Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1869-12-01

SGT blAthtt tolultihg huu uolHf -ht ~
celvcd from the irritated commodore
letter so fllcd with caustic but half
concealed irony, that he felt con
strained to ask for a removal from the
station, because, as ho alleged, he
"oouId not servo longer under an Off.
cerw who had been so totally regardless
Of his feelings" A manly, generous
letter from Chauncey soon aftorward
restored the kindliness Of feeling be-
tween them.
In the mean time the post Of Erie,
had been seriously menaced. Gener-
al Porter, at Black Rock, sent word
that the enemy were concentrating at
Long Point, on the Canada shore Of
the lake, opposite Erie. Atabout the
same time hostile movement was
made toward Fort Meigs, and the
British feet misteriously dispersed
No doubt was entertained Of design
to attempt the capture of Eric, with
the vessels and stores, by a combined
land and naval force. The families of
many citizens fed with their valua-
bles TO the interior. Already block
house had been erected on the bluff
east of Cascade Greek to protect the
ship yard, and a redoubt mounting
three long twelve Founders had been
planted on the heights (now called
Garrison Hill, near the present light
house, and named Fort Wayne. Bar.
racks had been erected in the village,
and a regiment of Pennsylvania mill
tia were cncamped near Fort Wayne.
The vessels were as well manned as
possible, and boats rowed guard at
the entrance TO the harbor But these
means of defense were not considered
sufficient, and Perry called on Major
General Mead, of Meadyills, 20 re-
inforce the troor~ "itn MS militia
TL:s was aone, and in the course of
few days upward of fifteen hundred
soldiers were concentrated at rem
dezvous near. But an invasion from
the lake was not attempted, owing, as
it was aflorward ascortained, to the
difficulty ofcollecting sufficient mum.
Der of troops in time at Long Point.
AT the close of July Perry had
about three hundred effective officers
and men at Erie, with which TO man
two 20 gun briggs, and eight smaller
vessels. The enemy disappeared and
the lake was calm. He was so restiye
under the boarding of Barclay and
the chaflng from superiors, that he re-
solved with these to go out upon the
lake to try the fortune Of war. On
Sunday, tho first of August, he moved
his fotila down to the entrance of
the harbor, intending TO cross early
the next morning. The lake was
lower than usual, and the squadron
would not float over the bar. Even
the smaller vessels had TO be tighten
cd for the purpose, and at one time il
was considered doubtful whether the
Lawrence and Niagara could be taken
out Of the harbor at all. Her cannon
not "loaded and shotted," as the his
torians have said (for they bad been
discharged in saluting Gen. Mead),
were taken out and placed on timbers
on the beach, whilc the Niagara and
the smaller vessels lay with their
broadsides toward the lake for her
protection, in tho event of the reap.
pearance of Barclay
BY means of"camcls" the Lawrence
was floatcd over on the morning Of
the 4th, and by two O'Clock that day
her armament was all on board OF her,
mounted and prepared for action
The Niagara was taken over in the
same way with very little trouble, and
tho smaller vessels reached the deep
water outside without much difficulty
The labor of this movement had been
exciting, and the young commander
scarcely slept or partook Of food dur
ing the four days. The enemy was
expected every moment. Should he
appear while the Aotilla was on the
bar, all might be lost. Fortunately,
Commodore Barclays social weakness
the inordinate love Of public festiv-
ities-prolonged bis absence, and his
squadron did not heavc in sight until
the fifth, just as the Niagara was safe
ly moving into deep water. The Ariel,
Lieutenant Packet, and Scorpion,
Sailing master Champlin, were sent
out boldly TO engage and detain the
squadron. Barclay was surprised at
this movement, and perceiving that
his golden opportunity was lost, be
bore away toward Long Point. The
whole of Pcrry's fiotilla was in perfect
preparation before night. That eve.
ming it weighed anchor, and stood TO
ward Long Point on its first cruise
Perceiving no further use for the mi.
litia, who were anxious to get into
their harvest fields, General Mead
discharged them, and the armed citi-
zens of Erie resumed their accustomed
avocations.