n in
the navy. His first position was that of a midshipman on the sloop of
war _General Greene_, in 1798. The first action that he saw was against
the Barbary pirates. In this war he secured the affection and respect of
the officers and men in the squadron.

In 1810 he was a lieutenant-commandant in the schooner _Revenge_. This
vessel was attached to the squadron under Commodore Rodgers, and was
employed in Long Island Sound to uphold the embargo which the United
States had at that time put upon trade with England and France.

Shortly after, the war with England began. Perry was placed in command
of a flotilla at Newport, but was not pleased with this commission, and
begged to be ordered to Lake Ontario. His wish was granted, and he and
his men--who eagerly volunteered to go with him--re-inforced Commodore
Chauncey on the Great Lakes.

When he arrived at Lake Ontario, however, Chauncey ordered Perry to Lake
Erie to superintend the building of vessels. The English had a powerful
force on the Great Lakes and the United States wanted to build
sufficient ships to meet them. Perry worked hard, and on August 4, 1813,
he got his squadron into the deep waters of Lake Erie. This squadron
consisted of three brigs, five schooners, and one sloop. On the 10th of
September Perry met the British fleet with Captain Robert H. Barclay in
command in the Battle of Put-in Bay. This was the great fight of Perry's
life, and he fought it with skill, bravery and perseverance.

The effects of this victory were felt all over the United States.
National pride was kindled and the people celebrated the victory with
enthusiasm. In reward Perry was made a captain in the navy and received
the thanks of Congress.

However, the gallant officer did not rest upon his laurels, and, seeing
no more hostile fleets to conquer, offered himself as aid to General
Harrison, who was then pursuing the British, and took part in the Battle
of Moravian Town on October 5th. When Virginia and Maryland were invaded
by the English, under General Ross and Admiral Cockburn, Perry had a
command on the Potomac.

At the end of the War of 1812 Captain Perry took command of the _Java_,
a frigate of the first class, and sailed with Commodore Stephen Decatur
to punish the Dey of Algiers, who had plundered the commerce of the
United States when this country was busy during the war of 1812. This
expedition, which reached the Mediterranean in June, 1815, was
successful, and Perr