Instead , once aboard Niagara , Perry dispatched Elliot to bring the schooners into closer action , while he steered Niagara at Barclay 's damaged ships , helped by the strengthening wind .
The British nevertheless expected Niagara to lead the American schooners away in retreat .
Once aboard Niagara , Perry dispatched Elliot to bring the schooners into closer action , while he steered Niagara at Barclay 's damaged ships , helped by the strengthening wind .
The British nevertheless expected Niagara to lead the American schooners away in retreat .