nt bank of the
river, roused the British officers in the fort, and the guns were soon
trained on the receding vessels. Some field-batteries galloped along
the bank, and soon had their guns in a position whence they could pour
a deadly fire upon the Americans. Nor did the spectators on the New
York side of the river escape unharmed; for the first shot, fired by
the field-battery missed the brigs, but crossed the river and struck
down an American officer. Almost unmanageable in the swift current and
light wind, the two brigs seemed for a time in danger of recapture.
The "Caledonia" was run ashore under the guns of an American battery;
but the "Detroit," after being relieved of the prisoners, and deserted
by her captors, was beached at a point within range of the enemy's
fire. The British made several determined attempts to recapture her,
but were beaten off; and, after a day's fighting around the vessel,
she was set on fire and burned to the water's edge. The "Caledonia,"
however, remained to the Americans, and some months later did good
service against her former owners.

It was shortly after this occurrence that Lieut. Perry offered his
services for the lakes; and four months later he received a letter
from Chauncey, saying, "You are the very person that I want for a
particular service, in which you may gain reputation for yourself, and
honor for your country." This letter was quickly followed by orders
from the Secretary of the Navy to report at once for duty to Chauncey
at Sackett's Harbor. Perry was overjoyed. The dull monotony of his
duties at Newport suited little his ardent nature. He longed for
active service, and an opportunity to win distinction. His opportunity
had at last come; and twenty hours after the receipt of his orders, he
and his thirteen-year-old brother were seated in a sleigh and fairly
started on the long drive across the country. Travelling was a serious
matter in those days, and the journey from Newport to Sackett's Harbor
required twelve days.

On his arrival, Perry found that the special service for which he was
needed was the command of a naval force on Lake Erie. He stopped but a
short time at Sackett's Harbor, and then pressed on to Erie, the base
of the naval operations on the lake of the same name. It was late in
March when Perry arrived; and the signs of spring already showed that
soon the lake would be clear of ice, and the struggle for its control
recommence. The young lieutenant was