"Nothing could intimidate, nothing dishearten, Perry. Depending on the native energies of his mind he was prepared for…"

"I leave it to your discretion to strike or not, but the American colors must not be pulled down over my head today."

"We have met the enemy and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop."

"I made sail, and directed the other vessels to follow, for the purpose of closing with the enemy. Every brace and bow…"

"Those officers and men who were immediately under my observation, evinced the greatest gallantry, and I have no doubt…"

"The personal conduct of Perry throughout the 10th of September was perfect. His keenly sensitive nature never interfe…"

"The personal deportment of Captain Perry, throughout the day, was worthy of all praise. He did not quit his own vesse…"

"He absolutely refused to admit, much less accept, defeat when he was literally beaten on Lake Erie. He was that rara …"

"Against a tenacious enemy, this young commodore bequeathed a legacy of combat leadership to future generations of nav…"

"Our Country!—'tis a glorious land— With broad arms stretched from shore to shore;— The proud Pacific chafes her stran…"