CHAPTER IV.THE ATTACK.
What might be the enterprise in which we were embarked on this 23d day of May, in the year 1813, neither Alec nor I could so much as guess, and we were not troubled because of our ignorance.
So that it was an attack upon the enemy, and a venture in which was somewhat of danger, we gave no heed.
As a matter of course we speculated upon it among ourselves, and, knowing that Captain Perry proposed to set out alone, we believed it was something in the nature of a reconnoissance, which in itself would have been comparatively trifling but for the fact that Alec’s brother was making it, and he, we understood full well, would lead us as near to the Britishers as might be agreeable.
As I have said, it was evening when we set out from Presque Isle, embarking at the old French Fort, and before having sailed a distance of ten miles the boat was headed in for the shore.
To my mind there was good reason for this manœuvre. The wind was blowing from the north and east a full half-gale, and it was such weather as appeared too heavy for our small boat.
Immediately after we had rounded the point on which was located the blockhouse, and were come out into the lake, I believed the captain would decide that it was dangerous in the extreme to make any attempt at continuing the journey, and my relief was great when the bow of the craft grated upon the sand.
“If this is to be the end of our travels we need not have wasted so much breath in asking permission to join the party,” Alec whispered to me, laughingly, but ere I could reply my father stepped out from the bushes, pushed off the boat as he leaped into it without speaking, and the voyage was resumed before we had fully come to a halt.
Now it was we understood that some plan of operations had been decided upon beforehand, else would Captain Perry and my father have held converse with each other; but, instead, they sat in the stern-sheets intent, so far as we could see, only upon the progress which we might make by aid of oars.
Noting the expression on each man’s face I grew more serious in mind, understanding full well that they had in view something of a grave nature, otherwise wordswould have passed between them, whereas both held silent; while our boatmen fought against the angry waves of the lake as if some great reward awaited them in event of a successful ending of the voyage.
This much Alec saw as well as did I, for he whispered, after we had pushed out on the angry waters again, forcing our way against wind and wave half a mile or more, during which time no person in the boat had so much as spoken:—
“Where think you, Richard Dobbins, is to be the end of this adventure?” And I answered him, having in mind our captivity at Port Rowan:—
“It is like that we will head, so soon as the wind permits, for some point on the Canadian shore. Perhaps neither your brother nor my father firmly believes all we told them regarding the gathering of Britishers, and are now come to make a reconnoissance, since the ice is broken up and it is possible for troops to cross the lake.”
It would have been as well had we held our peace, for neither Alec nor I guessed at the meaning of this voyage, as was shown when the night grew older.
Instead of proceeding toward the Canadian shore, as would have been easier under all the circumstances, we hugged the land so far as was possible, steadily advancing within what might well be called the Americanboundaries, straight on toward Buffalo, and were it not for the fact of what followed after we were on the banks of the Niagara River, I would write much concerning the dangers of that night voyage, when not only once, but twenty times, were we in great peril of being overset by the angry waves.
However, because of what followed, this venture, which at the time seemed in the highest degree hazardous, came to appear as nothing, and must be passed over with but few words.
Therefore let me set it down that during every moment of all the long night we two lads believed our lives were near to being ended.
Every wave which buffeted our slight craft sent the water in over rail or stern, and brought her down so low that the water broke over us until we were forced to bail with all our might, else had we been swamped.
In such manner did the night pass, and when morning broke we were at Buffalo, neither Alec nor I understanding what purpose could have brought us there.
We had a fairly good idea, however, when, with such horses as could most readily be procured, we four—meaning Captain Perry, my father, Alec, and I—set out by land, riding during that day and part ofthe next night until we were come to Lewiston, when we made a halt.
Then a council was held, in which we had no part, but I heard Captain Perry say to my father at the close of it:—
“You will ride back to Schlosser, and there make ready boats in which to transport laborers who will hasten the work upon our squadron at Presque Isle, if it so be we are successful in the venture.”
Whereupon my father asked:—
“But if it so be that you fail in the enterprise?”
“To my mind there is no such possibility. Fort George must be taken within four and twenty hours after our arrival, and from that point we will detach as many men as are needed for the movement which we contemplate upon the lake.”
Thus it was that Alec and I gained an inkling of the whole scheme.
Fort George, on the Canadian shore, just south of Newark, was to be attacked by our forces, most likely under command of Commodore Chauncey, and we lads, who burned to distinguish ourselves, would be given the opportunity within a few hours.
My father turned back agreeably to the commands he had received, and we three continued on until we arrived at the shore of Lake Ontario, near-by FortNiagara, off which was lying the American fleet, consisting of such vessels as theMadison,Oneida,Lady of the Lake,Ontario, and five or six others whose names shall appear as this narrative progresses.
It was a hearty reception with which we met when, having come to the shore, signals were made to our vessels in the offing, and a boat put out from theMadison, which for the time was flying Commodore Chauncey’s flag.
Leaving our horses in the care of friendly-disposed people near at hand, we embarked in the commodore’s barge, and on stepping aboard theMadison, Commodore Chauncey said, taking Captain Perry warmly by the hand:—
“No person on earth could be more welcome at this time than yourself.”
It was as if these words had been spoken to us two lads personally, and immediately Alec and I were puffed up with pride, sharing for the moment all the honor which was given to the captain.
It was not with any idea of spinning out a yarn regarding the capture of Fort George that I first set myself down to this task, but rather to tell how Captain Oliver Perry won renown for himself on the waters of Lake Erie, and also to describe the slight share which we two lads had in the gaining of his glory.
Therefore it is that all which was done here nearabout Lake Ontario shall be given in the fewest words possible to a fair understanding. So far as we two lads are concerned, it may well be passed over briefly, for although our intentions were good, and we had fancied the moment was come when we could play the part of men, Alec Perry and I were little more than spectators during this, the first of warfare I had ever witnessed.
But even to so skeleton-like a tale as this must be, some words of description are necessary, in order that what share Captain Perry had in the victory may thoroughly be understood.
The commander of the American forces was General Henry Dearborn, and of the American squadron, as I have before said, Commodore Isaac Chauncey.
Of our land force, fit for duty, there were said to be over four thousand, including the troops under command of Major-General Lewis in Fort Niagara. Our people had, in addition to the fort I have just named, what was known as the Salt Battery, opposite Fort George, and two other batteries between it and Fort Niagara.
General Dearborn was so sick at this time as to be unable to take any active part in the operations; but his chief of staff, Colonel Winfield Scott, represented him ably, and during an interview between the commodoreand the general in command, it was decided that Captain Oliver Perry should have full charge of the task of landing the troops when the attack was begun.
Further preparations on our side consisted of building a large number of small boats at Five-Mile Meadow, and orders were sent for them to be brought around to Four-Mile Creek on the evening of the 26th of May, when an interview between our commanders was held. These skiffs were to be used, as a matter of course, in the landing of the troops.
So much for the American forces; now for the British.
There were nearabout the fort which Commodore Chauncey and General Dearborn counted on taking, English regulars to the number of eighteen hundred, under command of Brigadier-General John Vincent. In addition, there were three hundred and fifty militia and fifty Indians under Colonel Harvey.
It was said by our spies that the enemy’s force extended on the right from Fort George to Brown’s Point, and on the left to Four-Mile Creek and the Canadian side of the river; while in the rear of the fortifications a number of companies were stationed to support each other when required.
Besides Fort George, the Britishers had severalsmaller works along the shore of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. One twenty-four pound gun was set up about half a mile from Newark, and their principal battery was at the mouth of Two-Mile Creek.
All this Alec and I learned while we remained on board theMadison, awaiting some word from Captain Perry, who was in consultation with the leaders of the American forces.
The sailors, knowing my father full well by reputation, for he was said to be one of the most skilful navigators upon the lakes, were more than ready to talk with me; but before the summer was come to an end it was Alec Perry to whom they gave their confidences, rather than to the son of Daniel Dobbins.
It was only natural we two lads should believe, having come thus far, that we would be allowed to share in the battle which all knew must follow, because, in such strong position as was the enemy, he would not allow his fortifications to be taken from him without a spirited resistance; but we were soon made to understand that however valuable we believed our services might prove, they were not to be accepted.
When, on the evening of the 26th, the final arrangements were made for an attack upon the British fort, and the leaders of the expedition had come on boardtheMadison, General Dearborn accompanying them despite his illness, Alec’s brother explained to us, in a tone which admitted of no discussion, what part we were to take in the action of the morrow.
“You will stay quietly aboard theMadison, and under no circumstances make any attempt at accompanying the troops when they land. I have allowed you lads to remain with me thus far; but with the promise to Captain Dobbins that you should have no further share in the attack, than that of spectators.”
A bitter disappointment it was, indeed, to see our people prepared for a battle which we firmly believed would result in a victory for the Americans, and yet remain idly by while glory, and perhaps fame, was to be won.
Because Alec stood silent when his brother had thus spoken, I understood that it would be useless to make any effort at persuading the captain into recalling the command given, and swallowed my disappointment as best I might.
Therefore it is that I am all the more willing to pass over the capture of Fort George with the fewest possible words.
Late in the afternoon the boats, which I have said had been built at Five-Mile Meadow, were pulled around to Four-Mile Creek, and this work brought ona general fire between the forts and batteries in the immediate vicinity; but, save for the destruction of several houses along the river bank, no injury was inflicted on either side.
From sunset until midnight the heavy artillery and a portion of the troops were embarked on theMadison, theOneida, and theLady of the Lake, while the remainder of the force, including the horses, were taken on board the newly constructed boats.
It can well be supposed that no heed was given to sleep after the work of embarkation had been concluded; all awaited the signal for the advance, knowing it must speedily come.
It was near to daybreak when our squadron got under way, and Alec and I stood on the after part of theMadisonvainly trying to see, in the darkness and the fog, what was being done.
We could hear on every hand the murmur of voices, the creaking of oars in rowlocks, the neighing of horses, and the flapping of sails; but could see nothing.
It gave one a most singular sensation to be shut in by the dense, gray vapor, and yet to know from the various noises that on all sides were men making ready to take the lives of others, or to sacrifice their own.
The officers of the expedition, and among them asa matter of course was Captain Perry, remained by themselves, as was proper, and we two lads would have given much just then could we have had speech with Alec’s brother, in order that he might explain certain movements which to us were mystifying.
Then, suddenly, as it were, the heavy mist lifted and the sun shone out clear and warm, lighting up the waters which were covered here, there, and everywhere, seemingly as far as the eye could reach, with vessels and small boats, all laden with men and implements of warfare.
It was a sight such as few lads could ever have the privilege of witnessing, and for a time I believed there was nothing so grand or so noble as war.
With the rising of the fog the wind freshened, and the vessels of the fleet advanced according to the programme mapped out.
The schoonersJuliaandGrowlertook up position at the mouth of the river, engaging the battery near the lighthouse where it was intended to land a portion of the troops. A short distance away toward the north, theOntariocame about to command the same position.
TheGovernor Tompkinsand theConquestwere moored near Two-Mile Creek in front of a small battery where the remainder of our men were to be setashore. Coming up with these two schooners were theHamilton, theAsp, and theScourge, and before they were all in such position as had been previously agreed upon, the batteries on both sides of the river opened fire.
The first notes of the battle were being sounded.
Now had come the time for Alec’s brother to display that courage which afterward won for him so great a name, and we two lads gave more heed to his movements than to all else beside.
TheGovernor Tompkinsand theConquestimmediately opened fire on the battery they were ordered to silence, and the wind, which was momentarily increasing in force, swept away the smoke until we from the deck of theMadisoncould see all that took place.
It seemed to me as if no more than five minutes elapsed before the Britishers fled from their earth-works, and Captain Perry had leaped overboard from the foremost of the fleet of boats, wading to the shore, with the men close behind him like a party of school-boys at play.
Colonel Scott was not far in the rear of Alec’s brother, and these two brave men led the way up the embankment, despite the rapid musketry firing which was poured upon them from Britishers concealed in the thicket hard by.
CAPTAIN PERRY HAD LEAPED OVERBOARD FROM THE FOREMOST OF THE FLEET OF BOATS.
“CAPTAIN PERRY HAD LEAPED OVERBOARD FROM THE FOREMOST OF THE FLEET OF BOATS.”
Even to Alec and I, who were ignorant regarding what is called the “art” of warfare, it seemed as if the schooners were not discharging their guns as rapidly as possible, while the Britishers ashore were pouring a hot fire into our men.
Without being really conscious of the fact, we set up a shout of exultation when we saw Captain Perry push off in a boat alone, regardless of the bullets which were falling into the water in every direction, and row toward the nearest schooner.
In less than three minutes from the time he stepped on board the vessel we knew for what purpose he had gone. The schooner’s guns were served much more rapidly than before, and then it was that the captain went ashore again to take his full share in the conflict which was raging, for now indeed was the battle on.
Because of the smoke, we two lads could not see plainly all that was done; but General Dearborn, with a glass at his eyes, followed the action closely, and by the words which fell from his lips at frequent intervals we understood that our men were more than holding their own.
It is said that the battle lasted only about twenty minutes; but I could equally well have believed it was half that time, or even so long as three hours, so wrought up by excitement was I.
However, we knew full well when the shouts from the shore, and the rapid forward movements of our men, told that the victory had been won,—that Fort George was ours,—and even though we two lads had had no share in the fighting, we raised our voices as loudly in triumph as did those whose brave deeds had vanquished the foe.
As we afterward learned, our loss in the battle was about forty killed and an hundred wounded; while of the British fifty-one were killed and eight hundred and twelve regulars and militiamen either wounded, missing, or made prisoners.
Alec and I, still forced to remain aboard theMadisonbecause of the orders given by Captain Perry, knew little of what was being done until far into the night, when we heard that the British commander, General Vincent, was in full retreat; that all the enemy’s fortifications on the Niagara River were abandoned because of the victory just won.
It was near to daybreak next morning when Captain Perry came on board the flag-ship and told us that we were to set out on the return to Presque Isle without
And so we did, beginning the journey within half an hour after sunrise, despite the fact that Alec’s brother had not slept for eight and forty hours,making all speed down the river as if our army had been defeated, and we were fleeing in wild disorder before a victorious enemy.
We understood full well, however, why our return must be made with such great speed.
There were at the Black Rock Navy-Yard, above Buffalo, five vessels which had been prepared for warlike service, and peradventure we could arrive there before the British destroyed the place, these craft might be ladened with such material as we at Presque Isle stood most in need.
Even now, after so long a time has passed, it seems to me that I might profitably fill many pages with an account of our journey down the river, the halt at Black Rock Navy-Yard, the loading of those vessels built by Henry Eckford, and of the passage back to Presque Isle when, with a force of two hundred soldiers, as many sailors as could be hired, and all the oxen to be found in the vicinity, these craft, so sadly needed by our people, were towed, or tracked, along the shore of the lake.
There was much of interest which befell us on the way during this long and tedious journey, for we did not get the vessels loaded and into Buffalo until the 6th of June, nor sail from there until the 13th, when Captain Perry lay in his berth on board theCaledoniasick with what appeared to be a fever, and it seemed to Alec and I as if, because of this illness, all which had been accomplished was set at naught, so far as concerned the getting under way of the fleet that had been begun by my father.