Perry's Victory

[halsherman]

If you visit the Sate House in Columbus you will see the painting of Perry's Victory on Lake Erie by William Henry Powell in the rotunda. His victory was a very important part of the war and led to the defeat of the British. A story about the painting is on the following site. I wish there were more great painting such as this to teach the younger generation of the brave deeds of the past.
publications.ohiohistory.org/ohstemplate.cfm?action=detail&Page=008965.html&StartPage=65&EndPage=77&volume=89&newtitle=Volume%2089%20Page%2065

[Matthew S. Schweitzer]

[griffin]

A more interesting story is that of Jesse Duncan Elliot, Perry's second in command, and his actions during the battle.

Elliot kept the remainder of the fleet out of action and allowed Perry and the Lawrence to take on the entire British fleet almost single handedly.

Later Elliot would take part in another scandalous affair, he would be James Barron's second in the duel that killed Stephen Decatur. After the exchange of fire and his realization that Decatur was mortally wounded, he jumped in a carriage and tried to escape only to be chased down by David Porter and forced to attend to the wounded James Barron...

[Matthew S. Schweitzer]

Interesting. I didn't know anything about Jesse Elliot. Seems like another rattlesnake of the same character as General James Wilkinson and his history of underhanded backstabbing throughout his career in the Northwest.

[griffin]

Very much like Wilkinson...and his ability to somehow further his career despite several missteps

[griffin]

Back on topic, I have always loved this painting, however, I always found it strange that the artist omitted Perry's famous "Don't give up the ship" banner that he transferred to the Niagara......