THE ATTACK.
What might be the enterprise in which we were embarked on this 23d day
of May, in the year 1813, neither Alec nor I could so much as guess,
and we were not troubled because of our ignorance.
So that it was an attack upon the enemy, and a venture in which was
somewhat of danger, we gave no heed.
As a matter of course we speculated upon it among ourselves, and,
knowing that Captain Perry proposed to set out alone, we believed it
was something in the nature of a reconnoissance, which in itself would
have been comparatively trifling but for the fact that Alec’s brother
was making it, and he, we understood full well, would lead us as near
to the Britishers as might be agreeable.
As I have said, it was evening when we set out from Presque Isle,
embarking at the old French Fort, and before having sailed a distance
of ten miles the boat was headed in for the shore.
To my mind there was good reason for this manœuvre. The wind was
blowing from the north and east a full half-gale, and it was such
weather as appeared too heavy for our small boat.
Immediately after we had rounded the point on which was located the
blockhouse, and were come out into the lake, I believed the captain
would decide that it was dangerous in the extreme to make any attempt
at continuing the journey, and my relief was great when the bow of the
craft grated upon the sand.
“If this is to be the end of our travels we need not have wasted so
much breath in asking permission to join the party,” Alec whispered to
me, laughingly, but ere I could reply my father stepped out from the
bushes, pushed off the boat as he leaped into it without speaking, and
the voyage was resumed before we had fully come to a halt.
Now it was we understood that some plan of operations had been decided
upon beforehand, else would Captain Perry and my father have held
converse with each other; but, instead, they sat in the stern-sheets
intent, so far as we could see, only upon the progress which we might
make by aid of oars.
Noting the expression on each man’s face I grew more serious in mind,
understanding full well that they had in view something of a grave
nature, otherwise words would have passed between them, whereas both
held silent; while our boatmen fought against the angry waves of the
lake as if some great reward awaited them in event of a successful
ending of the voyage.
This much Alec saw as well as did I, for he whispered, after we had
pushed out on the angry waters again, forcing our way against wind and
wave half a mile or more, during which time no person in the boat had
so much as spoken:--
“Where think you, Richard Dobbins, is to be the end of this adventure?”
And I answered him, having in mind our captivity at Port Rowan:--
“It is like that we will head, so soon as the wind permits, for some
point on the Canadian shore. Perhaps neither your brother nor my father
firmly believes all we told them regarding the gathering of Britishers,
and are now come to make a reconnoissance, since the ice is broken up
and it is possible for troops to cross the lake.”
It would have been as well had we held our peace, for neither Alec nor
I guessed at the meaning of this voyage, as was shown when the night
grew older.
Instead of proceeding toward the Canadian shore, as would have been
easier under all the circumstances, we hugged the land so far as was
possible, steadily advancing within what might well be called the
American boundaries, straight on toward Buffalo, and were it not for
the fact of what followed after we were on the banks of the Niagara
River, I would write much concerning the dangers of that night voyage,
when not only once, but twenty times, were we in great peril of being
overset by the angry waves.
However, because of what followed, this venture, which at the time
seemed in the highest degree hazardous, came to appear as nothing, and
must be passed over with but few words.
Therefore let me set it down that during every moment of all the long
night we two lads believed our lives were near to being ended.
Every wave which buffeted our slight craft sent the water in over
rail or stern, and brought her down so low that the water broke over
us until we were forced to bail with all our might, else had we been
swamped.
In such manner did the night pass, and when morning broke we were at
Buffalo, neither Alec nor I understanding what purpose could have
brought us there.
We had a fairly good idea, however, when, with such horses as could
most readily be procured, we four--meaning Captain Perry, my father,
Alec, and I--set out by land, riding during that day and part of the
next night until we were come to Lewiston, when we made a halt.
Then a council was held, in which we had no part, but I heard Captain
Perry say to my father at the close of it:--
“You will ride back to Schlosser, and there make ready boats in which
to transport laborers who will hasten the work upon our squadron at
Presque Isle, if it so be we are successful in the venture.”
Whereupon my father asked:--
“But if it so be that you fail in the enterprise?”
“To my mind there is no such possibility. Fort George must be taken
within four and twenty hours after our arrival, and from that point
we will detach as many men as are needed for the movement which we
contemplate upon the lake.”
Thus it was that Alec and I gained an inkling of the whole scheme.
Fort George, on the Canadian shore, just south of Newark, was to
be attacked by our forces, most likely under command of Commodore
Chauncey, and we lads, who burned to distinguish ourselves, would be
given the opportunity within a few hours.
My father turned back agreeably to the commands he had received, and
we three continued on until we arrived at the shore of Lake Ontario,
near-by Fort Niagara, off which was lying the American fleet,
consisting of such vessels as the _Madison_, _Oneida_, _Lady of the
Lake_, _Ontario_, and five or six others whose names shall appear as
this narrative progresses.
It was a hearty reception with which we met when, having come to the
shore, signals were made to our vessels in the offing, and a boat
put out from the _Madison_, which for the time was flying Commodore
Chauncey’s flag.
Leaving our horses in the care of friendly-disposed people near at
hand, we embarked in the commodore’s barge, and on stepping aboard the
_Madison_, Commodore Chauncey said, taking Captain Perry warmly by the
hand:--
“No person on earth could be more welcome at this time than yourself.”
It was as if these words had been spoken to us two lads personally,
and immediately Alec and I were puffed up with pride, sharing for the
moment all the honor which was given to the captain.
It was not with any idea of spinning out a yarn regarding the capture
of Fort George that I first set myself down to this task, but rather to
tell how Captain Oliver Perry won renown for himself on the waters of
Lake Erie, and also to describe the slight share which we two lads had
in the gaining of his glory.
Therefore it is that all which was done here nearabout Lake Ontario
shall be given in the fewest words possible to a fair understanding. So
far as we two lads are concerned, it may well be passed over briefly,
for although our intentions were good, and we had fancied the moment
was come when we could play the part of men, Alec Perry and I were
little more than spectators during this, the first of warfare I had
ever witnessed.
But even to so skeleton-like a tale as this must be, some words of
description are necessary, in order that what share Captain Perry had
in the victory may thoroughly be understood.
The commander of the American forces was General Henry Dearborn, and of
the American squadron, as I have before said, Commodore Isaac Chauncey.
Of our land force, fit for duty, there were said to be over four
thousand, including the troops under command of Major-General Lewis
in Fort Niagara. Our people had, in addition to the fort I have just
named, what was known as the Salt Battery, opposite Fort George, and
two other batteries between it and Fort Niagara.
General Dearborn was so sick at this time as to be unable to take
any active part in the operations; but his chief of staff, Colonel
Winfield Scott, represented him ably, and during an interview between
the commodore and the general in command, it was decided that Captain
Oliver Perry should have full charge of the task of landing the troops
when the attack was begun.
Further preparations on our side consisted of building a large number
of small boats at Five-Mile Meadow, and orders were sent for them to be
brought around to Four-Mile Creek on the evening of the 26th of May,
when an interview between our commanders was held. These skiffs were to
be used, as a matter of course, in the landing of the troops.
So much for the American forces; now for the British.
There were nearabout the fort which Commodore Chauncey and General
Dearborn counted on taking, English regulars to the number of eighteen
hundred, under command of Brigadier-General John Vincent. In addition,
there were three hundred and fifty militia and fifty Indians under
Colonel Harvey.
It was said by our spies that the enemy’s force extended on the right
from Fort George to Brown’s Point, and on the left to Four-Mile
Creek and the Canadian side of the river; while in the rear of the
fortifications a number of companies were stationed to support each
other when required.
Besides Fort George, the Britishers had several smaller works along
the shore of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. One twenty-four pound
gun was set up about half a mile from Newark, and their principal
battery was at the mouth of Two-Mile Creek.
All this Alec and I learned while we remained on board the _Madison_,
awaiting some word from Captain Perry, who was in consultation with the
leaders of the American forces.
The sailors, knowing my father full well by reputation, for he was said
to be one of the most skilful navigators upon the lakes, were more than
ready to talk with me; but before the summer was come to an end it was
Alec Perry to whom they gave their confidences, rather than to the son
of Daniel Dobbins.
It was only natural we two lads should believe, having come thus far,
that we would be allowed to share in the battle which all knew must
follow, because, in such strong position as was the enemy, he would
not allow his fortifications to be taken from him without a spirited
resistance; but we were soon made to understand that however valuable
we believed our services might prove, they were not to be accepted.
When, on the evening of the 26th, the final arrangements were made for
an attack upon the British fort, and the leaders of the expedition
had come on board the _Madison_, General Dearborn accompanying them
despite his illness, Alec’s brother explained to us, in a tone which
admitted of no discussion, what part we were to take in the action of
the morrow.
“You will stay quietly aboard the _Madison_, and under no circumstances
make any attempt at accompanying the troops when they land. I have
allowed you lads to remain with me thus far; but with the promise to
Captain Dobbins that you should have no further share in the attack,
than that of spectators.”
A bitter disappointment it was, indeed, to see our people prepared for
a battle which we firmly believed would result in a victory for the
Americans, and yet remain idly by while glory, and perhaps fame, was to
be won.
Because Alec stood silent when his brother had thus spoken, I
understood that it would be useless to make any effort at persuading
the captain into recalling the command given, and swallowed my
disappointment as best I might.
Therefore it is that I am all the more willing to pass over the capture
of Fort George with the fewest possible words.
Late in the afternoon the boats, which I have said had been built at
Five-Mile Meadow, were pulled around to Four-Mile Creek, and this work
brought on a general fire between the forts and batteries in the
immediate vicinity; but, save for the destruction of several houses
along the river bank, no injury was inflicted on either side.
From sunset until midnight the heavy artillery and a portion of the
troops were embarked on the _Madison_, the _Oneida_, and the _Lady of
the Lake_, while the remainder of the force, including the horses, were
taken on board the newly constructed boats.
It can well be supposed that no heed was given to sleep after the work
of embarkation had been concluded; all awaited the signal for the
advance, knowing it must speedily come.
It was near to daybreak when our squadron got under way, and Alec and I
stood on the after part of the _Madison_ vainly trying to see, in the
darkness and the fog, what was being done.
We could hear on every hand the murmur of voices, the creaking of oars
in rowlocks, the neighing of horses, and the flapping of sails; but
could see nothing.
It gave one a most singular sensation to be shut in by the dense, gray
vapor, and yet to know from the various noises that on all sides were
men making ready to take the lives of others, or to sacrifice their own.
The officers of the expedition, and among them as a matter of course
was Captain Perry, remained by themselves, as was proper, and we two
lads would have given much just then could we have had speech with
Alec’s brother, in order that he might explain certain movements which
to us were mystifying.
Then, suddenly, as it were, the heavy mist lifted and the sun shone out
clear and warm, lighting up the waters which were covered here, there,
and everywhere, seemingly as far as the eye could reach, with vessels
and small boats, all laden with men and implements of warfare.
It was a sight such as few lads could ever have the privilege of
witnessing, and for a time I believed there was nothing so grand or so
noble as war.
With the rising of the fog the wind freshened, and the vessels of the
fleet advanced according to the programme mapped out.
The schooners _Julia_ and _Growler_ took up position at the mouth
of the river, engaging the battery near the lighthouse where it was
intended to land a portion of the troops. A short distance away toward
the north, the _Ontario_ came about to command the same position.
The _Governor Tompkins_ and the _Conquest_ were moored near Two-Mile
Creek in front of a small battery where the remainder of our men
were to be set ashore. Coming up with these two schooners were the
_Hamilton_, the _Asp_, and the _Scourge_, and before they were all in
such position as had been previously agreed upon, the batteries on both
sides of the river opened fire.
The first notes of the battle were being sounded.
Now had come the time for Alec’s brother to display that courage which
afterward won for him so great a name, and we two lads gave more heed
to his movements than to all else beside.
The _Governor Tompkins_ and the _Conquest_ immediately opened fire
on the battery they were ordered to silence, and the wind, which was
momentarily increasing in force, swept away the smoke until we from the
deck of the _Madison_ could see all that took place.
It seemed to me as if no more than five minutes elapsed before the
Britishers fled from their earth-works, and Captain Perry had leaped
overboard from the foremost of the fleet of boats, wading to the shore,
with the men close behind him like a party of school-boys at play.
Colonel Scott was not far in the rear of Alec’s brother, and these two
brave men led the way up the embankment, despite the rapid musketry
firing which was poured upon them from Britishers concealed in the
thicket hard by.
[Illustration: “CAPTAIN PERRY HAD LEAPED OVERBOARD FROM THE FOREMOST OF
THE FLEET OF BOATS.”]
Even to Alec and I, who were ignorant regarding what is called the
“art” of warfare, it seemed as if the schooners were not discharging
their guns as rapidly as possible, while the Britishers ashore were
pouring a hot fire into our men.
Without being really conscious of the fact, we set up a shout of
exultation when we saw Captain Perry push off in a boat alone,
regardless of the bullets which were falling into the water in every
direction, and row toward the nearest schooner.
In less than three minutes from the time he stepped on board the vessel
we knew for what purpose he had gone. The schooner’s guns were served
much more rapidly than before, and then it was that the captain went
ashore again to take his full share in the conflict which was raging,
for now indeed was the battle on.
Because of the smoke, we two lads could not see plainly all that was
done; but General Dearborn, with a glass at his eyes, followed the
action closely, and by the words which fell from his lips at frequent
intervals we understood that our men were more than holding their own.
It is said that the battle lasted only about twenty minutes; but I
could equally well have believed it was half that time, or even so long
as three hours, so wrought up by excitement was I.
However, we knew full well when the shouts from the shore, and the
rapid forward movements of our men, told that the victory had been
won,--that Fort George was ours,--and even though we two lads had had
no share in the fighting, we raised our voices as loudly in triumph as
did those whose brave deeds had vanquished the foe.
As we afterward learned, our loss in the battle was about forty killed
and an hundred wounded; while of the British fifty-one were killed
and eight hundred and twelve regulars and militiamen either wounded,
missing, or made prisoners.
Alec and I, still forced to remain aboard the _Madison_ because of the
orders given by Captain Perry, knew little of what was being done until
far into the night, when we heard that the British commander, General
Vincent, was in full retreat; that all the enemy’s fortifications on
the Niagara River were abandoned because of the victory just won.
It was near to daybreak next morning when Captain Perry came on board
the flag-ship and told us that we were to set out on the return to
Presque Isle without
And so we did, beginning the journey within half an hour after sunrise,
despite the fact that Alec’s brother had not slept for eight and
forty hours, making all speed down the river as if our army had been
defeated, and we were fleeing in wild disorder before a victorious
enemy.
We understood full well, however, why our return must be made with such
great speed.
There were at the Black Rock Navy-Yard, above Buffalo, five vessels
which had been prepared for warlike service, and peradventure we could
arrive there before the British destroyed the place, these craft might
be ladened with such material as we at Presque Isle stood most in need.
Even now, after so long a time has passed, it seems to me that I might
profitably fill many pages with an account of our journey down the
river, the halt at Black Rock Navy-Yard, the loading of those vessels
built by Henry Eckford, and of the passage back to Presque Isle when,
with a force of two hundred soldiers, as many sailors as could be
hired, and all the oxen to be found in the vicinity, these craft, so
sadly needed by our people, were towed, or tracked, along the shore of
the lake.
There was much of interest which befell us on the way during this long
and tedious journey, for we did not get the vessels loaded and into
Buffalo until the 6th of June, nor sail from there until the 13th, when
Captain Perry lay in his berth on board the _Caledonia_ sick with what
appeared to be a fever, and it seemed to Alec and I as if, because of
this illness, all which had been accomplished was set at naught, so far
as concerned the getting under way of the fleet that had been begun by
my father.