The defence of Fort Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky, was one of the most brilliant exploits in the annals of war. It was an unfinished stockade fort, garrisoned by one hundred and fifty men, under the command of Major George Croghan. General Harrison had sent word to the major, that he should abandon the fort on the approach of the enemy. But he did not think a retreat possible, and, moreover, was determined to perish, rather than surrender. On the 28th of May, Proctor, with twenty-two hundred British and Indians, appeared before the fort, and summoned the garrison to surrender. Receiving the most heroic refusal, he opened a heavy fire, which was continued during the night and all next day, when the enemy advanced to the assault. Croghan had but one six-pounder in the fort. This was masked, and other preparations made to receive the foe. The assault was furious, but the fire of the heroic garrison committed such havoc that the British were compelled to fall back in confusion, and soon after they abandoned the siege, having lost over two hundred men. Croghan’s loss was trifling. [Illustration: BUILDING THE FLEET ON LAKE ERIE.] [Illustration: COMMODORE PERRY.] BUILDING OF THE FLEET ON LAKE ERIE. Early in the spring of 1813, the attention of the government of the United States, was directed to the important object of obtaining the command of Lake Erie. The earnest representations of General Harrison had awakened the administration to a proper sense of the necessity of this measure. The British already had an efficient naval force upon the lake, and it gave them great advantages. Two brigs and several schooners were ordered to be built, under the direction of Captain Oliver H. Perry. That able and active officer saw that the work was carried on with the greatest rapidity, and on the 2d of August, he was able to sail in quest of the enemy’s squadron. The British, though much superior in force, did not venture out to meet the new squadron. [Illustration: BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.] BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.