His ship and the _Scorpion_ and _Ariel_ drew considerably ahead of the rest of the fleet.

As a consequence they received the main fire of the enemy, which soon became concentrated on the _Lawrence_, that was gallantly fighting against overwhelming odds.
Moreover, she was at a hopeless disadvantage with her short guns, and soon became a wreck, with a large number of her men killed or wounded.
Gradually the boats drifted nearer and the Americans were able to make use of their short guns and small arms.

Perry's clothing was torn by splinters and two musket balls passed through his hat.

The battle continued for more than two hours with the utmost desperation, during which the scenes on the _Lawrence_ were too frightful to be described.
Finally the wrecked flagship began drifting helplessly out of action, when Perry determined to transfer his flag to the _Niagara_.
[Illustration: COMMODORE PERRY AT THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.] With his broad pennant folded over his arm, and accompanied by a younger brother and four seamen, he stepped into the small boat, which began pulling in the direction of the _Niagara_.

The thick smoke concealed them for a time, but it soon lifted, and Barclay aimed a shot at the boat.