Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1833-10-03


self by his bravery, he hauled down his
union, bearing the motto of Lawrence,
and taking it under his arm, ordered to
be put on board of the Niagara, which
was then in close engagement. In leav-
ing the Lawrence, he gave his pilot
choice either to remain Oh board, or to
accompany him: the faithful fellow told
him 'he'd stick by him to the last, and
jumped into the boat. The Commodore
went of from the ship in his usual gallant
manner, standing up in the stern OF the
boat, until the crew absolutely pulled him
down among them. Broadsides were
levelled at him, and small arms dischar-
ged by the enemy, two Of whose vessels
were within gun shot, and a third one
nearer. His brave ship mates who re-
mained behind, stood watching him in
breafhicss anxiety: the balls struck a
round him, and flew over his head in e.
very direction. Shortly after he left,
the Lawrence struck.
Finding the Niagara but little injured,
Com, Perry bore up, passed the whole
Squadron of the enemy, giving them a
the British Commodore. Captain Elliot
a boat and bring up the small vessels,
which had been kept astern by the light
ness of the wind; and these having, un-
der his direction, got within grape and
canister distance, and keeping up well
directed fire, the whole of the enemy
struck, excepting two small vessels,
which were taken in their attempt to es-
cape.
The engagement lasted about three
hours. The enemy bad not only great
er weight Of metal, but larger crews
in ours the want Of good seamen was
eked out with soldiers, volunteers and i
boys-however, all hands worked well
together, aud fought like heroes. There
were many also on the sick list; sixty
men in the Lawrence and Niagara were
thus unfit for duty. The loss on both
sides was severe. Scarcely any of the
Lawrence 8 crew escaped unhurt. Lieut..
Brooks of the marines, was among the
slam. Com. Perry Notwithstanding his 4
constant exposure, escaped unhurt: his ,
life was probably saved by wearing an
ordinary seaman's dress.
The situation Of the acting surgeon, I
who, without partaking in the excite
ment of attack and defence, was expos
ed to all the dangers of the action, was h
peculiarly trying; and the cool self-Dos- il
session and intrepidhy manifested by u
him on this occasion conferred upon him
u lasting honor.
"Part of the time the men fell OH n
board Of her (the Lawrence faster than l
they could be taken below. The yes c
sci being shallow built, afforded no cock /,
pit or place Of shelter for the wounded;
they were therefore received on the ward
room floor, which was on level with the
surface Of the water. Being only nine
or ten feet square, this floor was soon !"
covered, which made it necessary to ar
pass the wounded out into another de- ri,
partment, as fast as the bleeding could in
be staunched, with ligatures or tourni- r.,
quet. Several, after receiving this treat
ment were again wounded, among whom 10
was nidshipman Lamb, who received a
cannon ball in the chest; and seaman sil
brought down with both arms fractured, lei
vas afterwards struck by cannon ball so
n both lower extremities." Jour. 3l4. Pl
The Commodore was obliged to call tn
up the last Of the men from below, who gr
we're sent to assist in moving the woun- sh
led. SIN fact many OF the wounded ar
themselves took the deck again at this &C
critical moment Our prospects never Nj
heless darkened, every new visitor from de
he deck bringing tidings still more dis ";
nal than the last, till finally it was an re
,Onnced that we had struck. The ef- mt
ect of this on the wounded was distress w
ing in the extreme: medica! aid was re- SUI
ected; and little else could be beard Sc
rom them than "sink the ship," "let us de
II sink together" But this state of de- to
pair was short" ryi
"The action terminated shortly after go
o'clock, and Of about 100 men report We
ID fit for duty in the morning, (on board it.
he Lawrence) twenty were found for
cad, and sixty-three wounded. The dia
,hole number Of wounded in the squa- an,
ron was ninety-six: but three died" ty.
One circumstance very favorable to ac,
he recovery Of so many, is justly stated cal
0 have been "the happy slute of mind She
which victory occccasioned. The obser- pei
,atiops made OH the wounded Of three TO,
are convincing that this ing
tate of mind has greater effect, than has wit
been supposed, and that the SIN
urgeon on the conquering side will, ed
ther things being equal, be more sue aw
esstul, than the one who has charge Of bal
he vanquished crew." p. 3i6. lod
The vessels Of the enemy were very Kill
nuch cut to pieces. Com. Barclay and the