56

Chauncey's extreme caution 59

The engagement of September 11 60

Expediency of a "general chase" under the conditions 61

CHAPTER XI

THE CAMPAIGN OF 1813 ON THE LAKES AND NORTHERN FRONTIER--THE BATTLE
OF LAKE ERIE

The American Navy on Lake Erie 62

Perry's eagerness for active operations 63

Coincidence of events on Lakes Erie and Ontario 64

Inferiority of Perry's crews in numbers and quality 64

Professional contrast between Chauncey and Perry 65

Personal difficulty. Perry applies to be detached 66

The Navy Department refuses 67

Position of the American army on the Maumee 67

Procter's attack upon Fort Meigs 68

Procter and Barclay plan attack on Erie 69

Re-enforcements of troops refused them 69

Barclay blockades Erie 70

Barclay visits Long Point 71

Perry's squadron crosses the bar at Erie 72

Procter attacks Fort Stephenson, and is repulsed 73

Barclay retires to Malden 74

Perry in control of the lake 74

Destitution of provisions in the British camp and fleet 75

Barclay goes out to fight 76

Composition and armament of the two squadrons 76

Controversy about the battle 78

Dispositions of the two commanders 80

Opening of the battle 81

Examination of the controversy between Perry and Elliott 82

Progress of the engagement 88

Second stage of the battle 89

The British surrender 94

Meritorious conduct of Captain Barclay 94

Question of credit on the American side