Oliver Hazard Perry (August 20, 1785-August 23, 1819) was a U.S. Navy Captain. He was the brother of Commodore Matthew C. Perry. In the War of 1812, Captain Oliver Hazard Perry was responsible for the victory over the British fleet on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. The sailors on deck with him heard him say:
<The prayers of my wife are answered.> 1785OP001
He then dispatched a message to the Secretary of the Navy, saying:
<It has pleased the Almighty to give the arms of the United States a signal victory over their enemies on this lake. The British squadron, consisting of two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop have this moment surrendered to the force of my command after a sharp conflict.> 1785OP002
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1785OP001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Oliver Hazard Perry. Tucker, Poltroons, pp. 331-332. Peter Marshall and David Manuel, The Glory of America (Bloomington, MN: Garborg's Heart'N Home, Inc., 1991), 9.10.
1785OP002. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Oliver Hazard Perry. Tucker, Poltroons, pp. 331-332. Morris and Woodress, eds., Voices from America's Past, Vol. I, p. 219. Peter Marshall and David Manuel, The Glory of America (Bloomington, MN: Garborg's Heart'N Home, Inc., 1991), 9.10.