The Battle of Lake Erie
(from Select British Documents of the Canadian War of 1812, Vol. 2, p. 274 - 6]
His Majesty's late ship Detroit
Putin Bay Lake Erie Sept. 12th 1813
Sir:
The last letter I had the honor of writing to you dated the 6th instant, I informed you that unless certain intimation was received of more seamen being on their way to Amherstburg, I should be obliged to sail with the squadron deplorably manned as it was, to fight the enemy (who blockaded the port) to enable us to get supplies of provisions and stores of every description, so perfectly destitute of provisions was the post, that there was not a day's flour in store, and the crews of the squadron under my command were on half allowance of many things, and when that was done there was no more; such were the motives which induced
Major General Procter … to concur in the necessity of a battle being risked under the many disadvantages which I laboured, and it now remains for me, the most melancholy task to relate to you the unfortunate issue of that battle, as well as the many untoward circumstances that led to that event.
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No intelligence of seamen having arrived, I sailed on the 9th inst. fully expecting to meet the enemy next morning, as they had been seen among the islands, nor was I mistaken, soon after daylight they were seen in motion in Putin Bay, the wind then at south west and light, giving us the weather gage; -- I bore up for then in hopes of bringing them to action among the islands but that intention was soon frustrated by the wind suddenly shifting to the south east, which brought the enemy directly to windward. |
The Battle of Lake Erie |
The line was formed according to a given plan, so that each ship might be supported against the superior force of the two brigs opposed to them; -- About ten the enemy had cleared the islands, and immediately bore up under easy sail, in a line abreast, each brig being also supported by the small vessels; -- At a quarter before twelve I commenced the action by firing a few long guns, about a quarter past, the American Commodore, also supported by two schooners, ... came to close action, with the Detroit, the other brig of the enemy, apparently destined to engage the Queen Charlotte, supported in like manner by two schooners, kept so far windward as to render the Queen Charlotte's 24 pounder carronades useless, while she was with the Lady Provost, exposed to the heavy and destructive fire of the Caledonia, and four other schooners, ...
Naval cutlass
Sea service pistol
Cannon from a gun boat |
The action continued with great fury until half past two, when I perceived my opponent drop astern, and a boat passing from him to the
Niagara (which vessel was at this time perfectly fresh) the American Commodore seeing that as yet the day was against him (his vessel having struck soon after he left her) and also the very defenceless state of the Detroit, which ship was now a perfect wreck, principally from the racking fire of the gun boats, and also that the
Queen Charlotte, was in such a situation that I could receive very little assistance from her, and the
Lady Provost, being at this time too far to leeward, from her rudder being injured, made a noble, and alas, too successful an effort to regain it, for he bore up and supported by his small vessels, passed within pistol shot, and took up a racking position on our bow, nor could I prevent it, as the unfortunate situation of the
Queen Charlotte, prevented us from wearing [turning], in attempting it we fell on board her; my gallant first Lieutenant Garland, was now mortally wounded, and myself so severely that I was obliged to quit the deck. Manned as the squadron was, with not more than fifty British seamen, the rest a mixed crew of Canadians, and soldiers, and who were totally unacquainted with such service rendered the loss of officers more sensibly felt, and never in any action was the loss more severe, every officer commanding vessels, and their seconds, was either killed or wounded, so severely as to be unable to keep the deck. ... |
Captain Perry, has behaved in a most humane and attentive manner, not only to myself and officers, but to all the wounded.
I trust that although unsuccessful, you will approve of the motives that induced me to sail, under so many disadvantages and that it may be hereafter proved, that under such circumstances the honor of His Majesty's flag has not been tarnished.
I enclose the list of killed and wounded, and have the honor to be,
Sir
Your most obedient humble servant
R H Barclay, Commander and late Senior Officer
