The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-06-22
MISCELLANY.
fSom tLe .aNsLE CTIC JE4C.aZIA.E.
ANECDOTES

numbers killed * Wounded; but when particu-
ars are given US, when the imminent risks, or
piteous disasters Of individuals are detaied,we
fancy ourselves in their situation, and in a
manner mngle personally in the conflict. A
mere outline of the battle of Erie was given
some time since in the biography of commo-
lore Perry since then, several circumstan-
:cs have reached US, which give more vivid
dca of the nature of the fight, and show the
ncessant and thickening perils, with which
hat young officer was surrounded.
II was his lot repeatedly 10 see men swept
lway from his side some even while convers-
ng with him. One of these instances displays
he coolness and presence OF mind that pre-
Failed among the officers, and indeed through
,ut the ship, enabling them even to jest with
present dangers. The second lieutenant OF
he Lawrence, while standing beside corntno-
lore Perry, was struck in the breast by chain
shot. The shot having passed through the
,uwark had no other effect than TO knock him
Town and lodged in the bosom OF his waiscoat,
he fell with an exclamation, and remained
or moment stunned by the violence OF the
,iow--Pcrry raised him up, and seeing no
mark ofa wound, gave him some cheering
words and told him he coulD not be Hurt
The lieutenant coming to himself, put his
land in his bosom, pulled out the shot, and
.xclaiming 4" no, sir, but this is my shot,
hrust 1t with great sang froid into his pocket
In the course of the action Perry noticed
,rime and favorite sailor, who was captain of
me Of the guns, very much embarrassed with
lis piece, which in consequence OF the fire.
ock being broken was rather unmanagable
md rebounded. Perry approached him, and
his usual encouraging manner, asked him
...ss h.
,ad been showing signs Of Infinite vexation,
orned round, and as if speaking OF mistress,
exclaimed .cproachfully," sir, my gun behaves
hamefulIy, ,shamefully !" lie then lcvellcd,an
,aving taken aim, raised up and squared him
elf in fine martial style, when suddenly
aunon bail struck him IN the breast, passed
hrough him, and he fell dead without a groan.
Lieutenant Yarnall, of the Lawrence, be-
'aved throughou, with great bravery and cool
css. He was dressed as common seaman,
red bandanna handkerchief was tied round
is neck, and another round his head TO stanch
wo wounds which he had received. From
lese the blood tr,ckled down his face, and
,plio'er having passed through his nose it had
yelled TO hideous magnitude. In this
ightiui plight, looking like the very genius
[ carnage and i'll luck, he came up to Perry,
lnouncing to him that all the officers of his
vision were Killed. Perry ordered others in
leir place,--Shortly after, Yarnell returned
i,h repe,lion of the dismal ,idings that all
,e officers were shot down Then, sir, said
crry, who must endcavor tomake out by your
If, have no more to furnish you.
One circumstance which Perry relates de-
rves particular mentien. 1t has in it some
| nj scnt rne hat Ia hEc
I'd absolutely belongs 10 poetry. When in
sweeping havoc that was sometimes made,
number OF men were shot away from around
gun, the survivors looked, silently round TO
erry--and then stepped into their places.
5henever he looked at the poor fellows that
wounded and wctering on the deck, he al
ays found their faces iurned sOwards him, and
cir eyes fired on his counfenance. 1t is i'm
,ssiblc for words to heghten the simple and
rccting eloquence Of this anecdotc. 1t speaks
lumcs in praise of the he.oism Of The COM
andcr, aud the loyal affection of his follows.
When Perry went of from the Lawrence
shift his flag to the Niagara, he stood up in
Q boat gallantly waving his sword, and was
ard cheeringly to exclaim auH asyay my
ave 6oys $50 earnest was he, that though
c balls whistled around him, he could scarce
be made to take seat, and an old sailor,
10 had been in both battles of the Con,titu-
u, absolutely held him down.
Just after he had got on board the Niagara,
j was on the quarter deck, sailor who COM
'nded one of the guns, seeing aii his men
ot down, turned with easerncss to Perry,
! laying both hands upon his shoulders, ex.
lined, I" for Gods sake, sir, give me some
,re men J" Such was the viyc9 animation
lt preyailed amonu all ranks ,hev had los,
sense Of personal danger, aad thought OF
thing but victory.
When the Niagara dashed through the en-.
py's line, as he passed the Lady Provost,
Buchan, the commander Of that vessel,
shot through the face by musket bali
c vessels were then within half-pis,ol shot