New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-09-11
HISTORY or A PIECE OF WOOD.

Tho address Of John I. Baldwin before the Masonic
Veterans Association OF this city, on June IL. upon
the occasion OF tho presentation Of historic gavel TO
the association has been published In pamphlet form
hy Jerome Buck The story OF this piece Of wood this
emblem Of authority IS interesting one as II was
part Of the deck the United states 40 gun warvessc
Lawrence upon which stood Commodore Oliver II. Perry
when lie unfurled the motto-fag Don't give mp the
ship" ut the masthead OF this his temporary flag
ship Just before the fight with the British squadron on
Lake Erie September 10. 1913. The British fleet
was under command of the heroic Admiral Barclay,
and the American feet consisted OF two briggs and
three gunboats. II will be recalled by those who have
read the history Of this famous battle Lake Erie
resulting in the capture Of the entire British feet that
because Of the failure Of the frIgate Niagara TO get
into position IN time. the Lawrence was made the
flagship and had to bear the brunt OF the battle.
Mr.. BadwIn's address gives all Of the interesting
details, he adds After three hours the Lawrence
cut pieces and disabled. her guns sl.nced and most
Of the officers and men killed wounded. left IN
charge OF Lieutenant Yarnall-himsef thrice wounded
with fourteen men, TO care for the ship at his dis
crction The wounded and diving begged him not TO
lower the motto flag and In the breeze II hoated until
the conflict ceased Meanwhile the commodore took
hi, pennant and was Owcd through iron hail and
muskct balls TO the Niagara. He hosted his pennant
and sgnalled hi, fleet for close action: the answer
Instantly came in loud cheers from all his squadron.
ON the quarter deck of the Lawrence -perhance over
the very SPOT whence came this gave Of the Masonic
Veterans OF New Yorkand under the flag bearing the
famous words uttered in the cockpit OF the Chesa-
peabe after her fight with the British frigate shannon
out ,idc Of Boston Harbor June prevlousj OF dy
ing Captain Lawrence. Don't give up the ship"
Commodore Perry received the submission Of his cap
lives but magnauimously babe them To retain their
side-arms."
This was the time when originated the famous say
ing. We have met the enemy, and they are ours
II was Commodore PerIys message TO General llar-
rison as follows We have met the enemy, aud they
are ours two ships, two brg, one schooner and one
sOop."
Mr. Baldwin, grand uncle WAS one OF the defenders
Of the flag and was the first American killed by
BrltOns shot In the OF 3D. When the Law
renee sold under execution to satisfy mn ex
pcIisc CHIN. she having proved financial failure
Rev. VI. B smith, Grand Master Of Mas0ns OF New
Jersey. obtained IA piece OF the quarterback and had
this guvel made ihercironl. 1t has been used upon
the following Important occasions: Laying The corner
stone Of the monument the battlefield VI Mon
mouth June 30 le1s laying the corner stone Of the
Egy ptian obcsk In Central Park october o. 1880 lay
The cornerstone Of the National monument at York
town. October Il. 1881 laying the cornerstone OF
the Masonic Asylum, Utica. May II, 1891, and laying
the cornerstone o! the monument AT Trenton, De
cember 70, 1901, In commcmonti0n OF the battle OF
these ceremonies are upon gold plates around this
piece OF oak OF Ee,s preva1 forest felled for OF
sanctifed by patriot heroes tread, baptzed In
BLOOD. aud ..pUtCed BY water,