain," be so construed and extended as to include the names
of Silas Duncan, a lieutenant in the Navy of the United States,
in testimony of the sense which is entertained by both houses of
Congress of the distinguished gallantry and good conduct of the
said Lieutenant Duncan, in an action with the enemy's forces on
the sixth of September, eighteen hundred and fourteen, on the
same lake.

Approved May 13th, 1826.

_____

_Captain Macdonough to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honorable United States Ship Saratoga,
William JONES, Off Plattsburgh, September 11th, 1814.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: The Almighty has been pleased to grant us a signal victory
on Lake Champlain, in the capture of one frigate, one brig, and
two sloops-of-war of the enemy.

I have the honor to be, &c.
T. MACDONOUGH.

_____

_Captain Macdonough to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honorable Ship Saratoga,
William JONES, Plattsburgh Bay, September 13th, 1814.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: I have the honour to give you the particulars of the action
which took place on the 11th instant, on this lake.

For several days the enemy were on their way to Plattsburgh by
land and water, and it being well understood that an attack would
be made at the same time by their land and naval forces, I
determined to await, at anchor, the approach of the latter.

At 8 A.M. the look-out boat announced the approach of the enemy.
At 9, he anchored in a line ahead, at about 300 yards distance
from my line; his ship was opposed to the Saratoga, his brig to
the Eagle, Captain Robert Henley, his gallies, thirteen in
number, to the schooner, the sloop, and a division of our
gallies, one of his sloops assisting their ship and brig, the
other assisting their gallies. Our remaining gallies, with the
Saratoga and Eagle.

In this situation, the whole force on both sides became engaged,
the Saratoga suffering much, from the heavy fire of the
Confiance. I could perceive at the same time, however, that our
fire was very destructive to her. The Ticonderoga, Lieutenant
Commandant Cassin, gallantly sustained her full share of the
action. At half-past 10 o'clock, the Eagle not being able to
bring her guns to bear, cut her cable, and anchored in a more (p. 192)
eligible position, between my ship and the Ticonderoga, where
she very much annoyed the enemy, but unfortunately, leaving me
exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's brig. Our guns on the
starboard side being nearly all dismounted, or not manageable, a
stern anchor was let go, the bower cut, and the ship winded with
a fresh broadside on the enemy's ship, which soon after
surrendered. Our broadside was then sprung to bear on the brig,
which surrendered in about 15 minutes after.

The sloop that was opposed to the Eagle had struck some time
before, and drifted down the line; the sloop which was with their
gallies having struck also. Three of their gallies are said to be
sunk, the others pulled off. Our gallies were about obeying with
alacrity the signal to follow them, when all the vessels were
reported to me to be in a sinking state. It then became necessary
to annul the signal to the gallies, and order their men to the
pumps. I could only look at the enemy's gallies going off in a
shattered condition, for there was not a mast in either squadron
that could stand to make sail on; the lower rigging being nearly
shot away, hung down as though it had been just placed over mast
heads.

The Saratoga had 55 round shot in her hull, the Confiance 105.
The enemy's shot passed principally just over our heads, as there
were not 20 whole hammocks in the nettings after the close of the
action, which lasted, without intermission, two hours and twenty
minutes.

The absence and sickness of Lieutenant Raymond Perry left me
without the services of that excellent officer; much ought fairly
to be attributed to him for his great care and attention in
disciplining the ship's crew, as her first lieutenant. His place
was filled by a gallant young officer, Lieutenant Peter Gamble,
who, I regret to inform you, was killed early in the action.
Acting-lieutenant Vallette worked the first and second division
of guns with able effect. Sailing-master Brum's attention to the
springs, and in the execution of the order to wind the ship, and
occasionally at the guns, met my entire approbation; also Captain
Youngs, commanding the acting marines, who took his men to the
guns. Mr. Beale, purser, was of great service at the guns, and in
carrying my orders throughout the ship, with Midshipman
Montgomery. Master's mate Joshua Justin had command of the third
division; his conduct during the action was that of a brave
officer. Midshipmen Monteath, Graham, Williamson, Platt, Thwing,
and Acting-Midshipman Baldwin all behaved well, and gave evidence
of their making valuable officers. The Saratoga was twice set on
fire by hot shot from the enemy's ship.

I close, Sir, this communication with feelings of gratitude for
the able support I received from every officer and man attached
to the squadron which I have the honour to command.

I have the honour to be, &c.,
T. MACDONOUGH.

No. 35. (p. 193) PLATE XXXVI.

_September 11, 1814._

Rob. Henley Eagle præfect. palma virtu per æternit. florebit.
[Rx]. Uno latere percusso. alterum impavide vertit.

CAPTAIN ROBERT HENLEY.

[_Victory of Lake Champlain._]

ROB. HENLEY EAGLE PRÆFECT. PALMA VIRTU. PER ÆTERNIT. FLOREBIT. (_Robertus Henley, Eagle præfectus; palma virtutis per æternitatem florebit: Robert Henley, commander of the Eagle. The palm of bravery will flourish forever._) Bust of Captain Henley, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

UNO LATERE PERCUSSO. ALTERUM IMPAVIDE VERTIT. (_Beaten on one side, he fearlessly turns the other._) Naval action on Lake Champlain, between the United States fleet, carrying eighty-six guns, under Captain Macdonough, and the British fleet, with ninety-five guns, commanded by Commodore Downie. To the right the city of Plattsburgh in flames. Exergue: INTER CLASS. AMERI. ET BRIT. DIE XI SEPT. MDCCCXIIII. (_Inter classim Americanam et Britannicam, die 11 Septembris, 1814: Between the American and British fleets, September 11, 1814._) On the platform, FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).[91]

[Footnote 91: The resolution of Congress voting
this medal, and the official reports of the victory
on Lake Champlain, are given under No. 34, page
189.]

ROBERT HENLEY was born in James City County, Virginia, January 5, (p. 194) 1783. He entered the navy as a midshipman in 1799, and was on board of the Constellation, under Captain Truxtun, during her combat with La Vengeance; he was a lieutenant in 1807; a commander August 12, 1814; obtained the Eagle, and was second in command to Macdonough in his victory on lake Champlain, September 11, 1814, receiving for his conduct on that occasion the thanks of Congress and a gold medal. He was appointed captain, March 3, 1825; served in the home squadron and in the West Indies, and died on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, October 7, 1828.

No. 36. (p. 195) PLATE XXXVII.

_September 11, 1814._

Step. Cassin Ticonderoga præfect. Quæ regio in terris nos. non
plena lab. [Rx]. Uno latere percusso. alterum impavide vertit.

LIEUTENANT STEPHEN CASSIN.

[_Victory of Lake Champlain._]

STEP. CASSIN TICONDEROGA PRÆFECT. QUÆ REGIO IN TERRIS NOS. NON PLENA LAB.[92] (_Stephanus Cassin, Ticonderoga præfectus. Quæ regio in terris nostri non plena laboris: Stephen Cassin, commander of the Ticonderoga. What region of the earth is not full of our works._) Bust of Lieutenant Cassin, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

[Footnote 92: Virgil, Æneid, Book I, 464.]

UNO LATERE PERCUSSO. ALTERUM IMPAVIDE VERTIT. (_Beaten on one side, he fearlessly turns the other._) Naval action on Lake Champlain, between the United States fleet, carrying eighty-six guns, under the command of Captain Macdonough, and the British fleet, with ninety-five guns, commanded by Commodore Downie. To the right the city of Plattsburgh in flames. Exergue: INTER CLASS. AMERI. ET BRIT. DIE XI SEPT. MDCCCXIIII. (_Inter classim Americanam et Britannicam, die 11 Septembris, 1814: Between the American and British fleets, September 11, 1814._) On the platform, FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).[93]

[Footnote 93: The resolution of Congress voting
this medal, and the official reports of the action
on Lake Champlain, are given under No. 34, page
189.]

STEPHEN CASSIN was born in Philadelphia, February 16, 1783. He (p. 196) entered the navy as a midshipman in 1800, served in the Tripolitan campaign, and became a lieutenant in 1807. He commanded the Ticonderoga in Macdonough's victory on Lake Champlain, September 11, 1814, and for his conduct on that occasion was promoted to the rank of master, and received a vote of thanks and a gold medal from Congress. He was made captain, March 3, 1825, commanded for some time the navy yard at Washington, District of Columbia, and died there, April 29, 1857.

No. 37. (p. 197) PLATE XXXVIII.

_March 29, 1814._

Ludovicus Warrington dux navalis Ameri. [Rx]. Pro patria paratus
aut vincere aut mori.

CAPTAIN LEWIS WARRINGTON.

[_Capture of the Épervier._]

LUDOVICUS WARRINGTON DUX NAVALIS AMERI. (_Americanus_) (_Lewis Warrington, American naval commander._) Bust of Captain Warrington, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

PRO PATRIA PARATUS AUT VINCERE AUT MORI. (_Prepared to conquer or die for his country._) Naval action between the United States sloop-of-war Peacock, of eighteen guns, Captain Warrington, and the British brig-of-war Épervier, of eighteen guns, Captain Wales; the Peacock, to leeward, is firing her port broadside. The Épervier has lost her main-topmast Exergue: INTER PEACOCK NAV. AMERI ET EPERVIE (_sic_) NAV. ANG. DIE XXIX MAR. MDCCCXIV. (_Inter Peacock navem Americanam et Épervier navem Anglicanam, die 29 Martii, 1814: Between the American vessel Peacock and the English vessel Épervier, March 29, 1814._) FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

LEWIS WARRINGTON was born in Williamsburgh, Virginia, November 3, 1782. He entered the navy as a midshipman in 1800, and served under Commodore Preble in the Tripolitan campaign; was lieutenant, 1807; and master-commandant, 1813. He sailed from New York in March, 1814, (p. 198) in command of the sloop-of-war Peacock, and on the 29th of the same month took the British brig-of-war Épervier, Captain Wales, for which gallant deed he received the thanks of Congress and a gold medal. He was promoted to the rank of captain in November of the same year, and subsequently served on the Naval Board. In 1842 he became chief of the ordnance and hydrographic bureau of the Navy Department, in which capacity he died in Washington, October 12, 1851.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain Warrington, etc._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States be requested to present to Captain
Lewis Warrington, of the sloop-of-war Peacock, a gold medal, with
suitable emblems and devices, and a silver medal,[94] with like
emblems and devices, to each of the commissioned officers, and a
sword to each of the midshipmen, and to the sailing-master of
said vessel, in testimony of the high sense entertained by
Congress of the gallantry and good conduct of the officers and
crew, in the action with the British brig Épervier, on the 29th
day of April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and
fourteen, in which action the decisive effect and great
superiority of the American gunnery were so signally displayed.

[Footnote 94: The silver medals are copies of the
one in gold to Captain Warrington.]

Approved October 21, 1814.

_____

_Captain Warrington to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honourable United States sloop Peacock, at sea,
William JONES, Latitude 27° 47´, longitude 89°.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. April 29th, 1814.

Sir: I have the honour to inform you that we have this morning
captured, after an action of 42 minutes, His Majesty's brig
Épervier, Captain Wales, rating and mounting 18 thirty-two pound
carronades, with 128 men, of whom 8 were killed and 15 wounded,
according to the best information we could obtain. Among the
latter is her first lieutenant, who has lost an arm, and received
a severe splinter wound in the hip. Not a man in the Peacock (p. 199)
was killed, and only two wounded, neither dangerously so.
The fate of the Épervier would have been determined in much less
time, but for the circumstance of our fore-yard being totally
disabled by two round shots in the starboard quarter from her
first broadside, which entirely deprived us of the use of our
fore and fore-top sails, and compelled us to keep the ship large
throughout the remainder of the action. This, with a few top-mast
and top-gallant back-stays cut away, a few shots through our
sails, is the only injury the Peacock has sustained. Not a round
shot touched our hull; our masts and spars are as sound as ever.
When the enemy struck he had five feet water in his hold, his
main top-mast was over the side, his main-boom shot away, his
fore-mast cut nearly in two and tottering, his fore rigging and
stays shot away, his bowsprit badly wounded, and forty-five shot
holes in his hull, twenty of which were within a foot of his
water line. By great exertion we got her in sailing order just as
dark came on.

In fifteen minutes after the enemy struck, the Peacock was ready
for another action, in every respect but her fore-yard, which was
sent down, finished and had the fore-sail set again in forty-five
minutes: such was the spirit and activity of our gallant crew.
The Épervier had under her convoy an English hermaphrodite brig,
a Russian and a Spanish ship, which all hauled their wind, and
stood to the east-northeast. I had determined upon pursuing the
former, but found that it would not answer to leave our prize in
her then crippled state, and the more particularly so, as we
found she had in her $120,000 in specie, which we soon
transferred to this sloop. Every officer, seaman, and marine did
his duty, which is the highest compliment I can pay them.

I am, respectfully,
L. WARRINGTON.

No. 38. (p. 200) PLATE XXXIX.

_June 28, 1814._

Johnston Blakeley Reip. Fæd. Am. nav. Wasp dux. [Rx]. Eheu! bis
victor patria tua te luget plauditq.

CAPTAIN JOHNSTON BLAKELEY.

[_Capture of the Reindeer._]

JOHNSTON BLAKELEY REIP. FÆD. AM. NAV. WASP DUX. (_Johnston Blakeley, Reipublicæ Fæderatæ Americanæ navis Wasp dux: Johnston Blakeley, Captain of the American Federal Republic's vessel Wasp._) Bust of Captain Blakeley, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

EHEU! BIS VICTOR PATRIA TUA TE LUGET PLAUDITQ. (_Plauditque_) (_Alas! twice conqueror, thy country laments and applauds thee._) Naval action between the United States sloop-of-war Wasp, of eighteen guns, Captain Blakeley, and the British sloop-of-war Reindeer, of eighteen guns, Captain Manners; the Wasp, to windward, is firing her port broadside. The British vessel is striking her colors. Exergue: INTER WASP NAV. AMERI. ET REINDEER NAV. ANG. DIE XXVIII JUNIUS (_sic_) MDCCCXIV. (_Inter Wasp navem Americanam et Reindeer navem Anglicanam, die 28 Junius, 1814: Between the American vessel Wasp and the English vessel Reindeer, June 28, 1814._) On the platform, FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

JOHNSTON BLAKELEY was born at Seaford, County Down, Ireland, (p. 201) October, 1781. He was brought, when very young, to North Carolina, where his parents settled, and where they died while he was still a child. He entered the navy as a midshipman, February 5, 1800, and served under Commodore Preble in the Tripolitan campaign. In 1813, when a lieutenant, he commanded the Enterprize, and in the same year became master-commandant of the sloop-of-war Wasp, with which, on June 28, 1814, he took the British sloop-of-war Reindeer, Commander William Manners. For this memorable action Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. He afterward cruised off the coast of France, and was lost at sea in the Wasp, of which no news has ever been received.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolution of Congress Voting Medals to Captain Blakeley, etc._

_Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the
President of the United States be requested to present to Captain
Johnston Blakeley, of the sloop Wasp, a gold medal, with suitable
devices, and a silver medal,[95] with like devices, to each of
the commissioned officers, and also a sword to each of the
midshipmen, and the sailing-master of the aforesaid vessel, in
testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of the
gallantry and good conduct of the officers and crew, in the
action with the British sloop-of-war Reindeer, on the
twenty-eighth of June, in the year one thousand eight hundred and
fourteen; in which action determined bravery and cool
intrepidity, in nineteen minutes, obtained a decisive victory by
boarding.

[Footnote 95: The silver medals are copies of the
medal in gold to Captain Blakeley.]

Approved November 3, 1814.

_____

_Captain Blakeley to the Secretary of the Navy._

To the Honourable United States Ship Wasp,
William JONES L'Orient, July 8th, 1814.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.

Sir: On Tuesday, the 28th instant, being then in latitude 48°
36´, north, and longitude 11° 15´ west, we fell in with, engaged,
and after an action of nineteen minutes, captured His (p. 202)
Britannic Majesty's sloop-of-war the Reindeer, William Manners,
Esquire, commander.

Where all did their duty and each appeared anxious to excel, it
is very difficult to discriminate. It is, however, only rendering
them their merited due, when it is declared of Lieutenants Reily
and Bury, 1st and 3d of this vessel, and whose names will be
found among those of the conquerors of the Guerrière and Java;
and of Mr. Tillinghast, 2d lieutenant, who was greatly
instrumental in the capture of the Boxer; that their conduct and
courage on this occasion fulfilled my highest expectations and
gratified every wish. Sailing-master Carr is also entitled to
great credit for the zeal and ability with which he discharged
his various duties.

The cool and patient conduct of every officer and man, while
exposed to the fire of the shifting gun of the enemy, and without
an opportunity of returning it, could only be equalled by the
animation and ardour exhibited when actually engaged, or by the
promptitude and firmness with which every attempt of the enemy to
board was met and successfully repelled. Such conduct may be
seen, but cannot well be described.

The Reindeer mounted sixteen 24 pound carronades, two long 6 or 9
pounders, and a shifting 12 pound carronade, with a complement
(on board) of 118 men. Her crew were said to be the pride of
Plymouth.

Our loss in men has been severe, owing in part to the proximity
of the two vessels and the extreme smoothness of the sea, but
chiefly in repelling boarders. That of the enemy, however, was
infinitely more so, as will be seen by the list of killed and
wounded on both sides.

Six round shot struck our hull, and many grape which did not
penetrate far. The fore-mast received a 24 pound shot, which
passed through its centre, and our rigging and sails were a good
deal injured.

The Reindeer was literally cut to pieces in a line with her
ports; her upper works, boats and spare spars, were one complete
wreck. A breeze springing up next afternoon, her fore-mast went
by the board.

Having received all the prisoners on board, which from the number
of wounded occupied much time, together with their baggage, the
Reindeer was on the evening of the 29th, set on fire, and in a
few hours blew up.

I have the honour to be, etc.,
J. BLAKELEY.

_Killed and Wounded._ The loss on board the Reindeer was 25
killed and 42 wounded, total 67. On board the Wasp, 5 killed and
21 wounded, principally in boarding; among the latter, midshipmen
Langdon and Toscan, both of whom expired some days after the
action.

No. 39. (p. 203) PLATE XL.

_July 5 and 25, and September 17, 1814._

Major General Jacob Brown. [Rx]. Resolution of Congress November
3. 1814.

MAJOR-GENERAL JACOB BROWN.

[_Victories of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie._]

MAJOR GENERAL JACOB BROWN. Bust of General Brown, in uniform, facing the right. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS NOVEMBER 3. 1814. In the center of a trophy, composed of the enemy's arms and flags, are the Roman fasces, emblem of the strength and of the union of America. The fasces are surrounded by a crown of laurel, from which hang three cartoons, each bearing the name of one of the three victories: "NIAGARA" "ERIE" "CHIPPEWA". At the foot of the trophy the American eagle, with outspread wings, holds in its talons a British standard. Exergue: BATTLES OF CHIPPEWA. JULY 5. 1814. NIAGARA. JULY 25. 1814. ERIE. SEP. (_September_) 17. 1814. FÜRST. F. (_fecit_).

JACOB BROWN was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, May 9, 1775. He began life as a school teacher, and afterward became a land surveyor in Ohio. He removed to Jefferson County, New York, in 1799; was made a colonel of New York militia, 1809; a brigadier-general of the same, 1810; and distinguished himself by his defence of Sackett's Harbor, May 29, 1813. He was appointed a brigadier-general in the United (p. 204) States army, July 19, 1813; major-general, January 24, 1814; and, in the same year, commander-in-chief on the Canada frontier. In this capacity he won the battles of Chippewa, July 5; Niagara, July 25; and Erie, September 17. For these victories Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. He became commander-in-chief of the army in 1821, and died at head-quarters in Washington, February 24, 1828.

_____

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.

_Resolutions of Congress Voting Medals to Generals Brown, Scott, Porter, Gaines, Macomb, Ripley, and Miller._

_Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled_: That the thanks
of Congress be, and they are hereby, presented to Major General
Brown, and through him, to the officers and men of the regular
army, and of the militia under his command, for their gallantry
and good conduct in the successive battles of Chippewa, Niagara,
and Erie, in Upper Canada, in which British veteran troops were
beaten and repulsed by equal or inferior numbers; and that the
President of the United States be requested to cause a gold medal
to be struck, emblematical of these triumphs, and presented to
Major-General Brown.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause a gold medal to be struck, with suitable emblems and
devices, and presented to Major-General Scott, in testimony of
the high sense entertained by Congress of his distinguished
services in the successive conflicts of Chippewa and Niagara, and
of his uniform gallantry and good conduct in sustaining the
reputation of the arms of the United States.

_Resolved_, That the President of the United States be requested
to cause gold medals to be struck, with suitable emblems and
devices, and presented to Brigadier-General Ripley,
Brigadier-General Miller, and Major-General Porter, in testimony
of the high sense entertained by Congress of their gallantry and
good conduct in the several conflicts of Chippewa, Niagara, and
Erie.

_Resolved_, That the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby,
presented to Major-General Gaines, and through him to the
officers and men under his command, for their gallantry and good
conduct in defeating the enemy at Erie on the fifteenth of (p. 205)
August, repelling with great slaughter the attack of a British
veteran army, superior in numbers; and that the President of the
United States be requested to cause a gold medal to be struck,
emblematical of this triumph, and presented to Major-General
Gaines.

_Resolved_, That the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby,
presented to Major-General Macomb, and through him to the
officers and men of the regular army under his command, and to
the militia and volunteers of New York and Vermont, for their
gallantry and good conduct, in defeating the enemy at Plattsburgh
on the eleventh of September, repelling with one thousand five
hundred men, aided by a body of militia and volunteers from New
York and Vermont, a British veteran army, greatly superior in
number; and that the President of the United States be requested
to cause a gold medal to be struck, emblematical of this triumph,
and presented to Major-General Macomb.

Approved November 3, 1814.

_____

_Major-General Brown to the Secretary of War._

To the Honourable Head Quarters, Chippewa Plains,
John ARMSTRONG, July 7th, 1814.
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

Sir: On the 2d instant I issued my order for crossing the Niagara
river, and made the arrangements deemed necessary for securing
the garrison of Fort Erie. On the 3d that post surrendered at 5
P.M. Our loss in this affair was four of the 25th regiment,
under Major Jessup, of Brigadier-General Scott's brigade,
wounded. I have enclosed a return of the prisoners, of the
ordnance and ordnance stores captured.

To secure my rear, I have placed a garrison in this fort, and
requested Captain Kennedy to station his vessels near the post.