We Have Met The Enemy...

It was on this day, September 10, 1813, that Naval forces of the United States met Naval forces of Great Britain in the Battle of Lake Erie. Oliver Hazard Perry commanded the American force of nine vessels against the 6 British vessels under the command of Robert Heriot Barclay.

When the battle was over, at great loss to both sides, the entire British squadron was captured. The surrender took place on the deck of the brig, Lawrence, Perry's flagship. During the court martial of Barclay, it was determined that the defeat was the result of American Superiority!

As soon as the battle had ended, Perry hastily composed a letter to Major General William Henry Harrison, stating very succinctly,

"Dear General:

We have met the enemy and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop.

Yours with great respect and esteem,
O.H. Perry

We lost 27 men and had 96 wounded in the battle. Because of their bravery and sacrifice, however, the tide of the War of 1812 had turned. America controlled Lake Erie for the rest of the war which prevented further British attacks in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Western New York. It also allowed them to recapture Detroit, and win the Battle of the Thames, where Tecumseh was killed and the Indian confederation defeated. 

The part that the men of this battle played in the War of 1812 is incalculable. There is no doubt that their actions went a long way in securing victory and preserving the young nation. Let us salute them and never forget how important they were to the liberties that we enjoy to this day.