Up to that time
she had been beyond the effective reach of the enemy's guns, but under
her new commander there was no halting in her course as she bore down to
break and pass through the enemy's ranks. Every brace and bowline were
taut, and every man on board, apprised of what was expected of him, was
soon at his post of duty; each, as he took his position, cast a hasty
glance at Perry's battle flag then flying from the masthead of the
Niagara, and as he took in the dying words of the noble Lawrence, formed
a solemn resolve to obey their mandate and made that resolve a
sacrament.
As she went into action, the Niagara belched forth a broadside at the
Detroit and the Queen Charlotte, then a broadside at the Chippawa, the
Lady Provost and the Hunter. These broadsides were repeated in rapid
succession with terrific effect. The other American vessels, now in
action, whose crews were inspired by the daring of their fleet
commander, imitated his example and the combined result was such as
Britons could not endure.
Pages:
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54