CHAPTER XIV.
Occasional American Defeats as Well as Victories--Captain Decatur's Misfortune--The _Chesapeake_ and _Shannon_.
You would gain a wrong impression if my account of the leading naval events in the War of 1812 were made up wholly of American victories.

It was inevitable that our gallant officers and men should meet with some defeats.

In order, therefore, to give as true an idea as possible of those times I shall devote this chapter to telling about some events which went the wrong way.
Enough has been related concerning Stephen Decatur to show that he was the most prominent of our naval leaders in our last war with Great Britain.

He entered into the work with the same dauntless enthusiasm he showed whenever it was his privilege to serve his country, and his capture of the _Macedonian_ was one of the most brilliant exploits of the many that took place during those memorable years.
In order to understand my use of the words "captain" and "commodore," it is necessary to explain that at the time to which I now refer the latter rank was different from what it is to-day.

The commodore of a squadron was the highest ranking officer and he might be lower than a captain.
Thus "Commodore" Perry, who won the remarkable victory on Lake Erie, was promoted from that rank to "captain." Another interesting fact may be named.