The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.38
On View
Not on viewThe 1813 medal: Battle of Lake Erie
Captain Oliver Hazard Perry had nine ships, mostly schooners, of which his flagship was the newly built 'Lawrence,' named after naval hero Captain Lawrence. Their greatest firepower consisted of carronades effective at short range. The six British ships under Captain Robert H. Barclay included the 'Detroit,' largest and strongest ship on the Great Lakes. British power was in long-range guns which had a telling effect when Perry's fleet approached. Perry was so poorly supported by Lieutenant Elliot, in command of the 'Niagara,' that the British were able to concentrate their fire on the 'Lawrence' until they pounded it to pieces. After two hours of this, 83 of the ship's 103 men were wounded or killed and its guns out of action. Perry then took his 9-foot banner with Lawrence's words, "Don't give up the ship!" and rowed to the nearly undamaged 'Niagara.'
Taking command, he steered the 'Niagara' directly toward the British ships which had not escaped unscathed in their battle with the 'Lawrence'. They could not sustain close fire from a fresh ship. Barclay and all of this first and second in command were wounded or killed and he surrendered the 'Detroit'. By dusk all of the British ships had surrendered and Perry was able to write General Harrison, "We have met the enemy and they are ours."
