| The first Ohio was a merchant schooner purchased by the
Navy in 1812; converted to a war ship by Henry Eckford; and commissioned
prior to 13 June 1813, Sailing Master Daniel bobbins in command. Ohio
served on Lake Erie in the squadron commanded by Captain Oliver H. Perry
during the War of 1812. The squadron's mission was to wrest control of the
lake from the British. With four other purchased ships, Ohio lay at
Black Rock below the Falls in the Niagara River, prevented by British blockade
from entering Lake Erie. Finally, in a combined operation with the Army,
Perry was able to bring the ships out to join the remainder of the squadron
at its base, Erie (then Presque Isle). Ohio arrived at Erie 8 July
1813. |
| After searching for the British, the squadron anchored at Sandusky
17 August. Ohio returned to Erie for provisions and stores for the
squadron, rejoining her sister ships 3 September. The same day she set sail
for Erie again, and thus was not with squadron when it won the memorable
victory over the British at Put-in-Bay 10 September. Three days later
Ohio reached Put-in-Bay with sorely needed fresh vegetables and
meat. |
| As soon as the ice cleared early in 1814, Ohio began patrolling
between Long Point and Erie to intercept any British movement by water. In
May, she assisted in fitting out prizes Detroit and Queen
Charlotte at Put-in-Bay , and convoyed them to Erie. On 12 August 1814,
she was captured with Somers by the British within pistol shot of Fort
Erie. |
Tonnage, 62; Complement, 35; Armament one 24 pdr. |
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