Events were soon to display the notable differences in temperament and capabilities between these two men.

Though he had greater opportunities on Lake Ontario, Chauncey was too cautious and held the enemy in too much respect; wherefore he dodged and parried and fought inconclusive engagements with the fleet of Sir James Yeo until destiny had passed him by.

He lives in history as a competent and enterprising chief of dockyards and supplies but not as a victorious seaman.
To Perry, in the flush of his youth at twenty-eight years, was granted the immortal spark of greatness to do and dare and the personality which impelled men gladly to serve him and to die for him.

His difficulties were huge, but he attacked them with a confidence which nothing could dismay.

First he had to concentrate his divided force.