THE BRITISH FLEET.
As I have said, our little fleet sailed from Buffalo on the 13th of
June, and on board the _Caledonia_ Captain Perry lay sick with a fever.
Perhaps Alec and I were the only two who placed such great dependence
upon the leader of this expedition. It may be that others, better
informed concerning such matters, held to it that there were many who
could fill the place to which Oliver Perry had been appointed; but in
my mind his death meant the direst disaster--his sickness the deferring
of all our hopes.
As a matter of course Alec and I were also embarked on the _Caledonia_,
for we two played the part of nurses to the fever-stricken captain, and
although as ignorant in matters of sickness as we were in the art of
warfare, I dare venture to say the invalid never suffered for anything
whatsoever that it was within our power to give him.
I was distressed in mind because of Captain Perry’s illness so as to
give no heed to the fact that we were making our way toward Presque
Isle at imminent danger of being captured by the enemy, although even
the dullest member of the party could have said beyond a peradventure
that the British had vessels in plenty on Lake Erie, and would most
likely be on the lookout for those who were returning from the
successful attack upon Fort George.
One thing that both of us lads were alive to, however, was the slow
progress our fleet was making.
The breeze was hardly more than strong enough to ruffle the surface
of the waters, and during the first four-and-twenty hours we advanced
only that number of miles, Captain Perry meanwhile eating his heart out
with impatience because of the dull sailing, thereby giving us quite as
severe a task as we could perform in keeping him below according to Dr.
Parson’s orders.
When we were thus come twenty-four miles in as many hours, and the
little fleet of vessels and boats lay becalmed upon the mirror-like
lake, a canoe, in which were two men, put out from the American shore,
one of the boatmen paddling vigorously, while the other waved a small
flag in such manner as gave us to understand that they were either
fleeing from pursuit, or bringing important intelligence.
Becalmed as the _Caledonia_ was, we could do no less than await the
coming of these strangers, even had we been otherwise disposed;
and when they were finally arrived on board we had ample food for
reflection and fear.
The British squadron, under command of Captain Finnis, was even
at that time searching for us, so the newcomers reported; within
eight-and-forty hours they had passed over this same course, and in
such force as boded ill for us should we chance to come upon them.
The squadron consisted, so we were told, of the ship _Queen Charlotte_,
carrying seventeen guns; the schooner _Lady Prevost_, with thirteen
guns; the brig _Hunter_, having ten guns; the schooner _Little Belt_,
mounting three guns, and the _Chippewa_, of one gun.
Our little fleet consisted of the brig _Caledonia_, mounting
two small guns (the same craft which had been captured on the
ninth of October under the guns of Fort Erie by the expedition
in command of Lieutenant Elliott); the schooner _Somers_, which
carried one long twenty-four-pounder; the schooner _Ariel_, with
one long eighteen-pounder; the schooner _Ohio_, with one long
twenty-four-pounder, and the sloop _Contractor_,[2] with one long
eighteen-pounder, to say nothing of the small boats.
Taking all our armament into account, we could add to such a number of
guns as I have mentioned, perhaps two hundred muskets, therefore it
behooved us to keep out of the way if possible.
When those who brought the disagreeable intelligence came on board the
_Caledonia_, Captain Perry was lying in his berth; Dr. Parsons had just
given him a most bitter potion, and Alec and I stood by with fans, for
the heat in the close cabin was almost unbearable.
I watched the young captain closely, expecting to see some show of fear
when he learned in what force the enemy had mustered; but it was as if
that which to nearly every one was most unwelcome intelligence, only
served to animate him.
Despite the doctor’s angry protest and Alec’s pleading, the captain
leaped to his feet, and of a verity I believe that the information
brought by the strangers did more toward breaking up the fever which
had held him captive, than any of the drugs Dr. Parsons administered.
From that moment it was as if he had never been ill, and without delay
every precaution was made for defence, much as though he counted on
forcing a battle with the enemy should we come within range, instead of
running away, as would have been the proper manœuvre.
Such weapons as we had were distributed among those on the small boats
as well as the vessels, and from that time until we were come safely
within the sheltering arms of Presque Isle bay each man remained on the
alert, even the most cowardly excited to bravery by the bold spirit
which our young captain displayed.
I might go on at great length, describing how the entire force was
divided into two watches so that the Britishers might not take us by
surprise; telling of this or that alarm which caused us to believe a
battle to be near at hand, and sent the blood bounding within my veins
until I trembled with fear lest the fever of excitement should be that
of cowardice; but where there is so much to be related, such incidents
as then seemed of importance, but were afterward shown to be trifling,
have no place in the tale that has for one of its characters such a man
as Captain Perry.
We entered Presque Isle bay on the 19th of June at three o’clock in the
afternoon, and the _Caledonia_, which was hove to outside until every
other craft crossed the bar, had no sooner gained the shelter of the
land than the British squadron arrived in sight.
Now, indeed, did Alec and I witness the preparations for a battle. The
small boats were immediately ordered inshore with the tidings, and
from the easternmost battery to the blockhouse farthest west on the
mainland, the note of alarm was sounded.
Our little fleet was drawn up at the entrance of the bay; the gunboats
and brigs, although not yet completed, were moored near at hand,
but inside our line of battle, that they might be used as floating
batteries for militiamen, and when the sun went down I question if
there was an American within sight or sound of these preparations who
did not believe the British would make an attack before morning.
And yet all of us were happily disappointed, for while we nerved
ourselves for the struggle which it seemed certain must come, the
most sanguine among us--and I believe I am warranted in putting among
them Captain Perry himself--could not have believed we might come out
victorious in a struggle with such a squadron as was under command of
Captain Finnis.
However, we gave the Britishers every opportunity, determined to make
as brave a fight as might be, and knowing full well that when we were
beaten it would not be because we lacked in pluck.
This much I set down as information--not in the spirit of boasting,
and in no wise to praise myself, for throughout it all I felt timorous
when Alec was most brave, and near to being cowardly when Captain
Oliver was panting to meet the enemy. It is regarding the inhabitants
of Presque Isle, who stood ready to defend the town, that I speak when
writing of stout-heartedness, and not of myself.
Well, the king’s squadron cruised off and on the entrance of the bay
from nearabout three o’clock in the afternoon until the next morning
at ten, and then, instead of standing boldly in when, after a few
hard knocks, they might have gotten the best of our little force and
destroyed what was the beginning of a navy, they turned about, beating
as plain a retreat as if we had gone out to drive them away.
Alec was disappointed, because he believed his brother had lost an
opportunity of distinguishing himself, while I rejoiced, knowing that
for the time being at least we avoided an encounter which could have
had but one ending.
War, when one looks at it from a distance, may appear very fine; but
I assure whoever shall chance to read these lines that it wears a
different aspect when one is forced to take a part in it. There is
more glory seen from afar than at short range, and so much regarding
fighting I can say from my own experience.
The unfinished gunboats and brigs were sent back to the shipyards when
it was known beyond peradventure that the enemy had turned tail, and
the _Caledonia_, and two or three others which had been brought down
from Black Rock Navy-Yard, remained on guard at the entrance of the bay.
The brave Captain Finnis, with a force fully three times as large as
ours, had decided that it might be neither healthy nor agreeable for
him to stir up so much of the American eagle as was represented by our
little force at Presque Isle.
Then the _Caledonia_ also came inside, being moored just opposite the
town, and for the first time since we had set out with Captain Perry
did I have an opportunity of speaking with my mother.
She, good soul, was as pleased at seeing me as I at being with her, and
during fully two hours I realized as never did a boy before how much of
comfort there is to be found at home.
Alec shared in my pleasure to a certain degree, and I believe he hoped,
as did I, that we might remain many days ashore, for our expedition to
Fort George had not brought us overly much of happiness, and surely
none of glory.
Then, when it seemed that my sense of enjoyment was keenest, when the
pleasure of being at home was at its height, the second mate of the
schooner _Ariel_ presented himself at the door of my father’s house,
and after stiffly saluting my mother, who had answered his summons,
said:--
“Captain Dobbins’ compliments, and he asks that you will send to him
immediately the two young gentlemen. They have been detailed for
special service.”
Saluting again, the sailor returned to the shore, and I can answer that
two of the three in the house at that time were made heavy hearted
because of his message.
Whatever Alec may have thought, I know not; he professed to be well
pleased at the idea of active service, for it could readily be
understood that such was the meaning, for us, of the summons.
My mother, dear soul, struggling hard to prevent any sign of
disappointment from displaying itself on her face, bustled around as
if her feelings might be kept in check by employment. She made up a
package of provisions, knowing that however great was the grief in our
hearts the time must come when such as she could provide would be most
acceptable; and I, not minded that Alec might see any show of weakness
in me, refrained from the loving embrace which no lad should be ashamed
to bestow upon his mother.
Then I led the way out of the house with no more than a wave of my
hand in token of adieu, and ten minutes later we were standing on the
_Ariel’s_ deck.
I had noticed a trim-looking craft, which I took for a pleasure boat,
lying alongside when we came aboard; but gave no other heed to it at
the moment, save as I said to myself that we had visitors from along
the lake front, who, perchance, had brought such information as led to
the summons sent Alec and I.
“Captain Perry is in his cabin on the _Caledonia_, and the doctor’s
orders are that he be not disturbed, because the fever is showing
itself once more,” my father said gravely, and I knew from the
expression on his face, as well as his manner of speaking, that he
had something of a serious import to impart. “It is reported that the
British are concentrating at Long Point, and I would have you two lads
make the attempt at discovering if such be true. The work can more
safely be done by boys than men. The small craft which lays alongside
is provisioned for a short cruise, and in her you should be able to
reconnoitre the Canadian shore without much risk of being captured.”
It was not for me to question the command, even though given by my
father, and yet so great was the surprise which came with his words
that I lost sight entirely of what might be military duty.
“Is our fleet to remain idle here in the bay?” I asked, and the same
question was written on Alec’s face, although he had more good sense
than to put it into words.
“Even though all the vessels were ready we could not sail without men.
The soldiers who came up with us from Buffalo as a guard have been
ordered back, and, as you well know, we have no more of a force at
present than is sufficient to handle one of the brigs.”
“Then of what avail was it to build a fleet here at Presque Isle?” I
asked stupidly.
“We have had reason to expect reënforcements long before this; but at
present the only move that can be made is to acquaint ourselves with
what the enemy may be doing. Go on board the small boat, and, without
running heedlessly into danger, gain all the information that may be
possible, returning here only when you have news of importance to
impart.”
It was easy to see that the subject was a sore one with him, and I
needed not much experience in such matters to understand that a man
like my father would feel most bitterly the necessity of remaining idle
while the enemy was within striking distance.
As he felt, so probably did Captain Perry, and Alec and I came to know
later how these two brave men chafed, being held prisoners within the
harbor, as it were, when a few miles away was an opportunity, not only
to win renown for themselves, but to strike a blow in aid of their
country.
I understood only a portion of this at the time; but that little was
enough to prevent me from saying anything more, and obeying Alec’s
gestures I turned about to go over the rail into the small boat.
My father stopped me with a touch on the shoulder, and as I turned, he
said, looking affectionately into my eyes:--
“Be careful, Richard. Go so far as an American should, regarding
not your own life when there is need that it should be sacrificed;
but having a heed to your steps when nothing can be accomplished by
venturing.”
Then he wheeled about as if not minded to see us depart, and Alec and I
went over the _Ariel’s_ rail into as trim a pleasure boat as I had ever
seen.
She was perhaps eighteen feet long, with a sort of cuddy aft where one
might be sheltered in case of a storm, and rigged in sloop fashion,
carrying a single jib and mainsail.
There was a light breeze from the south, and when we, having cast off
the painter, hoisted the canvas, the little craft slipped away from the
schooner’s side as if under the influence of a full gale of wind.
Not until we were well out into the lake did either of us lads make any
comment upon this mission with which we had been intrusted, and perhaps
we held silent the longer because it had come to us so suddenly that
we were embarked in the enterprise before fully realizing it had been
begun.
After we were two or three miles from the shore my thoughts went back
to that winter afternoon when, having come on much the same course
across the ice, we ran into the enemy’s hands, and all the details of
that disagreeable venture came into my mind. The unpleasant memories
must have shown themselves in my face, for Alec, who was sitting well
forward while I minded the helm, said banteringly:--
“Now that you are put in command of a vessel, the weight of
responsibility seems to bow you down.”
“It does indeed,” I replied, surprising him by turning that which he
counted should be a jest into a serious remark. “Not that I think my
responsibility any greater than yours; but to my mind we are set out on
a venture wherein is far more of danger than we have yet encountered.”
“And you draw a long mouth because we may, perchance, run our heads
into some peril?” he asked reproachfully.
“It is not that which troubles me so greatly, Alec Perry, as you should
know full well by this time, having been comrades with me these three
months. My gloomy thoughts are not brought about by fear of what may
come to us; but because of the condition of affairs, as has just been
represented to us.”
“And are you but this moment come to realize that we have built
vessels, and yet have no force to man them? Has it just dawned upon you
that the British can enter Presque Isle with but little opposition?”
“I had believed sailors would be sent as soon as needed,” I replied,
looking at him in surprise, for there was a certain bitterness in his
tone which gave me to understand he had been turning the unpleasant
thought in his mind for many a day. “How long is it since you have had
an understanding of the situation?”
“When we lay at the Black Rock Navy-Yard I half surprised, half forced
Oliver into a confession that he was sorely disappointed because no
heed had been given his request for men.”
“And said nothing to me?”
“I promised him I would hold my peace until the fact should be apparent
to all.”
“Why such secrecy?”
“He feared any word from himself or me might be misconstrued, and that
the people would think we gave ourselves up to complaint, instead of
trying to make the best of what was a sorry affair. Now, since your
father has spoken, there is no reason why I should longer hold my
peace.”
Then the lad repeated all his brother had said to him, and I, who
should from my own observation have understood long since the true
situation, now for the first time got an inkling of the defenceless
position in which was Presque Isle.
I learned that Captain Perry had been ordered again and again by the
officials at Washington to make some demonstration against the enemy,
although it was well known that he had no more than sufficient force to
man one of the brigs.
I had previously believed many of our recruits were in the hospital,
but until now was not aware a full fifth of them were unfit for duty,
and that even though it was possible the _Caledonia_ alone might deal
some disastrous blow to the British, she could not be sent out in
proper trim.
Should Captain Finnis visit the bay with his cruising squadron on this
day, he would encounter but little opposition, and the town, as well as
our nearly completed fleet, would be at his mercy.
We talked long regarding the situation, Alec and I, wondering why the
officials at Washington should neglect us so entirely--why Captain
Perry had been sent up from Newport to take charge of a force which had
no existence; but could hit upon nothing by way of a solution to what
seemed like a mystery.
It was a sorry beginning to a voyage full of dangers, as ours must
necessarily be, and at the time it seemed that by declaring war against
the Britishers the people of the United States had compassed their own
destruction.
So despondent had we two lads become by this time that little heed was
given to anything around, although liberty and perhaps life itself
depended upon our vigilance. It was as if we were sailing the boat only
for our own pleasure, regardless of where the wind might bear us, and
we failed to keep even an ordinary lookout.
Therefore it was that both Alec and I were startled--almost
frightened--when suddenly there came as if from out of the water, the
cry:--
“Boat ahoy!”
For an instant I stared at Alec stupidly, and then, realizing how
careless we had been, I sprang to my feet, looking wildly about.
The cry was repeated, and by bending outboard ever so slightly I saw
just ahead of us, where we must have run her down had we held the
course two or three minutes longer, a small boat, better known to us
in Presque Isle by the name of bateau--a craft half canoe, half skiff,
such as the Canadians use on swiftly running water--and in her, but
making no effort to paddle out of the way, was a lad of about my own
age, who waved his arms frantically to attract our attention.
I pulled the tiller up so that we might pass him on the starboard side,
and as our boat swung off I understood why he had remained idle until
we were near to running him down.
In the bateau was not so much as a paddle. The lad was powerless to
direct her movements, and I stared at him stupidly in amazement,
wondering how it chanced that he should thus be drifting so far from
land at the mercy of wind and wave.
FOOTNOTES:
[2] Afterward renamed the _Trippe_.