TO THE READER.
Some explanation regarding the method of dealing with facts as set down in this tale should, perhaps, be made. Let it first be understood that no liberty has been taken with the names or movements of those men or boys introduced herein. Much of the incident has been taken from manuscript, the correctness of which cannot be doubted, and all has been verified by reference to our standard histories. In no single instance has any departure been made from the truth, even though the interest of the story might have been increased by a more decided flavor of romance,—notably during the time when the American fleet lay in Presque Isle bay, useless because lacking men.
It seems fitting that Commodore Perry’s deeds should be related from the standpoint of that younger brother who shared his troubles as he did his triumphs, whether the same be set forth as reading for adults, or young people; because it must be admitted that he who won such a glorious victory on Lake Erie was hardly more than a boy. Very young people look upon one who has seen twenty-seven years of this world’s battle as an elderly person; but those who have passed the noon of life are prone to speak of such as “lads,” and therefore is this essentially a story of young people.
JAMES OTIS.