In contemplating this statue, we should consider the circumstances in
which Perry was placed, and the events impending when the artist has
undertaken to represent him, as well as in the light of Perry's conduct
thereafter and the results therefrom, reflected back upon this critical
juncture in his career. For the battle of Lake Erie did not create, but
illustrated and brought out in bold outline, the real character of the
man.
The crews of the American fleet were of a mixed character. Perry sent
from Newport one hundred and forty-nine men and three boys in three
detachments. Half of one of these detachments was detained by Commodore
Chauncey on Lake Ontario; but shortly before the battle Perry received
from that officer a considerable accession to his force. Upon his
arrival at Lake Erie, Perry found a few men in the service of the
Government on the Lake, and the remainder of his men were made up of new
recruits, with a contingent taken from the North Western army of men,
naturally brave but without experience on ship-board.
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