Produced by Steven desJardins and Distributed Proofreaders [Illustration: "_OLD IRONSIDES_" The old frigate _Constitution_ as she appears today in her snug berth at the Boston Navy Yard where she is preserved as an historical relic. Photograph by N. L. Stebbins, Boston.] THE FIGHT FOR A FREE SEA A CHRONICLE OF THE WAR OF 1812 BY RALPH D. PAINE [Illustration] VOLUME 17 THE CHRONICLES OF AMERICA SERIES ALLEN JOHNSON, EDITOR 1920 CONTENTS I. "ON TO CANADA!" II. LOST GROUND REGAINED III. PERRY AND LAKE ERIE IV. EBB AND FLOW ON THE NORTHERN FRONT V. THE NAVY ON BLUE WATER VI. MATCHLESS FRIGATES AND THEIR DUELS VII. "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP!" VIII. THE LAST CRUISE OF THE ESSEX IX. VICTORY ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN X. PEACE WITH HONOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE INDEX ILLUSTRATIONS "OLD IRONSIDES" The old frigate _Constitution_ as she appears today in her snug berth at the Boston Navy Yard where she is preserved as an historical relic. Photograph by N. L. Stebbins, Boston. THE THEATRE OF OPERATIONS IN THE WAR OF 1812 Map by W. L. G. Joerg, American Geographical Society. OLIVER HAZARD PERRY AT THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE Painting by J. W. Jarvis. In the City Hall, New York, owned by the Corporation. Reproduced by courtesy of the Municipal Art Commission of the City of New York. ISAAC CHAUNCEY Painting in the Comptroller's Office, City Hall, New York, owned by the Corporation. Reproduced by courtesy of the Municipal Art Commission of the City of New York. COMMODORE STEPHEN DECATUR Painting by Thomas Sully, 1811. In the Comptroller's Office, owned by the City of New York. Reproduced by courtesy of the Art Commission of the City of New York. CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE An old print, illustrating the moment in the action at which the mainmast of the _Guerriere_, shattered by the terrific fire of the American frigate, fell overside, transforming the former vessel into a floating wreck and terminating the action. The picture represents accurately the surprisingly slight damage done the _Constitution_: note the broken spanker gaff and the shot holes in her topsails. ISAAC HULL Painting by J. W. Jarvis. In the City Hall, New York, owned by the Corporation. WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE Painting by J. W. Jarvis. In the City Hall, New York, owned by the Corporation. Reproduced by courtesy of the Municipal Art Commission of the City of New York. A FRIGATE OF 1812 UNDER SAIL