an important naval battle of the War of 1812, fought on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, between a squadron of nine small vessels, under Commodore Perry of the United States navy, and one of six vessels, under Commodore Barclay of the British navy. The Lawrence was Commodore Perry's flagship, and for two hours it bore the brunt of a terrible battle. When it was almost a total wreck, Perry left the vessel and crossed in a small rowboat, under the concentrated fire of the British fleet, to the Niagara, where he again raised his pennant. Bringing the rest of the American fleet into close action, within ten minutes he compelled the British to strike their colors. It was after this engagement that he sent the famous message to the government officials, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." The battle won for the Americans the command of the Great Lakes and assured their control of the great Northwest Territory. See WAR OF 1812.