marines. Mr. Morris was killed, and Mr. Price mortally wounded; one marine killed, and one severely wounded. The Smack brought the prisoners up to town this afternoon, who landed at Whitehall, amidst the shouts and plaudits of thousands of spectators, assembled on the battery.*

PERRY'S VICTORY ON LAKE ERIE.

The Lakes of North America are virtually inland seas, that form no contemptible nnrsery for sailors; for on their stormy bosom the mariner acquires habits of hardi. hood, and improves in nautical skill, scarcely less than on the open ocean. In a war between Great Britain and the United States, a struggle for the naval supremacy on the Lakes Erie and Ontario, is a measure of peremptory obligation. Bounded on one side, in their whole length, by Upper Canada, and on the other by the States of the American Union, they form an impenetrable barrier for nearly five hundred miles to the power that obtains an ascendancy on their waters.

On the 10th of September the British flotilla on Lake Erie, commanded by Commodare Barclay, sailed out of Amherstburg bay in search of the American flotilla, under the command of Commodore Perry, which, as the sun

*The battery at New York is a promenade of health and pleasure, commanding the view of a bay not inferior to that of Naples or of Constantinople.

rose clear and unclouded over the waters of the Lake, was seen in motion among the islands, advancing to give the British battle. The two squadrons, having respectively formed the line, began to engage about noon, with a light breeze from the S. W.; the American Commodore, in the Lawrence, coming to close action with the British Commander, in the Detroit, while the Niagara, lying well to windward, contended with the Queen Charlotte. The conflict was sustained for two hours between the Lawrence bearing Perry's flag, and the Detroit displaying that of Barclay, when the Lawrence was so worsted as to become almost incapable of further resistance. In this situation, so trying to the firmness and capacity of a commander, Perry was sensible that no resource remained but in some desperate effort of courage, and, with a decisive intrepidity suited to the juncture, took his flag under his arm, and abandoning his defenceless vessel, in a small open boat, shifted it to the Niagara.* He had scarcely caused it to be displayed from the topgallant-mast-head, when, as he looked round, he saw the Lawrence strike her colours to Commodore Barclay, but that gallant officer, when he had other points of more importance to carry, was superior to the idle parade of

* This act of undaunted courage acquires additional fame from the praise it has extorted from the distinguished Barclay: "The "action had continued with great fury for two hours, when I per"ceived the Lawrence drop a-stern, and a boat passing from her to "the Niagara; the American Commodore seeing that as yet the day! 66 was against him, made a noble, and, alas! too successful an effort to regain it."

66

X

taking possession of her. Perry, in the Niagara, now bore up, and supported by his small vessels, broke the line of the English squadron, and took a raking position on the bow of the Detroit, within half pistol-shot: while the Lawrence, which had drifted out of the reach of the enemy's guns, hoisted again her flag. At this juncture the Queen Charlotte was running up to leeward of the Detroit, in order to support her, and the English Commodore, in wearing his own ship to avoid being raked, fell immediately on board his consort. It was now that Barclay, who had lost an arm under Nelson, had his remaining one dreadfully shattered, and was carried into the cockpit to undergo a second amputation. Perry, assisted by the smaller vessels of his squadron, succeeded in gaining the complete ascendancy; the Queen Charlotte first struck her colours; the surviving lieutenant of the flag-ship hailed to say that he had surrendered; the Hunter submitted together with the Lady Prevost, and the Little Belt and Chippeway made a vain effort to escape. Thus ended the battle on Lake Erie, in which the day was not lost by the English till the first and second in command on board every one of their vessels had been killed or dangerously wounded. The aggregate loss of men in the British flotilla was 41 killed, and 94 wounded; that of the American flotilla 27 killed and 96 wounded. Jany. 1, The British blockading squadron composed 1814. of the Valiant and Acasta, off New London, becoming short of provisions and water, are relieved by the Ramilies 74, Sir Thomas Hardy, the Endymion 50, Captain Hope, and the Statira 46, Captain Stackpoole.

CHALLENGES BETWEEN THE TWO NAVIES.

Commodore Decatur, finding his confinement irksome at New London, and wishing for some relaxation on the high seas, invites the Endymion and the Statira to a têteà-tête meeting with the United States and the Macedonian. In the projection of this Naval Duel, the eye and hand seem to be busied in counting ports and guaging guns.

From Commodore Decatur to Sir Thomas M. Hardy.

U. S. ship United States, New London,

17th January, 1814.

SIR, Having been informed by Nicholas Moran, the master of a sloop recently captured by his Britannic Majesty's ship Endymion, now lying before this port, that, whilst he was on board the Ramilies, and in your hearing, Captain Hope, of the Endymion, did ask him whether the frigate United States would not avoid an action. He further states, that he heard you declare it to be your wish, that the U. S. ship Macedonian should have a meeting with H. M. S. Statira; that you would furnish men, and give room for such meeting; but that you would not permit the challenge to come from your side.

The Endymion, I am informed, carries 24-pounders, and mounts 50 guns in all. This ship also carries 24pounders, and mounts 48 guns, besides a 12-pound carronade, a boat-gun.

The Statira mounts 50; the Macedonian, 47: metal the same. So that the force on both sides is as nearly equal as we could expect to find.

If Mr. Moran's statement be correct, it is evident Captains Hope and Stackpoole have the laudable desire of engaging with their ships, the United States and Macedonian; we, sir, are ready, and equally desirous for such meeting forthwith.

The only difficulty that appears to be in the way, is from whom the formal invitation is to come. If, sir, you admit Moran's statement to be correct, the difficulty will be removed, and you will be pleased to consider this as an invitation. At the same time we beg you will assure Captains Hope and Stackpoole, that no personal feeling towards them, induces me to make this communication. They are solicitous to add to the renown of their country: we honor their motives.

Captain Biddle, who will have the honor to deliver you this, is authorised on our part, to make any arrangements which may be thought necessary.

I have the honor to be, &c.

S. DECATUR.

From Captain Stackpoole to Commodore Decatur.

SIR,

H. M. S. Statira, off N. London,

January 17, 1814.

Captain Sir Thomas M. Hardy, Bart. and commodore off New London, has this afternoon handed me a letter from you, expressing a desire that the U. S. ship Macedonian, commanded by Captain Jones, should meet H. M. S. Statira, under my command; and that the U.S. ship United States, bearing your broad pendant,* would

*The ship of a Commodore is distinguished from the inferior ships of his squadron by a broad red pendant at the mast-head.