Chapter VIII
1814 ON THE LAKES
ONTARIO--The contest one of ship-building merely--Statistics of the two squadrons--Serious sickness among the Americans--Extreme caution of the commanders, verging on timidity--Yeo takes Oswego and blockades Sackett's Harbor--British gun-boats captured--Chauncy blockades Kingston.--ERIE--Captain Sinclair burns St. Joseph--Makes unsuccessful expedition against Mackinaw--Daring and successful cutting-out expeditions of the British--Capture of the _Ohio_ and _Somers_.--CHAMPLAIN--Macdonough's and Downie's squadrons--James' erroneous statements concerning them--Gallant engagement and splendid victory of Macdonough--Macdonough one of the greatest of American sea-captains