The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1860-09-21


who was returning TO resume the com.
mNnd OF his tattered ship, determined that
the remnant Of her crew should have the
privilege Of Witnessing :be formal surren.
der OF the British officers. 1t was time
Of conflicting emotions when lie stepped
upon the deck. The battle was won, and
he was safe, but the deck was slippery
with blood, and strewed with bodies Of
twenty officers and men, some Of whom
eat at table with us al our last meal, and
the ship resounded with the groans Of the
wounded. Those OF us who were spared
and able TO walk, met him at the gang
way 10 welcome him on board, but the
salutation was silent one on both sides
"a grasp Of the hand-our hearts were
too full for a speech-not a word could
find utterance.
Perry walked AT, where bis first remark
was addressed 10 his intimate friend Ham.
bleton, then lying wounded on the deck
"The prayers OF my wife," said he, "have
prevailed in saving me-" Then, casting
his eyes about, he inquried-"where is
my brother ?" This brother was a
young midshipman Of thirteen years
He had during the battle acted as aid, in
running with orders TO different parts o
the ship; for you must knov that in the
din and uproar Of battle. orders can hard
ly be heard at three feet distance. We
made general stir TO look him up, not
without fears that he had been knocked
overheard. But he was soon found in
his berth asleep, exhausted Thy the exer.
else and excitement Of the day.
And now the British officers arrived
one from each vessel. 10 tender their sub
mission, and with it their swords. Wher
they approached; picking their way among
the wreck and carnage Of the deck, with
their hits toward Perry, they rendered
them 10 his acceptance. With a digHi
fed and solemn air, and with a low tone
OF voice, he requested them to retain thei
side arms inquired with deep concerr
for Com. Barclay and the wounded off
GERS rendered 10 them every comfort hi
ship afforded, and expressed his regre
that he had not n spare medical Office
TO send them ; that lie only had one Of
duty for the fleet, and that one had hi
hands full.
In few days the two Commodore
parted, never more,,to meet each other
nor with General Harrison. Tokens anC
messages Of friendship however, wer'
often interchanged between them.
Perry served two years as Commodor,
OF the Java, taking with him the survivors
Of the flag. ship Lawrence. He after thi
commanded squadron in the Yves
Indies, W ere he died of fever in 1919
Possessed Of high toned morals, he wa
above the dissipation and sensuality prev
alent with some officers Of his day. Hi
literary requirements were respectable &
his taste refined. He united the grace
of manly beauty 10 lion heart, a sount
mind, a safe judgment, and firmness o
purpose which nothing could shake.
Citizens Of Cleveland and Ohio re
! joice to meot you on this interesting oc
casion, and to witness the demonstrations @
| gratitude and respect shown TO tho memor
of Rhode Islands gallant son. His statu
which you this day inauguratc, will perpei
uate to future generations the record q
your generous muniiicenca and enlighteDe
patriotism, as we'll as of his glorious achieve
mcnt. 1t will also strengthen tho cordia
ami fraternal sympathy subslsting between
Ohio and Rhode Island, which cOmmonco
! in 1918, in the glorious victory we arc no'
celebrating. Then il was that q squadron
commanded. olficered and manned chief
| by natives of that State, came to your rescue
and near your defenceless shores captures
combined British and savage foe. wh
| threatened fire and tomahawk TO tho the
infant sottlement of Cleveland and of tn
whole lake shore. The few log cabins whc
| dotted this place and sent upward thei
curling smokes among the rugged arms q
the majestic trce5, that had been girdled b
the pioneers OF the forest, soon disappeared
and in their place rose a populous an
thrifty town which your enterprise and ia
dustry havo enlarged and adorned and con
verted into beautiful city-the glory of tn
West and now whaE you arc ready to o:
nameBt it with monuments and statues com
mcmoratvo of tho glorious doods of patri
OTIS and heroes, your thoughts first revert T.
tho deliverer OF these shores, the lamentet
Perry. whose beautiful statue now greet
| our eyes.
| And you have kindly invited hither th
citizens of his native State TO assist in th
ceremonies of its Inauguration. Accordngl,
our Governor and staff. legislators, general
and prominent citizens under the escort o
our light infantry-the pride of Rhod
| Island-havo come hither (and our who'll
population wero desirous to join us). w
! have coue, citizons of Cleveland, to TAX
YOU by tho hand. and in the name Of tn
people of Rhode Island, to thank you mos
heartily for tho distinguished honor yol
have done our State by thus cOmmemo
rating the noble achievement of her gallan
son.
"Thns NAV il ever he when our reemen shall stant
Between their loved home and wars desolation,
that Ohio aud Rhode Island shall be found
side hy side, battling the foes Of theiI
country, and under leaders. whether on lant
or lake or ocean wave, equal to Harrison ol
Porry and whom the storm of war is hushed
and tho reign of mild peace is restored, may
the warriors thon meet as We are mot or
this glorious anniversary, to grasp hands il
cordial friendship and unite in paying en-
during honors to the illustrious and victO
rious dead, by marble structures equal IL
beauty TO Tho ono before us.
This statue is a work OF rare artististi
skill. The marble drawn from classic Italy
has a fine grain, and hue and polish, ant
whom struck, gives the truo ring of pur'
and durable material. Its magnificent pc
destal is takon from tho bank of the Paw
oatuck, in Rhode Island, thus associatinl
tho grateful and pleasing ideas of nobl'
marble statue erected by citizens OF ONO Il
perpetuate the name and fame o: Perry oi
a Rhode IsIard basis ideas that in all fu
ture time will stir and warm tho hearts o
tho sons and daughters of that State who i