JFK+50: Volume 6, No. 2065
CAPTAIN PERRY DEFEATS THE BRITISH ON LAKE ERIE
Lake Erie (JFK+50) Two centuries and three years ago today, September 10, 1813, Oliver Hazard Perry* led a squadron of nine ships to victory over six British ships in the Battle of Lake Erie.
During the battle, however, Captain Perry's flagship, Lawrence, was badly damaged forcing him to transfer to the Niagara.
Twenty-seven American sailors were killed in the battle with 96 more wounded. The British lost forty dead and ninety-four wounded.
After the battle, Captain Perry sent the following message to General William Henry Harrison...
"We have met the enemy they are ours, two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop."
The battle marked the first time in history that an entire British naval squadron had surrendered. Also, the British were forced to abandon Detroit as a result of the American victory, an important outcome in the War of 1812.
*Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819) was born in South Kingstown, RI & educated in Newport. He became a midshipman in the US Navy at age 13. His father was a captain who commanded the USS General Greene.
OHP also served on the USS Constitution and USS Essex. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Jan 6, 1814. OHP died of complications of yellow fever at age 34.
Battle of Lake Erie
CAPTAIN PERRY DEFEATS THE BRITISH ON LAKE ERIE
Lake Erie (JFK+50) Two centuries and three years ago today, September 10, 1813, Oliver Hazard Perry* led a squadron of nine ships to victory over six British ships in the Battle of Lake Erie.
During the battle, however, Captain Perry's flagship, Lawrence, was badly damaged forcing him to transfer to the Niagara.
Twenty-seven American sailors were killed in the battle with 96 more wounded. The British lost forty dead and ninety-four wounded.
After the battle, Captain Perry sent the following message to General William Henry Harrison...
"We have met the enemy they are ours, two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop."
The battle marked the first time in history that an entire British naval squadron had surrendered. Also, the British were forced to abandon Detroit as a result of the American victory, an important outcome in the War of 1812.
*Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819) was born in South Kingstown, RI & educated in Newport. He became a midshipman in the US Navy at age 13. His father was a captain who commanded the USS General Greene.
OHP also served on the USS Constitution and USS Essex. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Jan 6, 1814. OHP died of complications of yellow fever at age 34.
Battle of Lake Erie
September 10, 1913
Painting by
Edward Percy Moran
Library of Congress
