Taking off his coat and rolling it up, Perry quickly thrust it into the hole which the ball had made. This kept the boat from sinking.
As he stepped upon the deck of the Niagara, Perry ordered the blue flag to be hoisted. Just at this moment the Lawrence surrendered.
THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.
The English gave a cheer, thinking they had won the battle. They were not able, however, to board and take the Lawrence at once, and so she drifted away. When safely out of range her colors were rehoisted.
Bringing the Niagara into position, Lieutenant Perry fired a terrific broadside into one of the English vessels. Then he sailed quickly to another and did the same thing.
The other American vessels followed this example, and a terrific battle followed.
In just fifteen minutes the English surrendered. Two vessels of their squadron attempted to escape, but were soon overtaken and captured.
Lieutenant Perry was determined that the formal surrender should take place on the Lawrence. So once more he lowered his flag, and jumping into a boat, made for his first flagship.
When he stepped on board the Lawrence not a cheer was heard. The handful of men that were left silently greeted their commander.