Perry, Oliver Hazard

(1785-1819), an American naval hero, was a native of Rhode Island, and entered the navy as midshipman in 1799. He was in the Tripoli tan War, and afterward devoted his attention to ordnance. In 1813 he was appointed to command on Lake Erie. With great efforts and extraordinary rapidity he built a fleet on the lake and drilled his men. His preparations being completed, he sailed from Put-in Bay in command of a squadron of nine ve els, of which the “Lawrence’’ and ‘‘ Niagara’? were the chief. The British commander, Barclay, had six. Their battle of September 15, 1813, in which Perry showed great ability, resulted in the capture of the entire British squadron, and was immortalized in the laconic dispatch, ‘‘ We have met the enemy and they are ours.’’ Perry co-operated in the victory of the Thames, was made captain, and served in the defense of Baltimore. 86