The handsome and fearless Perry brilliantly endured the devastation of the British Navy’s long cannon as he brought the U.S.S. Niagara close-in to unleash his short-range carronades on the enemy ships. The Carronade is a powerful smooth-bore, short-range cannon which is best brought to bear from short distances – and with terrifying effect. The Carronade’s prevailing attribute is that its barrel is bored to precise dimensions so that the cannon ball fits perfectly. The projectile thus retains more of its explosive energy on the way to its unfortunate target. Perry’s strategy won the day and his place among the great naval heroes in American history. After winning the battle and capturing an entire British squadron, Perry wrote to his commander, “We have met the enemy and they are ours.”