Early in the spring of 1813, the attention of the government of the
United States, was directed to the important object of obtaining the
command of Lake Erie. The earnest representations of General Harrison
had awakened the administration to a proper sense of the necessity of
this measure. The British already had an efficient naval force upon
the lake, and it gave them great advantages. Two brigs and several
schooners were ordered to be built, under the direction of Captain
Oliver H. Perry. That able and active officer saw that the work was
carried on with the greatest rapidity, and on the 2d of August, he was
able to sail in quest of the enemy’s squadron. The British, though much
superior in force, did not venture out to meet the new squadron.
[Illustration: BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.]