Stephen Champlin and the Battle of Lake Erie-- Part 13: The Battle Begins

"About 12 o'clock the enemy commenced action by throwing a 24 pound shot at the Lawrence.  At this time the Scorpion was hailed and directed to return the fire with her long guns.  The second shot from the Detroit passed through both bulwarks of the Lawrence, and the fire was immediately returned, and kept up in a most gallant style, followed by the Caledonia, under command of Lieutenant Turner, and supported by the Ariel, Lieutenant Packet, and the Scorpion, ahead upon her weatherbow.

""The Queen Charlotte made sail and closed up with the Detroit, shortly after the action commenced, and directed her fire at the Lawrence.  It seemed to be the enemy's plan to destroy the commodore's ship (the Lawrence), and then cut up the fleet in detail..

"For this purpose, their heaviest fire was directed at the Lawrence.  Commodore Perry made every effort to close with the enemy, but the tremendous fire to which he was exposed cut away every brace and bowline, and soon rendered the Lawrence unmanageable."

--Brock-Perry