Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-09-16
Our Scrip Book
MEMORABLE EVENTS.

AAAASAsTh0AA ~ 49, 4
The following events, so memorable
in the history Of our country occurred
the 10th and 18th of September. 1881
and 1914.
While the navy was winning glorious
laurels on the ocean, through the exer-
tions Of Commodore Perrs. 4 squadron
had been fitted out on Lake Erie. It'll
consisted of nine vessels. carrying fifty
four guns. The English squadron which
had been built and equipped, under dlrec-
ton of Commodore Barclay. consisted
of six ships, carrying sixty three guns.
On the 10th Of September, 1918, Com.
Perry, forming the line Of battle. hoisted
his fighting flag, on whic were inscribed
the dying words Of the gallant Law
renee, Don't give up the ship" At IL,
the enemy's flag ship, Queen Charlotte,
opened a heavy fire on the Lawrence, the
flag ship Of Perry. The wind was sol
light that hone of the other~ships-could
come to the assistance Of the Lawrence.
and for two and q half hours she sustain
ed the fire of the Detroit, Queen Char
lotte, and Hunter.
Perry was as cool as if on ordinary
duty, working with his own hands at the
guns. But by this tnkkthe brig had be
come unmanageable. and the crew, with
the exception of four or five, lay around
the bloody deck, either dead or dying
While thus surrounded, with death and
destruction pouring in upon him, Perry,
taking his fighting flag under his arm,
and waving his sword, left his now disa
bled ship, and proceeded in an open boat
to the Niagara. The combat now ragged
with redoubled fury. Broadside after
broadside was poured into the English
ships, with unerring aim. Soon one of
the enemy's vessels surrendered and
still Perry followed up his victory, until
his flag waved in triumph over all. At
4 o'clock the victorious and fortunate
Perry sent to General Harrison, at Fort
Meigs, this modest and laconie epistle.
We have met the enemy, and they are
ours"
The news Of this brilliant victory was
received with great joy by the nation
fIt had been gained over a superior force,
and opened a passage to the recovery of
all that had been lost by the surrender of
Hull. Not only Perry, but all under his
command, gained %laurels Of which they
might well be proud.
On the 18th of September, 1874, the
British squadron was seen bearing down
upon the American squadron, which was
anchored off Plattsburg, and commanded
by Com. McDonough. Tue former car
ried IS guns, and was manned with 1850
men ; the latter carried sc guns, and was
manned with 800 men.
The battle commenced at 9 O'Clock, and
continued for a number Of hours. Seldom
had the ocean witnessed a more bloody
or terrible contest than that which took
place On the still waters of Lake Cham
plain. Two hostile fleets, borne on the
bosom Of that placid lake, awakening the
deep echoes Of those giant hills by the
roar of their artillery, as they poured
their broadsides into each other, in quick
succession, and the immense army of Sir.
George Provost, drawn up in order Of.
battle, waiting for the striking Of the
American flag. to open their fire on land,
presented q sublime scene.
Thousands on the shore watched the
contest with intense interest. The firing
at length ceased a light breeze swept
away the sulphurous cloud which over
hung the contestants when 10, the stars
wave,in triumph, and the red cross of
England lies on the bloody deck. Now,
Sir George Provost, look at your hum
bled flag, and then for your contest with
the cowardly Yankees. Boldly he led on
his forces to the rivers edge, but they
marched to death. The American FIRE
thinned his ranks, and the dead bodies of
his troops aoated down the river, which
was crimsoned with blood.
The contest continued until night-fall,
when the enemy fed. On the lake, the
American loss-#a%z1Q. the British 1914.
On land the American loss was 119, that
of the British $500,