Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry took command of the American naval forces st Lake Erie in the spring of 1813. The famous battle with the British fleet began on September 10, when Perry raised a flag bearing the words "Don't Give Up The Ship" and sailed into action. After three hours of muderous gunfire, Perry was forced to abandon his flagship, the Lawrence. In a daring move, he was rowed a half mile to the Niagara, from which he continued the attack. After the battle, Perry returned to the shattered Lawrence and penned a quick message to General Harrison, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." This decisive victory at the Battle of Lake Erie ensured American control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812.
