Stephen Champlin-- Part 11: Going After the British

"We were now reinforced by the arrival of Captain Elliot with several officers and about  ninety men most   of whom he took on board the Niagara, which ship was manned by more experienced, and consequently much better sailors, than the Lawrence.  The crew of the Lawrence was made up principally of ordinary seamen  and volunteers, many of whom were on the sick list.

"On the 12th of August, we sailed for the head of the lake.  On the arrival of the fleet at Sandusky, I was ordered by Commodore Perry to pass up between Sandusky and Put-In-Bay, as a lookout, and if the enemy hove in sight, to make a signal by hoisting an ensign.

"Soon after passing the point, I discovered  a schooner lying at anchor in Put-In-Bay.  I made the signal and gave chase, followed by the whole fleet.  But darkness and a severe gale compelled us to come to an anchor, to prevent going ashore.  The enemy's schooner was driven ashore by the gale."

--Brock-Perry