[1] It has been estimated that approximately 10 percent of the sailors aboard Perry's ships were black men.

[5] Because of their experience in maritime trades, African Americans possessed skills that greatly helped Perry's campaign on Lake Erie.

[3] Other black sailors in the battle include Jesse Williams and Newport Hazard, who were both wounded in action.

Those who survived had varying experiences later — Williams was given a silver medal from the state of Pennsylvania for his service, but ship boy Jack Russell had to turn over his prize money to his master George Mason upon returning home.

[5] Tiffany's actions are rarely mentioned in general tellings of the Battle of Lake Erie.