The defence of Fort Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky, was one of the most
brilliant exploits in the annals of war. It was an unfinished stockade
fort, garrisoned by one hundred and fifty men, under the command of
Major George Croghan. General Harrison had sent word to the major, that
he should abandon the fort on the approach of the enemy. But he did
not think a retreat possible, and, moreover, was determined to perish,
rather than surrender. On the 28th of May, Proctor, with twenty-two
hundred British and Indians, appeared before the fort, and summoned
the garrison to surrender. Receiving the most heroic refusal, he opened
a heavy fire, which was continued during the night and all next day,
when the enemy advanced to the assault. Croghan had but one six-pounder
in the fort. This was masked, and other preparations made to receive
the foe. The assault was furious, but the fire of the heroic garrison
committed such havoc that the British were compelled to fall back in
confusion, and soon after they abandoned the siege, having lost over
two hundred men. Croghan’s loss was trifling.
[Illustration: BUILDING THE FLEET ON LAKE ERIE.]
[Illustration: COMMODORE PERRY.]