American military officer (1785–1819) who served in the War of 1812 and earned the title ‘Hero of Lake Erie’ for leading American forces in a decisive naval victory at the Battle of Lake Erie. War-dated manuscript DS signed “O. H. Perry,” one page, 6.25 x 7.5, August 21, 1813. Manuscript orders to the U.S. Schooner Scorpion, issued "off Sandusky," in full: "Signal—on the appearance of one of the U.S. Vessels of war off this Place, she will hoist her ensign at mast head, and fire one gun, after an interval of ten minutes she will fire two guns." Perry signs below, adding three lines in his own hand: "The Senior officer (should there be two or more) will always make the signal." Below (and continuing onto the reverse), in another hand, are instructions for other encounters: "On falling in with a strange vessel in the night hoist one light and hail—the vessel to windward will first answer 'Jones.' The other when hailed will answer 'Madison.' On falling in with a strange vessel in the day time, those who have a set of signals will add 5 to the day of the month, and make the number with the numerical Signal—To be answered in the usual way. Those who have not the signals will hoist a flag with a stop in the middle to be answered as before. On discovering an enemy in the night the vessel so discovering will make two false fires." In fine condition, with light soiling and a few small stains. The Battle of Lake Erie would take place just twenty days later on September 10, 1813.
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