United States Statutes at Large/Volume 3/13th Congress/2nd Session/Resolution 2
II.—Resolutions expressive of the sense of Congress of the gallant conduct of Captain Oliver H. Perry, the officers, seamen, marines and infantry acting as such, on board of his squadron.
Of the gallant conduct of Capt. Oliver H. Perry, and others.Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the thanks of congress be, and the same are hereby presented to Captain Oliver Hazard Perry, and through him to the officers, petty officers, seamen, marines, and infantry serving as such, attached to the squadron under his command, for the decisive and glorious victory gained on Lake Erie, on the tenth of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen, over a British squadron of superior force.
Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause gold medals to be struck, emblematical of the action between the two squadrons, and to present them to Captain Perry and Captain Jesse D. Elliott, and to present them to Captain Perry and Captain Jesse D. Elliott, in such manner as will be most honourable to them; and that the President be further requested to present a silver medal with suitable emblems and devices to each of the commissioned officers, either of the navy or army, serving on board, and a sword to each of the midshipmen and sailing masters who so nobly distinguished themselves on that memorable day.
Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to present a silver medal with like emblems and devices to the nearest male relative to lieutenant John Brooks, of the marines, and a sword to the nearest male relatives of midshipmen Henry Laub and Thomas Claxton, jun., and to communicate to them the deep regret which Congress feel for the loss of those gallant men, whose names ought to live in the recollection and affection of a grateful country, and whose conduct ought to be regarded as an example to future generations.
Resolved, That three months’ pay be allowed, exclusively of the common allowance, to all the petty officers, seamen, marines and infantry, serving as such, who so gloriously supported the honour of the American flag, under the orders of their gallant commander on that signal occasion.
Approved, January 6, 1813.