William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
Perrys Victory; or, the Battle of Lake ErieW
To find British bullies or get in their wake,
When we hoisted our canvass with true Yankee speed,
And the brave Captain Perry our squadron did lead.
In the cause of Columbia our bravery to show,
To be equal in combat was all our delight,
As we wish’d the proud Britons to know we could fight.
We could see not, nor find them by day or by night,
So a-cruising we went in a glorious cause,
In defence of our rights, our freedom, and laws.
“Huzza!” says brave Perry! “Huzza!” says his crew,
And then for the chase, boys, with our brave little crew;
We fell in with the bullies and gave them burgeau.
We brought them to action before it was night;
We let loose our thunder, our bullets did fly,
“Give them your shot, boys,” our commander did cry.
“Well done,” says brave Perry, “for quarters they’ll cry,
Shot well home, my brave boys, they shortly shall see,
That brave as they are still braver are we.”
And put the proud Britons in a terrible plight,
The brave Perry’s movements will prove full as bold
As the famed Admiral Nelson’s prowess of old.
For our country, her glory, the victory was won,
So six sail (the whole fleet) ’twas our fortune to take,
Here’s a health to brave Perry who governs the lake.