As I afterward came to know, during the consultation of officers in the commodore’s cabin on the night previous it had been decided that when the engagement commenced each vessel in our fleet should attack some particular ship of the British squadron. As for instance: The _Lawrence_ was to engage the _Detroit_; the _Niagara_, the _Queen Charlotte_; and in such-like order, every craft selecting an antagonist somewhere near her own size. Therefore now, when the wind permitted of our line being formed, the _Niagara_ led the way. Our ship had been cleared for action some time before, and as the real advance was begun Commodore Perry ordered that the blue banner, with its inspiring words in white, be brought up from his cabin. Holding it at arm’s length that it might be plainly seen by every one on deck, the commander said, in words that look cold enough when set down in writing, but which thrilled all who heard, and caused my faint courage to increase until I almost longed for the combat:-- “The enemy, for which we have waited so long, is at last before us. You know we are slightly outclassed in guns and number of men; but to such brave hearts as yours that is of no especial importance. We shall soon be within range, and I promise that this brig be laid as close alongside the _Detroit_ as the wind will permit. It is not for me to urge upon you the importance of doing full duty this day. Your country and your honor demands that the enemy be whipped. It was agreed between the commanders of the other vessels that when this was run up it should be the signal for action. On it are written the last words of Captain Lawrence, and I know full well you will heed them. They signify your desire to fight to the last plank. My brave lads, shall I hoist it?” [Illustration: “‘AY, AY, SIR, HOIST IT!’”] He would have been the veriest coward living who could not have shouted as heartily as did we all, my voice rising high as any one around me:-- “Ay, ay, sir; hoist it!” The flag was bent on to the halliards, and as it rose steadily aloft our crew burst into a very hurricane of cheers, which were echoed by those on the vessels nearest, for by this time I warrant that every man in the fleet knew the meaning of that signal. We saluted it again and again, and as the tumult of voices went up on the morning air, I seemed to see before me the commander of the _Chesapeake_, as he spoke the words which were to be our battle-cry. From that moment I ceased to hope that the action could be avoided. To manœuvre the fleet into position was a slow task, and the hour of noon came while we were yet beyond range of the enemy, whose vessels were moving here and there to prevent us from gaining any advantage. Our commodore, mindful of the wants of others, ordered that food be served, and I saw men munching bread, cheese, or meat, grumbling meanwhile because it was not exactly to their liking, who an hour later had departed from this earth for evermore.