* * * * *
THE HERO OF LAKE ERIE.
ORATION DELIVERED AT THE UNVEILING OF HIS STATUE AT NEWPORT, R.I.,
SEPT. 10, 1885.
By Hon. William P. Sheffield.
The battle of Lake Erie was fought seventy-two years ago to-day; and we
have convened to dedicate to the public and to posterity a statue in
memory of the Commander of the American fleet on that occasion,
Oliver Hazard Perry needs no monument of bronze or marble to commemorate
his name, or to illustrate his glory. History has taken these into its
keeping and will preserve them for posterity, while genius in battle and
heroic valor and unfaltering energy in the performance of high duty,
receive the homage of the American people.
Wherever the patriotism of the citizen is the only reliance for the
defence of the nation, the people owe it to themselves to show their
appreciation of the conduct of those persons who have arisen among them
that have been public benefactors, and have conferred distinction upon
their localities.
Pages:
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47