From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol. II, 1977.



CALEDONIA (Brig)



t. 85

cpl. 53

a. 2 24-pdr., 1 32-pdr. car.



The first CALEDONIA a brig, was built by the British at Malden, Ontario, 

captured off Fort Erie, Ontario, 8 October 1812 by a boarding party of 

American sailors under Lieutenant J. D. Elliott; and purchased at Black

Rock, N.Y., 6 February 1813.



Commanded by Lieutenant D. Turner, CALEDONIA played a key role in the 

operations of Commodore O. H. Perry's squadron on Lake Erie during 1813 

and 1814.  In the decisive Battle of Lake Erie (10 September 1813) which 

sundered British control of the Great Lakes, gallant little CALEDONIA's 

long guns were the only ones of the fleet which could reach the enemy's 

three heaviest units as they pounded the American flagship LAWRENCE.  

CALEDONIA also took part in the expedition to Lakes Huron and Superior 

(July-September 1814).  The brig was sold at Erie, Pa., in May 1815.