announced by Commodore Perry in a remarkable spirit of modesty. He sent two reports. Both of these are dated from the "U. S. brig Niagara, off the western Sister head of Lake Erie, Sept. 10th, 4 o'clock, P. M." The first was to William Jones, the Secretary of the Navy, as follows: "Sir-It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of the United States a signal victory over their enemies on this lake. The British squadron, consisting of two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop, have this moment surrendered to the force under my command, after a sharp conflict. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, O. H. Perry." The second, laconic and historic, was to General Harrison: "Dear General-We have met the enemy, and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop. Yours with great respect and esteem, The result of this victory was of great advantage to the Americans. The only barrier between General Harrison, who was on the south side of Lake Erie. near Sandusky Bay, and the British base of supplies, Fort Malden, was destroyed. It left Detroit and the territory of Michigan at the mercy of his army. Subsequent events proved that this was all true, for the victory achieved at the Battle of the Thames destroyed British power in upper Canada, and resulted in the recovery of the Territory of Michigan. The Battle of Lake Erie was the last engagement of the War of 1812 that occurred within the territorial limits of Ohio. In song and story and on painter's canvas, Perry's Victory has been celebrated as an event of gallantry and patriotism that has added to the glory of the Republic. "We have met the enemy and they are ours" became an epigram of our National literature, and it will live in the memory of the American Navy, for around it cluster some of the bravest deeds of her seamen. To the expenses of the War of 1812, Ohio contributed very largely through taxation levied by the Government. Under the act of August 13, 1813, she contributed $104,150, and under that of January 9, 1815, she raised $208,300. This tax was in the nature of internal duties on the manufacture and sale of distilled spirits, licenses on carriages and auctions, and bank stamps. Governor Meigs won for himself the approbation of his State and country by his energetic and patriotic efforts in behalf of his flag. The legislature of Ohio encouraged and supported the Governor with all the measures and means necessary to make the proper military movements. Governor Meigs resigned his office March 25, 1814, to become Postmaster-General in President Madison's Cabinet. The general effects of the war in Ohio were good. Upon the declaration of peace, December 24, 1814, a great many of the soldiers remained in the State, or removed here after they had passed through it in their marches. This additional population stimulated the markets, and greatly increased trade. While in the East the war brought depression in business, in Ohio it was just the reverse. It is true, though, that speculation followed the successful years subsequent to the war, and much distress and financial ruin resulted. |