Lieutenant Elliott's flotilla of schooners at that time lay at Black Rock.

It was necessary to move them to Erie at great risk of capture by the enemy, but vigilance and seamanship accomplished this feat.

It then remained to finish and equip the larger vessels which were being built.

Two of these were the brigs ordered laid down by Chauncey, the _Lawrence_ and the _Niagara_.

Apart from these, the battle squadron consisted of seven small schooners and the captured British brig, the _Caledonia_.