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Oliver Hazard Perry Quotes

We have met the enemy and they are ours.

We have met the enemy and they are ours.

Oliver Hazard Perry
Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Military
Message toWilliam Henry Harrison, 10 Sept. 1813. The source is Perry's dispatch from the U.S. brig Niagara to General Harrison, announcing that victory at the Battle of Lake Erie was secure. The dispatch was written in pencil on the back of an old letter; it is quoted in Robert B. McAfee, History of the LateWar in theWestern Country (1816). SeeWalt Kelly 2; Walt Kelly 3

We have met the enemy and have asked them over later for drinks and dancing.

Oliver Hazard Perry
Dancing, Enemy, Drink

Those officers and men who were immediately under my observation, evinced the greatest gallantry, and I have no doubt that all others conducted themselves as became American officers and seamen.

Oliver Hazard Perry
Military, Men, Doubt
Oliver Hazard Perry, Citizen of Massachusetts (1834). “A review of a pamphlet purporting to be Documents in relation to the differences which subsisted between the late Commodore Oliver H. Perry, and Captain Jesse D. Elliott”, p.24

The personal deportment of Captain Perry, throughout the day, was worthy of all praise. He did not quit his own vessel when she became useless, to retire from the battle, but to gain it; an end that was fully obtained, and an effort which resulted in triumph.

Oliver Hazard Perry
Effort, Battle, Triumph
"History of the Navy of the United States of America". Book by James Fenimore Cooper, 1856.

Of Captain Elliot, already so well known to the government, it would be almost superfluous to speak; in this action, he evinced his characteristic bravery and judgment; and, since the close of the action, has given me the most able and essential assistance.

Oliver Hazard Perry
Government, Bravery, Essentials
Oliver Hazard Perry, Citizen of Massachusetts (1834). “A review of a pamphlet purporting to be Documents in relation to the differences which subsisted between the late Commodore Oliver H. Perry, and Captain Jesse D. Elliott”, p.24

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