Perry's problem was further complicated by the fact that the British fleet, under Commodore Robert Heriot Barclay, cruised off the American base, ready to attack any United States ship which attempted to emerge.

Perry sailed his squadron to Put-in-Bay where he could threaten the British General Procter's line of supply and communications, keeping an eye on Barclay's ships at Fort Maiden, Amherstburg, Ontario.

The British fleet, reinforced by the full-rigged ship HMS Detroit, which had just been completed, emerged from Fort Malden on 10 September, and Perry eagerly set sail to meet it.

Barclay, who enjoyed the advantage of more long range guns, opened the action shortly before noon when his flagship Detroit fired on Perry's, the brig Lawrence.

Somers subsequently served in the Royal Navy under the same name, as HMS Huron; the new name honoured the Sauk people, who fought on the British side in large numbers in the War of 1812.