Early in August the American squadron left the harbor of Erie, and
sailed to Put-in-Bay, an island not far from the west end of the lake.
The British squadron was in the harbor of Fort Malden, nearly opposite
on the Canadian shore.
On the morning of September 10, 1813, from the masthead of the
_Lawrence_, the English fleet was seen approaching.
As the Americans were sailing out to battle, Lieutenant Perry gathered
his men together and talked to them about the courage they would need.
He showed them a large blue flag, bearing in white letters a foot high
the words: "Don't give up the ship!"
"My brave lads," he said, "this flag bears the last words of Captain
Lawrence. Shall I hoist it?"