“The Lake Erie Campaign of 1813: I Shall Fight Them This Day” by Walter P. Rybka

The Battle of Lake Erie is a significant event in American history, marking a turning point in the War of 1812. Captain Walter P. Rybka’s book, “The Lake Erie Campaign of 1813: I Shall Fight Them This Day,” provides an in-depth exploration of this pivotal battle. With vivid detail and immersive storytelling, Rybka offers readers a captivating narrative of one of the war’s most hard-fought engagements.

Rybka begins with a detailed overview of the War of 1812. He covers the underlying causes of the war, major campaigns, and battles that took place. This background information gives context to the pivotal events that occurred in the Great Lakes during this conflict.

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry faced the daunting challenge of building a naval squadron to contest British supremacy on Lake Erie. He worked tirelessly to assemble and equip the squadron, overcoming significant obstacles such as getting his ships over the sand bar at the entrance to Erie Harbor, training the crews, and solving logistical problems. Despite the odds, Perry’s determination and resourcefulness saw him through these perils and hardships.

Before the battle begins Rybka vividly describes the buildup of tension between both sides as they maneuver for advantage. This includes the movements of the rival squadrons and the intense preparations undertaken by Perry and his men. All of these factors set the stage for the climactic confrontation that is about to take place.

At dawn, the British squadron appears on the horizon. Shifting winds keep the two sides from engaging until noon. Rybka expertly portrays the suspense and excitement as both sides get ready for the imminent battle.

In “Shots Ring Out,” Rybka immerses readers into the heat of the moment as cannon fire reverberates across the waters of Lake Erie. Amid the battles chaos and carnage Perry and his men find their courage and resolve tested to their limits during a critical moment of betrayal, Jesse Duncan Elliott, Perry’s second in command, defied his orders and held his ship, the U.S. Brig Niagara, out of the battle. Perry, however, does not give up. In a daring move, he transfers in a small boat from the U.S. Brig Lawrence to the Niagara. In command of a fresh ship. he sails into the British line. This audacious move, combined with a providential wind shift turned the battle around from a defeat into a stunning victory.

After the battle, Rybka surveys the aftermath and reflects on the consequences. Perry’s victory severed the British supply line and broke their alliance with the Native Americans. The Perry-Elliott Controversy revolves around the actions of Jesse Duncan Elliott during the battle, which has been debated ever since. Rybka provides insights into Elliott’s motives and the impact of his actions, helping us understand this complex figure.

Rybka’s book tells the story of the U.S. Brig Niagara, which after the War of 1812 was scuttled in Erie harbor. The remains were raised in 1913, and a ship built upon them that toured the Lakes for that summer. Niagara was again rebuilt in 1943, and dry berthed for over forty years until replaced by the present ship. The present ship has sailed extensively as a sail training vessel. It is as captain of this vessel that Rybka has had the unique job of developing the sailing program.

Captain Walter P. Rybka’s book, “The Lake Erie Campaign of 1813: I Shall Fight Them This Day” is a superbly written account of the Battle of Lake Erie. Rybka’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling offer readers an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of America’s least understood but most significant wars.

“The Lake Erie Campaign of 1813: I Shall Fight Them This Day”
Author: Walter P. Rybka
Publisher: Lion Leaf Publishing

Contact Information

Kevin Jones

Production Manager

Lion Leaf Publishing

production@lionleafpublishing.com