Perry first disposed his light-draft schooners to cover his channel, and then hoisted out the guns of the _Lawrence_ brig and lowered them into boats.

Scows, or "camels," as they were called, were lashed alongside the vessel to lift her when the water was pumped out of them.

There was no more than four feet of water on the bar, and the brig-of-war bumped and stranded repeatedly even when lightened and assisted in every possible manner.
After a night and a day of unflagging exertion she was hauled across into deep water and the guns were quickly slung aboard.

The _Niagara_ was coaxed out of harbor in the same ingenious fashion, and on the 4th of August Perry was able to report that all his vessels were over the bar, although Barclay had returned by now and "the enemy had been in sight all day." Perry endeavored to force an engagement without delay, but the British fleet retired to Amherstburg because Barclay was waiting for a new and powerful ship, the _Detroit_, and he preferred to spar for time.

The American vessels thereupon anchored off Erie and took on stores.