At the beginning of the War of 1812, the British
Royal Navy controlled the
Great Lakes, except for
Lake Huron. The United States Navy controlled
Lake Champlain. The American naval forces were very small, allowing the British to make many advances in the Great Lakes and northern New York
waterways. The roles played by commanders like Perry, at
Lake Erie and
Isaac Chauncey at
Lake Ontario and
Thomas Macdonough at Lake Champlain all proved vital to the naval effort. Naval historian
E. B. Potter noted that "all naval officers of the day made a special study of
Nelson's battles." Oliver Perry was no exception. Perry knew battle was coming, and he "consciously followed Nelson's example in describing his battle plans to his captains." Initially, the exchange of gunfire favored the British. Perry's
flagship, , was so severely disabled in the encounter that the British commander,
Robert Heriot Barclay, thought that Perry would surrender it, and sent a small boat to request that the American vessel pull down its flag. a paraphrase of the dying words of Captain
James Lawrence, the ship's namesake and Perry's friend, He then had his men row him a half-mile (0.8 km) through heavy gunfire to transfer his command to . Once aboard, Perry dispatched
Niagara commander, Captain
Jesse Elliott, to bring the other schooners into closer action while he steered
Niagara toward the damaged British ships. Like Nelson's at Trafalgar,
Niagara broke the opposing line. Perry's force pounded Barclay's ships until they could offer no effective resistance and surrendered. Although he had won the battle aboard
Niagara, he received Barclay's surrender on the deck of the recaptured
Lawrence to allow him to see the terrible price Perry's men had paid. Although the engagement was small compared to Napoleonic naval battles such as the
Battle of Trafalgar, the victory had disproportionate strategic importance, opening Canada up to further American invasions, while simultaneously protecting the entire
Ohio Valley. The loss of Barclay's squadron directly led to the critical
Battle of the Thames, a victory over British and Indian forces by Harrison's army, the deaths of
Tecumseh and
Roundhead, and the breakup of
his confederacy. Margaret Forster Steuart was enlisted to make the battle flag. Subsequently, detailed by Chauncey to command
Niagara, Elliott stated "that if he could have foreseen that he himself should be sent to Lake Erie, his selections would have been different." Perry wrote, "In this action he evinced his characteristic bravery and judgement; and, since the close of the action, has given me the most able and essential assistance."
Congressional Gold Medal On January 6, 1814, Perry was honored with a
Congressional Gold Medal, the
Thanks of Congress, and a promotion to the rank of
Captain. This was one of 27 Gold Medals authorized by Congress arising from the War of 1812. •
Obverse – bust of Perry facing right surrounded by
Oliverus H. Perry Princeps Stagno Eriense. ~
Classam Totam Contudit. •
Reverse depicts a sea battle scene with inscriptions: • : • : • : • :
MDCCCXIII :(Valor finds or makes a way. Between the Fleets of America and Britain September 10, 1813.) Elliott was also recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal File:Perry medal lg front.gif|The front of the Perry medal File:Perry medal back.gif|The back of the Perry medal ==Later commands and controversies==