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+Project Gutenberg's The Story of Commodore John Barry, by Martin Griffin
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Story of Commodore John Barry
+
+Author: Martin Griffin
+
+Release Date: April 19, 2008 [EBook #25100]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF COMMODORE JOHN BARRY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Graeme Mackreth and The Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: COMMODORE BARRY
+
+(After Chappelle)]
+
+
+
+
+THE STORY
+
+OF
+
+COMMODORE JOHN BARRY
+
+"Father of the American Navy"
+
+BY
+
+MARTIN I.J. GRIFFIN
+
+Historian of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick
+of Philadelphia
+
+"_I serve the country for nothing_"--BARRY
+
+"_May a suitable recompense always attend your bravery_"--WASHINGTON
+
+
+PHILADELPHIA
+
+1908
+
+
+
+
+Dedicated
+
+TO
+
+The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick
+for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland
+
+ST. PATRICK'S DAY
+1908
+
+MARTIN I.J. GRIFFIN,
+  _Historian of the Society_.
+
+
+COPYRIGHT
+1908
+
+
+
+
+THE STORY
+
+OF
+
+COMMODORE JOHN BARRY
+
+"Father of the American Navy"
+
+[Copyrighted]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+   HIS NAVAL RENOWN--HIS CAREER IN THE COLONIAL MERCANTILE MARINE
+   SERVICE--APPOINTED TO THE "LEXINGTON" BY THE CONTINENTAL MARINE
+   COMMITTEE--HIS FIRST CRUISE.
+
+
+The American Navy by its achievements has won enduring fame and
+imperishable honor. The careers of many of its heroes have been narrated
+fully, and oft in fulsome terms. All Americans unite in these tributes
+of praise where justly due.
+
+JOHN BARRY has, aptly and justly, been called "THE FATHER OF THE
+AMERICAN NAVY." His early, constant and worthy services in defence of
+our country; his training many of those who became the foremost and most
+distinguished sons of the sea in our early naval annals makes the title
+one fitly bestowed.
+
+The Congress of his country having directed the erection in the Capital
+City of the Nation of a monument commemorative of the man and his deeds,
+this is a fitting time to present a brief record of his career and of
+his deeds during the Revolutionary War, which won the Independence of
+our Country, and also in the War with France, which maintained the
+integrity of the new Nation and the protection of its commerce. In both
+wars he bore a heroic part. At all times his services were useful and
+brilliant.
+
+"Captain John Barry may justly be considered the Father of our Navy,"
+wrote Mr. Dennie in _The Portfolio_, July 1813, in giving the first
+biographical sketch of this distinguished naval officer. "The utility of
+whose services and the splendor of whose exploits entitle him to the
+foremost rank among our naval heroes."
+
+Allen's _Biographical Dictionary_, published in 1809, declared he "was a
+patriot of integrity and unquestioned bravery."
+
+Frost's _Naval Biography_ states: "Few commanders were employed in a
+greater variety of services or met the enemy under greater
+disadvantages," and yet he did not fail to acquit himself of his duty in
+a manner becoming a skillful seaman and a brave warrior.
+
+[Illustration: THE BARONY OF FORTH]
+
+"His public services were not limited to any customary rule of
+professional duty, but without regard to labor, danger or excuses, his
+devotion to his Country kept him constantly engaged in acts of public
+utility. The regard and admiration of General Washington, which he
+possessed in an eminent degree, were among the most eminent fruits of
+his patriotic career."
+
+Judson's _Sages and Heroes of the Revolution_ says: "Barry was noble in
+spirit, humane in discipline, discreet and fearless in battle, urbane
+in his manners, a splendid officer, a good citizen, a devoted Christian
+and a true Patriot."
+
+Many other quotations might be cited to show the high esteem in which
+Commodore John Barry was held as well also the importance of his
+services to our Country.
+
+A brief narration of his career will set forth the character and worth
+of these services as well as afford proof of the valor and fidelity of
+this most successful naval officer.
+
+[Illustration: BALLYSAMPSON]
+
+John Barry was born in 1745 in the townland of Ballysampson. He lived
+his boyhood in the townland of Roostoonstown, both in the parish of
+Tacumshin, Barony of Forth, Province of Leinster in Ireland. The parish
+covers three thousand acres. It is situated between two townland-locked
+gulfs with very narrow openings--Lake Tacumshin and Lady's Island Lake.
+Possibly these lakes gave young Barry the inspiration for the sea, and
+upon both he in youth, we may be sure, oft pulled the oar.
+
+When and under what circumstances young Barry left his birthplace and
+departed from Ireland are not known. The best traditionary evidence
+justifies us in believing that leaving Ireland, while yet young, he went
+to Spanishtown in the Island of Jamaica and from there, when about
+fifteen years of age, came to Philadelphia, where he found employment in
+the commercial fleets of Samuel Meredith and of Willing & Morris,
+leaders in the mercantile life of the city.
+
+[Illustration: TACUMSHIN LOUGH]
+
+[Illustration: LADY'S ISLAND LOUGH]
+
+Being but a boy, records do not attest his presence or position. But
+however lowly, we are sure that merit hovered over every action and
+proved the worth of the young navigator of the seas so fully that on
+attaining his twenty-first year he was at once entrusted with the sole
+command of a vessel--the schooner "Barbadoes," sixty tons, which cleared
+from Philadelphia on October 2, 1766.
+
+The schooner he commanded was registered at the Custom House on
+September 29, 1766. It was built at Liverpool, in the Province of Nova
+Scotia and was owned by Edward Denny, of Philadelphia. John Barry was
+registered as its Captain.
+
+In this schooner, small in measurement and in tonnage by the standard of
+our times and yet not surpassed in either by many vessels in the
+colonial marine trade, John Barry, now a man in years and capabilities,
+continued until early in 1771 to make voyages to and from Bridgetown,
+the principal port of Barbadoes.
+
+[Illustration: BRIDGETOWN]
+
+In May, 1771, he became Captain of the brig "Patty and Polly," sailing
+from St. Croix to Philadelphia. In August of that year we find him
+Captain of the schooner "Industry," of forty-five tons, plying to and
+from Virginia, making trips to New York, voyages to Nevis and to and
+from Halifax, Nova Scotia until, on October 9, 1772, he became Commander
+of the "Peggy" sailing to and from St. Eustatia and Montserrat until, on
+December 19, 1774, a register for the ship the "Black Prince" was issued
+to John Barry as Master. It was owned by John Nixon, whose grandfather,
+Richard, a Catholic, of Barry's own county, Wexford, arrived in
+Philadelphia in 1686. John Nixon read the Declaration of Independence on
+July 8, 1776. On December 21st Barry sailed to Bristol, where he
+arrived at the end of January, 1775. Later he proceeded to London, where
+he arrived June 7th, from whence he returned to Philadelphia, where he
+arrived October 13th, the very day Congress had resolved to fit out two
+armed cruisers, one of fourteen guns and one of ten guns, the first act
+founding a Continental naval force for the United Colonies.
+
+The Marine Committee, under the authority of this Resolve of the
+Continental Congress, purchased two vessels and named one the
+"Lexington," the other the "Reprisal."
+
+To the "Lexington" John Barry was commissioned Captain on December 7,
+1775. Captain Wickes was the same day named Commander of the "Reprisal."
+
+Barry's vessel the "Black Prince," the finest vessel engaged in the
+Colonial commerce, was purchased by the Marine Committee, renamed the
+"Alfred," after Alfred the Great, the founder of the English Navy. To
+the "Alfred" John Paul Jones was appointed Lieutenant under Captain
+Salstonstall, on the same day Barry and Wickes were appointed Captains.
+
+The "Lexington" and the "Reprisal" were separate and independent
+commands under direct orders of the Marine Committee and not subject to,
+nor were they part of, the fleet under Commodore Hopkins. Captain John
+Barry was thus the first Commander appointed under the direct authority
+of the Continental Congress. He was appointed to the first Continental
+armed cruiser--the "Lexington"--named after the first battle place of
+the Revolution. It was the first vessel fitted out under Continental
+authority by the Marine Committee and "in the nature of things was more
+readily equipped" than the "Alfred," says Cooper's _History of the
+Navy_. This was especially so as Willing & Morris, Captain Barry's late
+employers, alone had a stock of "round shot for four pounders, under
+their store in Penn Street and in their yard." These were readily
+available to Captain Barry of the "Lexington."
+
+When Barry's cruiser was ready for sea the severity of the weather in
+blocking the Delaware with ice debarred its passage to the Bay and out
+into the Ocean. In the meanwhile Barry was busily employed on shore duty
+and in assisting in preparing the fleet of Commodore Hopkins for its
+departure on February 17, 1776, on its expedition to the Southward. This
+fleet was intended for the protection of American vessels off the coast
+of Virginia, but it proceeded to the Bahama Islands. On St. Patrick's
+Day, 1776, Hopkins sailed from New Providence bringing the Governor and
+others as hostages as well as securing military stores and ammunition.
+Washington on the same day was entering the City of Boston on its forced
+evacuation by the British.
+
+Meanwhile Captain John Barry was busy in constant service on the
+Delaware River and on shore, promoting the progress of naval affairs
+conducive to the formation of a navy.
+
+It was not, however, until March 23d that Congress ordered Letters of
+Marque to be issued and authorized public and private cruisers to
+capture British vessels or to seize or destroy supplies for the British
+naval forces.
+
+Captain Barry, in the "Lexington," at once proceeded down the Delaware.
+On March 29, 1776, was off Cape May, New Jersey. On Sunday, the 31st,
+the "Lexington" went out to sea--his first entry upon the watery domain
+bearing the flag of defiance--the Union or Continental flag hoisted at
+Cambridge on January 1, 1776, by General Washington, which he had
+adopted so that "our vessels may know one another," and so "distinguish
+our friends from our foes," as he had written Captain Barry's friend and
+fellow-Catholic of Philadelphia, Colonel Stephen Moylan, the Muster
+Master General of his army.
+
+When Captain Barry proceeded to sea, the "Roebuck," British man-of-war,
+"one of His Majesty's pirates" and her tender, the "Edward," "put to
+sea" also after the "Lexington," but Barry was too swift and got so far
+away that the "Roebuck" returned the same evening to the Bay.
+
+Barry's historical and patriotic career had begun.
+
+[Illustration: ADMIRALTY SEAL AND SIGNATURE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE
+BOARD]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+   CAPTURES THE "EDWARD"--HIS PRISONER RICHARD DALE--IMPORTANCE OF THE
+   PRIZE--BARRY UNKNOWN TO OR IGNORED BY CAPTAIN HOBSON.
+
+
+The "Lexington" cruised off the coast of Virginia a week without meeting
+with the enemy. Barry had gone to sea on Sunday. The Sunday following,
+April 7, 1776, while off the "Capes of Virginia" he "fell in with the
+sloop 'Edward' belonging to the 'Liverpool' frigate" and "shattered her
+in a terrible manner," as he reported to the Marine Committee, after an
+engagement of "near two glasses." The "Lexington" lost two men killed
+and two wounded. The "Edward" had "several of her crew killed and
+wounded." She carried "eight guns and a number of swivels" and was
+commanded by Lieutenant Richard Boger of the "Liverpool." Barry brought
+the "shattered" captive to Philadelphia with the crew of twenty-five
+prisoners taken.
+
+Among the number was Richard Dale, of Virginia, who had been Lieutenant
+of a light cruiser in the service of Virginia, which had been captured
+by the "Edward." Dale was "induced to adopt the Royal cause" and so took
+service on the "Edward" and so was taken prisoner.
+
+Captain Barry induced young Dale to return to American allegiance and
+accept service under him on the "Lexington" as Midshipman. Dale in
+October, when the "Lexington" was assigned to Captain Johnston, became
+Master's Mate. He continued in the service of the United Colonies and
+rose to be a Commodore in the Navy under the present Constitution. He
+ever retained the friendship of Captain Barry, who, by his will,
+bequeathed to his "good friend, Captain Richard Dale, his gold-hilted
+sword as a token of his esteem."
+
+This sword had been presented to John Paul Jones by King Louis XVI after
+the memorable battle between the "Bonne Homme Richard" commanded by
+Jones and the "Serapis," as the expedition commanded by Jones was under
+French auspices and direction. The sword "was sent by Jones' heirs to
+Robert Morris," the financier of the Revolution, "who presented it to
+Commodore John Barry, the senior officer of the present American Navy,
+who will never disgrace it," Morris wrote, March 18, 1795, to Thomas
+Pinckney, the American Minister to Great Britain. Barry by his will
+bequeathed it to "my good friend Captain Richard Dale," with whose
+descendants it yet remains. It is claimed by the Morris family that the
+gift to Barry was "in trust to descend to the senior officer of the
+Navy." There is no proof of the trust nor is there any that Jones' heirs
+gave the sword of great money value to Morris. Morris had it. He gave it
+to Barry who bequeathed it to Dale who, two months before Barry made his
+will, had resigned from the Navy. There could have been no "trust" for
+Barry to "disregard." But it is singular that it is now possessed by
+those whose ancestor had, by Barry, been induced to return to American
+allegiance after having entered the service of the enemy.
+
+The "Edward," taken by Barry, was the first armed vessel taken under the
+authority of the Continental Marine Committee and brought to
+Philadelphia, the seat of Congress, and delivered to its Marine
+Committee. Previous captures off the New England coast by Manly and
+others, had been those of unarmed supply vessels to Quebec or Boston
+under authority of General Washington. The capture was most important.
+When the project had, in August, 1775, been presented to Congress by the
+delegates from Rhode Island, by direction of its Assembly, to fit out
+armed cruisers, many of the patriots thought it of doubtful wisdom to do
+so against the powerful British Navy. Samuel Chase, of Maryland,
+declared "it is the maddest idea in the world."
+
+So Barry's capture was a demonstration of the ability of the Colonies to
+contest the sea with Great Britain and to do it so effectively that "we
+captured from the British over eight hundred vessels and more than
+twelve thousand seamen, and of these more than one hundred were war
+vessels of the Royal Navy, carrying more than two thousand, five hundred
+guns, while the American losses were scarcely more than one-sixth those
+of the British," as Captain Richmond Pearson Hobson declared in an
+address on the Navy on Flag Day, 1901, at the Buffalo Pan-American
+Exposition. Yet he, in looking "over the range of our Naval history, saw
+a long line of majestic figures whose very names are an inspiration,"
+did not, in giving the names of twenty-one of these "majestic figures,"
+name Captain John Barry, the very "Father of the Navy." He was not
+mentioned as among those which "History with her bright and luminous
+pencil inscribed upon the glorious scroll." Captain Hobson, the heroic,
+is now a member of Congress from Alabama and ought to make reparation
+for his ignorance or conscious ignoring of the foremost naval commander
+of the very Navy he proved himself to be a worthy representative of. He
+may become unknown or be ignored if known.
+
+Captain Barry had command of the first Continental cruiser, the
+"Lexington," and the last frigate, the "Alliance"--the largest and
+finest vessel in the Revolutionary Navy--had made the first capture
+under Continental authority and fought the last battle of the
+Revolution, and commanded the whole of the Navy at the close of the
+war--had been the earliest, the constant and the latest fighter and the
+first Captain and ranking officer of the present Navy on its
+establishment in 1794. Yet he was entirely unknown to Captain Hobson. Or
+was he purposely ignored?
+
+The capture of the "Edward" was considered of considerable import in
+patriot circles: "We begin to make some little figure here in the navy
+way," wrote John Adams, the day after the arrival of Barry and his
+prize. The Marine Committee also wrote to Commodore Hopkins, who had
+arrived at New London, Connecticut, the same day Barry had arrived at
+Philadelphia with his prize, informing him of the capture and saying the
+loss to the British of the twenty-five men was one "they cannot easily
+provide against--the want of men."
+
+The demonstration of satisfaction at Philadelphia because of Barry's
+success gave heart to the patriots in an endeavor to have an increase in
+the naval force. By the alertness of armed cruisers, protection would be
+given to the supplies coming to the Americans and at the same time
+captures could be made of supplies going to the British.
+
+On May 1, 1776, the "Edward," condemned by the Court of Admiralty as a
+prize to the "Lexington'" was, with all her ammunition, furniture,
+tackle and apparel, sold at public auction and the proceeds divided
+between the Government and Captain Barry and his crew.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+   BARRY APPOINTED TO COMMAND DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN DELAWARE BAY AND
+   RIVER--CAPTURES BRITISH SUPPLIES AND PROTECTS AMERICAN--SAVES THE
+   CARGO OF THE "NANCY" AND EXPLODES HER WHEN THE BRITISH BOARD
+   HER--CAPTURES THE "LADY SUSAN" AND THE "BETSY"--APPOINTED TO THE
+   "EFFINGHAM."
+
+
+The "Lexington" was not in a condition to then proceed on another
+expedition, as she needed fitting up. Yet Captain Barry was not
+permitted to be idle. On May 8th, Robert Morris, for the Marine
+Committee of Congress, directed him to go down the Delaware River in the
+sloop "Hornet," commanded by Captain Hallock, and to take the officers
+and men of the "Lexington" to supply the Provincial armed ship,
+commanded by Captain Read, the Floating Battery and the "Reprisal,"
+under Captain Wickes, with men sufficient to have these vessels "fit for
+immediate action," and to give the "utmost exertions" of himself,
+officers and men in defending the pass at Fort Island so as to prevent
+the British coming to Philadelphia; and also to take, sink or destroy
+such as attempted to do so as well as pursue those he thought it
+advisable to follow. This made Captain Barry the Commodore or ranking
+officer in the naval operations in Delaware Bay. The next day Captain
+Barry reported to Mr. Morris, urging the fitting out of the "Lexington"
+so "she might be of service. The more there is the better," said the
+Captain, though adding, "We shall keep them in play."
+
+So the "Lexington" was fitted out and sent down the Bay to Barry where
+the "Roebuck" and "Liverpool," British frigates, were "in and about."
+Barry joined the rest of the fleet at Cape May. The "Liverpool" "was
+scared away" when the Americans went "in quest of the pirates."
+
+At this time the thirteen vessels ordered in December to be built for
+the Marine Committee were being completed at Philadelphia, Boston and
+Baltimore. Captain Barry was appointed to the command of one being built
+at Philadelphia--the "Effingham" being assigned him in October.
+
+All the while, however, Barry was in command of the "Lexington" in the
+Delaware Bay and off the Capes, giving protection to the Continental
+supply vessels coming to Philadelphia, which had been sent out for
+necessaries. One arrived at Philadelphia with 7,400 pounds of powder as
+well as a number of firearms. Barry also sent up to Philadelphia the war
+stores he captured. On June 12, 1776, the Secret Committee of Congress
+directed that Colonel Megraw's Battalion be given the 191 firearms "sent
+up by Captain Barry." She narrowly escaped capture by the "Liverpool,"
+but two of the Continental vessels protected her and a French schooner.
+Other French vessels from the West Indies, bringing molasses, coffee,
+linen and other supplies were also saved from capture by Captain Barry
+and the other Continental and Provincial commanders under his authority.
+On June 10th the "Kingfisher," British man-of-war, captured a brigantine
+from Wilmington, but "before the pirate boarded her our brave Captain
+Barry had been on board of her and taken out some powder and arms," was
+the report Henry Fisher, of Lewistown, sent the Committee of Safety by
+whale-boat to New Castle and thence by land because the Tories of the
+County had cut off all horse express communication.
+
+The tenders of the "Roebuck," the "Liverpool" and the "Kingfisher"
+attempted to seize the cattle and stock which the Tories had stored for
+the British at Indian River, "but were prevented by Barry's brig," as
+they called her, thus indicating that the alertness and success of the
+"brave Captain Barry" had become conspicuously known to the Tories of
+lower Delaware, a nest of Loyalists.
+
+The brig "Nancy" bringing supplies from St. Croix and St. Thomas for
+Congress account and having 386 barrels of gunpowder, 50 firelocks, 101
+hogsheads of rum, 62 of sugar and bales of dry goods, on June 29, 1776,
+while making for Cape May, was pursued by six British men-of-war but,
+getting assistance from Captain Barry's "Lexington," she was run ashore
+and 268 barrels of the powder and most of the other stores saved. Powder
+was, by Barry's order, placed in the cabin and in the mainsail, in the
+folds of which fire was put. The British boarded the brig. An explosion
+soon took place and "blew the pirates into the air." It "was supposed
+forty or fifty were destroyed by the explosion."
+
+On July 2, 1776, the day the Resolution declared the Colonies free and
+independent, John Hancock, President of the Congress so declaring,
+notified Captain Barry that as "the frigate you are to command is not
+yet launched, her guns and anchors not yet ready," it was but "a piece
+of justice due to your merit to allow you to make a cruise in the
+'Lexington' for one or two months, in hopes that fortune may favor your
+industry and reward it with some good prizes." On this cruise Barry met
+that "fortune" which his industry merited. He captured several prizes of
+which record have been discovered.
+
+[Illustration: SIGNATURES TO BARRY'S ORDERS]
+
+On August 2d the "Lady Susan," "an armed vessel, was taken by Captain
+Barry at sea," reported Cæsar Rodney to his brother at Dover the next
+day. This was "a privateer of eight four-pound carriage guns commanded
+by another of those famous Goodriches of Virginia." She was loaded with
+naval stores from Bermuda. After an "obstinate engagement" of an hour
+and a half "she struck." Nearly all of her crew of twenty-five after
+their capture took service under Barry.
+
+The "Betsy," a sloop of fifty tons, commanded by Samuel Kerr, was also
+at this time captured by the "Lexington" under Barry. Both prizes were
+condemned to Captain Barry on September 26th by the Court of Admiralty,
+but an appeal in the case of the "Betsy" was taken to Congress.
+
+The newly built "Effingham" being ready, Captain Barry surrendered, on
+October 18, 1776, the "Lexington" to Captain Henry Johnston and took
+command of the "Effingham," named in honor of Lord Effingham, who had
+resigned his commission in the British Army rather than take arms
+against the Colonies, because of his "strict adherence to those
+principles of the Revolution of 1688," which he declared the Colonies
+were contending for and for so doing the merchants of Dublin, on July
+17, 1775, approved of his conduct in "honestly and spiritedly
+resigning," and for his "noble efforts in support of American Liberty."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+   BARRY APPOINTED TO THE "EFFINGHAM"--THE QUESTION OF RANK--BARRY
+   ENGAGES IN THE TRENTON CAMPAIGN--AN AIDE TO WASHINGTON AND TO
+   CADWALLADER--COMMANDER OF THE PORT OF PHILADELPHIA--STRIKE OF THE
+   NAVY LIEUTENANTS--OPERATIONS OF BARRY ON THE DELAWARE.
+
+
+A reorganization of the Navy of the United Colonies took place on
+October 10, 1776, when assignments were made of the several armed
+vessels then belonging to the "United States," as that was the title
+Congress had, on September 9th, ordered to be used in all public
+documents. The order in which these assignments were made was generally
+regarded as fixing the rank of each Captain. So it occasioned agitation
+and discussion. It was not, however, officially stated that such was the
+case. Later it was declared not to be so by Committee of Congress.
+
+Captain John Barry was assigned to No. 7 on the list. Those preceding
+him were: (1) James Nicholson, to the "Virginia," 28 guns; (2) John
+Manly, to the "Hancock," 32 guns; (3) Hector McNeil, to the "Boston," 24
+guns; (4) Dudley Salstonstall, to the "Trumbull," 28 guns; (5) Nicholas
+Biddle, to the "Randolph," 32 guns; (6) Thomas Thompson, to the
+"Raleigh," 32 guns; (7) John Barry, to the "Effingham," 28 guns. John
+Paul Jones was given No. 18. The Marine Committee in making up the list
+could hardly, in view of the number of guns of the several vessels and
+the selection of Captains who had not as yet served in the Navy, have
+intended the position assigned as fixing the official rank of the
+several officers. James Nicholson, the first named and to a 28-gun ship,
+had not heretofore been noted for any special services justifying his
+appointment as the ranking officer of the Navy, though giving him a
+vessel inferior in armament to others lower in position. Captain John
+Manly, No. 2, was "uneasy and threatened to resign." He had in New
+England waters done early and good services. Captain Thompson's friends
+declared he ought to have been placed higher. Yet Manly and Thompson
+were given 32-gun ships, while Captain Nicholson, No. 1, was given a 28
+and Captain Barry, No. 7, was also given a 28. Captain John Paul Jones,
+No. 18, ever contested the assignment to that position, declaring that
+"rank opens the door to glory." As late as 1781 he made contest before
+Committee of Congress. It reported that though there was, "on October
+10, 1776, an arrangement of Captains, the Committee cannot fully
+ascertain the rule by which that arrangement was made, as the relative
+rank was not conformable to the times of appointment or dates of
+commission and seems repugnant to a resolution of December 22, 1775."
+
+Captain Barry appears not to have made any objection to his position on
+the list. He was ready and eager for service and, seemingly, not
+concerned as to rank or position. He had been given a vessel equal to
+Captain Nicholson, No. 1. Those to whom stronger armament had been given
+had not been early or foremost in service or activity. Some of them did
+not, later, justify any outranking, if that were the case. Captain Barry
+was early in the struggle, foremost during its continuance and latest in
+service.
+
+Jones declared that some gentlemen in the first days of the Navy did not
+join the Navy as "they did not choose to be hanged, as the hazard was
+very great." But Captain John Barry did not hesitate. He came quickly
+from London to engage in the conflict, and from the very first day of
+his return to America was active in service and on duty. Still rank was
+not necessary to "open the door to glory," for No. 7 became the chief
+officer of the Navy and No. 18 achieved imperishable fame and popular
+renown. The pay of the Captains was sixty dollars a month. The uniform
+was: Blue cloth with red lapels, slash cuff, stand-up collar, flat
+yellow buttons, blue breeches, red waistcoat with yellow lace.
+
+Interested in the Navy, Captain Barry was also concerned in affairs on
+land. So when on November 25, 1776, a meeting was held at the Indian
+Queen Hotel, Philadelphia, to consider accusations against those
+"suspected as Tories and unfriendly to the cause of America," Captain
+Barry was there. We may be sure he was earnest and active in any
+measures to restrict the operations of those inimicable to Liberty or
+engaged in efforts detrimental to the Patriots' endeavors.
+
+Captain Barry, on November 30, 1776, united with Captains Biddle, Read,
+Alexander and John Nicholson in a memorial to Congress. It was referred
+to the Marine Committee, who were directed to pursue such measures as
+they might think proper. What the memorial related to has not been
+discovered after long continued endeavor to ascertain. It is not among
+the papers of the Continental Congress nor mentioned in the records of
+the Marine Committee, which have been preserved at the Library of
+Congress.
+
+At this time affairs were serious with General Washington. The battle of
+Long Island, in August, had been disastrous. Forts Lee and Washington,
+the bulwarks of the Hudson, had been lost and the sad and gloomy, but
+marvelously strategic, retreat across New Jersey was being conducted by
+Washington, pursued by Lord Cornwallis.
+
+Washington "was at the end of the tether." "In ten days this army will
+have ceased to exist," was his almost despairing cry to Congress,
+calling for aid to strengthen his disappearing and dispirited army. Yet
+on the upper Delaware, amid all the encircling gloom, God's precious
+Providence and love was at no time during the Revolution more strikingly
+manifested. All seemed lost this bleak December, 1776. The hour of
+defeat, dismay and destruction seemed about to strike. The timid, the
+faint-hearted, the treacherous were fast accepting British allegiance.
+Even heretofore stalwart hearts wavered in the cause of Liberty. The
+newly proclaimed Independence of hot July, the threat and defiance of
+the Colonies to England's tyranny, was now in the chill December, like
+the earth, about to be sheathed in the coldness of death.
+
+The alarm came to Philadelphia. Shops were shut, schools closed and the
+inhabitants engaged solely in providing for the defense of the City, now
+the aim of the enemy. But out of all this gloom and alarm came the
+victory at Trenton.
+
+Captain John Barry organized a company of volunteers and went to
+Washington's assistance. In cooperation with the marines under Captain
+William Brown, he lent efficient service in transporting Washington's
+army across the Delaware prior to the Battle of Trenton. Captain Barry
+acted as an aide to General Cadwallader, and on one occasion, of which
+there is record, as an aide to Washington in the safe conduct to
+Philadelphia of the baggage of the captured Hessians and also of the
+surgeons and physicians to Princeton.
+
+After the Trenton campaign and its consequent successful results,
+Captain Barry returned to Philadelphia and engaged in naval preparations
+for the defense of the city. He was the Senior Commander of the Navy in
+the Port of Philadelphia.
+
+In July, 1777, twelve of the lieutenants of the fleet under Barry struck
+for an increase of pay and allowances. They notified Captain Barry they
+would not act on board any vessel until their grievances were redressed.
+Barry informed the Marine Committee. It reported the affair to Congress,
+saying that such a combination of officers was of the "most dangerous
+tendency." Whereupon the Congress dismissed all of the lieutenants and
+declared their commissions "void and of no effect." The offenders were
+declared incapable of holding any commission under the United States and
+recommending the several States not to employ any in offices civil or
+military. This brought the lieutenants to "acknowledge in the most
+explicit manner that the offense for which they were dismissed is highly
+reprehensible and could not be justified under any circumstances or any
+pretence whatever, and that they were exceedingly sorry for the rashness
+which betrayed them into such behavior." Then the strikers were
+"restored to former rank and command."
+
+[Illustration: MISS ELIZABETH ADAMS BARNES
+
+Great-Great-Grandniece of Commodore Barry; who christened "The Barry"
+Boat March 22, 1902]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+   THE BRITISH CAPTURE PHILADELPHIA--ACTIVITY OF BARRY--COMMANDER OF
+   NAVY AT PORT OF PHILADELPHIA--BATTLE AT RED BANK--ORDERED BY
+   WASHINGTON AND NAVY BOARD TO SINK THE VESSELS ON THE UPPER
+   DELAWARE--PROTESTS--DECLARED HE KNEW MORE ABOUT A SHIP THAN
+   WASHINGTON AND THE BOARD--CHARGED WITH DISRESPECT--HIS DEFENSE TO
+   CONGRESS--HIS BRILLIANT OPERATIONS ON THE DELAWARE.
+
+
+The British, in 1776 having failed to reach Philadelphia by the
+northward way through New Jersey, planned the 1777 campaigns to end with
+the capture from the southward by the Chesapeake of the capital of "the
+rebels." This was in accordance with the plan, as we now know, of
+General Charles Lee, second in command to Washington, while he was a
+prisoner in New York. He thus proved himself a traitor more despicable
+even than Arnold. His infamy did not become known until of late years.
+Moving northward from the head of the Chesapeake Bay, the British
+encountered Washington at Brandywine and, defeating him, secured an
+entrance to Philadelphia when it pleased General Howe to enter, which he
+did on September 26th, amid the welcoming acclaim of the people who
+remained. The Patriots had generally left the city.
+
+On the 23d the Navy Board ordered all vessels south of Market Street to
+move down the river and all north to go up the Delaware to escape
+falling into the hands of the British. Barry's "Effingham" went down the
+river.
+
+Barry, as the Senior Commander of the Navy at the Port of Philadelphia,
+had charge of the "row gallies, batteries" and other vessels protecting
+and maintaining the _chevaux de frize_ off Billingsport by sinking
+obstructions to prevent the passage to the city of any British vessels
+and thus effectually stopping the channel.
+
+The British erected a battery near the mouth of the Schuylkill upon
+which Barry's galleys fired at times but seemingly with but little
+effect, though "playing their part most nobly and acting like men and
+freemen convincing the world their liberty was merited," to use the
+words of Thomas McKean to General Rodney.
+
+When, on October 22, 1777, Count Donop attacked the Americans in Fort
+Mercer at Red Bank, the British fleet coöperated with the land forces,
+while the Continental vessels under Barry and the Pennsylvania fleet
+under Hazlewood drove them back, preventing their passage up the river.
+The British frigate the "Augusta" and the "Merlin" were driven ashore.
+The "Merlin" was set on fire by its crew. The powder on the "Augusta"
+exploded and that vessel was blown up. Portions of its remains are in
+the water off Red Bank to this day.
+
+Fort Mifflin, held by the Americans, was attacked on November 16, 1777.
+Unable to have the assistance of the Continental or the State Navy, the
+fort was abandoned. A council of the commanders of the fleet was held,
+when it was decided that an endeavor should be made at night to take all
+the vessels up the river, as the British fleet held control of the lower
+Delaware. To do this it was necessary to pass Philadelphia, then in
+possession of the British. This was successfully accomplished by the
+State fleet early in the morning of November 16th. They were
+"unperceived," says the British account, until the passage had been
+successfully made. The enemy were more alert the following night when
+the Continental vessels under Barry endeavored to make the passage.
+Three or four succeeded. Others had to be burned to prevent capture. The
+success of this elusive passage up the river emboldened, as we shall see
+later, Captain Barry, a few months afterwards, to make another
+successful passage down the river, passing, unmolested, the British
+vessels off Philadelphia and getting down into the Bay to oppose the
+British hovering thereabouts.
+
+Barry's operations on the Delaware, while the British occupied
+Philadelphia, were as brilliant and as audacious in bravery as any
+services performed during his career. Doubtless from his activity, good
+judgment and bravery at this period may have proceeded all the successes
+of his subsequent career. The Continental authorities were made aware at
+once of the abilities of the gallant man whom they had so early in the
+struggle for Independence placed in command.
+
+During the attack on Fort Mifflin by the British, Lieutenant Ford, of
+Barry's "Effingham," and Lieutenant Lyons, of the "Dickinson," deserted.
+After the British had evacuated Philadelphia these deserters were
+captured and on September 2, 1778, shot. The execution took place on a
+guard-boat off Market Street.
+
+After the Continental and State fleets had arrived in the upper Delaware
+near Bordentown, Washington, in November, 1777, notified the
+Continental Navy Board there was danger of a British force being sent to
+destroy the vessels. So he directed they should be sunk. Barry was, by
+the Board, on November 2d, directed to move the "Effingham" "a little
+below White Hill" (now Fieldsboro, N.J.) "where she may lie on a soft
+bottom. You are to sink her there without delay by sunset this evening."
+But Barry was loath to sink the vessel he had been appointed to command
+and fight. Later in the month Francis Hopkinson, of the Navy Board,
+delivered to Captain Barry, as Senior Officer, "orders, in writing," to
+sink or burn the ships. Captains Barry and Read had taken every measure
+to defend the vessels which Barry declared he believed would be
+effectual in repelling any force the enemy would send to destroy them.
+
+Barry and Read protested to the Board against the sinking, saying that
+if Washington knew the security of the ships he would not order the
+sinking. Barry offered to go and inform him, but Hopkinson declared
+Washington had been informed and his order would be carried out. He told
+Barry that the order should be obeyed; that he would take Washington's
+opinion in preference to Barry's.
+
+"I told him," related Barry in his defense, when summoned before
+Congress sitting at York, for disrespect to the Navy Board, "that
+nevertheless I knew more about a ship than General Washington and the
+Navy Board together. That I was commissioned by Congress to command the
+'Effingham' and, therefore, expected to be consulted before she was
+destroyed."
+
+"You shall obey our orders," was the quick and somewhat heated reply.
+Whereupon Barry left him "of course in high dudgeon," said Barry. "I
+immediately repaired to my ship, got all clear--and the orders were
+punctually obeyed"--while Hopkinson himself was on board giving orders
+which did not permit the vessel to keel and so was "very near
+upsetting." When Barry reported the condition of the ship to the Navy
+Board, he was told "it was a misfortune and we must do the best to
+remedy it," to which Barry replied that nothing would be wanting on his
+part.
+
+Two attempts to raise the "Effingham" failed for want of men and
+material, whereupon Mr. Hopkinson said he would raise her himself--"an
+insult I overlooked, having the getting up of the ship much at heart,"
+Barry told Congress. So he got everything ready and sent for as many of
+the invalid soldiers as could be had, and with the seamen began to
+heave. And he too "worked with as much ardor as possible."
+
+"Captain Barry, doth she rise," called Hopkinson.
+
+"No, sir! How can she rise when you keep the people back," replied
+Barry. This was an allusion to Hopkinson's order that only invalids,
+well attired, should be sent to assist the seamen.
+
+"Puh! You are always grumbling," retorted Hopkinson.
+
+"What do you say?" quickly cried Barry.
+
+"Go along and mind your own business, you scoundrel," roared Hopkinson.
+
+"It is a lie," said Barry.
+
+"What! Do you tell me I lie?" said Hopkinson.
+
+"It was a lie in them that said so," was Barry's rejoinder.
+
+Hopkinson replied that he would bring Barry to an account for this.
+
+"My answer was," Barry told Congress, "Damn you! I don't value you more
+than my duty requires."
+
+"Sir! You never minded your duty," retorted Hopkinson.
+
+"I immediately told him he was a liar and that the Continental Congress
+knew I had minded my duty, and added that had he minded his duty as well
+the ship would not be in its present condition."
+
+The Navy Board, on December 11, 1777, complained to Congress of the
+"disrespect and ill treatment which Hopkinson had received from John
+Barry, commander of the frigate 'Effingham.'"
+
+Barry was summoned to York, Pa., where Congress was in session. On
+January 10th he attended and made defense, concluding by saying that he
+considered himself "unworthy the commission of Congress if he tamely put
+up with treatment other than that due to all Captains of the Navy as
+gentlemen."
+
+On February 27th the Marine Committee reported to Congress that "Captain
+Barry ought, within twenty days, make full acknowledgment to the Navy
+Board of having treated Mr. Hopkinson with indecency and disrespect."
+Nothing further appears on record, so it is presumed Captain Barry
+complied and the case closed. At this time Barry was, by order of the
+same Committee, actively at work destroying British supplies in the
+lower Delaware from Mantua Creek to Port Penn and Bombay Hook.
+
+Congress was equally divided on a resolution that Captain Barry be not,
+in consequence of his conduct towards Hopkinson, "employed on the
+expedition assigned to his conduct by the Marine Committee with the
+approbation of Congress until the further order of Congress." Had he not
+been employed, Washington might not, later, have been cheered by the
+results which Captain Barry achieved in "the expedition" against the
+British supply vessels coming up the Delaware.
+
+Washington, amid the desolation of Valley Forge, had his heart torn by
+the suffering of his Patriot soldiers who bore all, suffered all, hoped
+all, determined to brave all that their country should be free. From
+amid that distress Washington sent his thanks for "the good things"
+Barry sent to the camp.
+
+While the controversy with Hopkinson was being considered and Barry was
+in the upper Delaware, he projected the plan to attempt the destruction
+of some of the enemy's vessels lying off Philadelphia by floating down
+machines in form of ships' buoys filled with powder. These, as they
+floated past the city, were fired at by the British batteries. This
+event is known in history as "The Battle of the Kegs."
+
+Singularly, too, Francis Hopkinson, Barry's accuser of want of respect
+for him made the event memorable by a humorous ditty reflecting upon
+"British valor displayed."
+
+   "The cannons roar from shore to shore,
+     The small arms make a rattle;
+   Since war's began, I'm sure no man
+     E'er saw so strange a battle."
+
+The Loyalists, however, considered the battle as "a most astonishing
+instance of the activity, bravery and military skill of the Royal Navy
+of Great Britain. Officers and men exhibited the most unparalleled skill
+and bravery on the occasion, while the citizens stood as solemn witness
+of their prowess."
+
+This occurred on Monday, January 5, 1778, a day ever distinguished in
+history for the memorable "Battle of the Kegs."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+   BARRY ATTACKS THE BRITISH SUPPLY SHIPS BELOW PHILADELPHIA--CAPTURES
+   THREE--SENDS SUPPLIES TO WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE--THANKS OF
+   WASHINGTON--WAS BARRY OFFERED A BRITISH COMMAND?
+
+
+The expedition assigned to Captain Barry which he came near being
+deprived of by Congress was a cruise in the Delaware River. The Marine
+Committee, not being directed not to employ Barry, on January 29, 1778,
+directed him to fit out the pinnace and barges belonging to the frigates
+for "a cruise in said river under your command." He was empowered to
+"receive stores and employ such Continental Navy officers and call the
+number of men necessary for officering, manning, victualing and
+equipping the boats." He was directed to have frequent occasion to land
+on each side of the Delaware and to restrain his men from plundering or
+insulting the inhabitants. The Navy Board was directed to supply
+"everything necessary for your little fleet" and money to procure
+supplies. He was directed to inform General Washington of such stores as
+he might capture which are necessary for the use of the army. He was to
+sink or destroy the vessels which he could not remove to safety. His
+"despatch, activity, prudence and valor," were relied on to bring
+success. If Barry's project to destroy British shipping by explosive
+machines did not succeed, another form of endeavor dependent more upon
+skill and bravery would accomplish results as satisfactory as had been
+hoped for by the floating "score of kegs or more that came floating down
+the tide."
+
+The Supreme Executive Committee of Pennsylvania, then at Lancaster, on
+February 7, 1778, notified the Navy Board, then at Burlington, New
+Jersey, that "a spirit of enterprise to annoy the enemy in the river
+below Philadelphia had discovered itself in Captain Barry and other
+officers of the Continental Navy, which promised considerable advantage
+to the adventurous as well as to the public."
+
+The Council had waited to find Captain Barry's example inducing the
+officers and men of the State fleet to engage in the enterprise--of
+taking all they could get from the enemy, so that any benefit arising
+from the plan should accrue to those who signalized themselves in the
+time of danger. So Captain Barry during the night, with four rowboats
+with twenty-seven men, started from Burlington and succeeded in passing
+Philadelphia undiscovered and so unmolested by the British. Barry was
+acting under orders of General Anthony Wayne, a fellow-member of the
+FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK, who sent a detachment from Washington's
+army to aid in the enterprise. After passing Philadelphia, Barry began
+the destructive work of destroying forage. On February 26, 1778, he
+arrived off Port Penn and from there, that day, wrote General Washington
+at Valley Forge that he had "destroyed the forage from Mantua Creek to
+this place," amounting to four hundred tons. He would have proceeded
+further but "a number of the enemy's boats appeared and lined the Jersey
+shore, depriving us of the opportunity of proceeding on the same
+purpose." Barry discharged all but four of Washington's men, whom he
+kept to assist in getting the boats away, as his men were rendered
+incapable through fatigue.
+
+On March 7, 1778, off Bombay Hook, Barry with twenty-seven men in five
+rowboats captured the "Mermaid" and the "Kitty," transports from Rhode
+Island, laden with supplies for the British. He stripped the vessels and
+sent the supplies northward through New Jersey and burned the vessels.
+The "Alert," a British schooner with eight four-pounders, twelve
+four-pound howitzers and thirty-three men properly equipped for an armed
+vessel, came in sight while Barry was engaged in the encounter with the
+supply vessels. Barry sent a flag to Captain Morse, of the "Alert,"
+demanding a surrender, promising that the officers would be allowed
+their private baggage, whereupon the "Alert" was "delivered up" to
+Captain Barry, who granted parole to the Captain to go to Philadelphia
+for a fortnight. "The schooner is a most excellent vessel for our
+purpose," wrote Captain Barry to General Washington two days later, when
+sending him a "cheese and a jar of pickled oysters" from the store of
+wines and luxuries intended for General Howe's table. He also sent a
+plan of New York "which may be of service," which he had taken on the
+"Alert."
+
+Though a fleet of the enemy's small vessels were in sight, "I am
+determined," wrote Barry, "to hold the 'Alert' at all events;" that as a
+number of ships with very little convoy were expected Barry declared
+that with about forty more men he could give a very good account of
+them. The next day, March 8, 1778, he reported to the Marine Committee
+the success of the expedition. On the 11th the Committee congratulated
+the "gallant commander, brave officers and men concerned in it
+throughout the whole cruise." He was informed that the "Alert" would be
+purchased for a cruiser, her name changed to the "Wasp," of which he was
+to take command or bestow it on some brave, active and prudent officer
+on a cruise on the coast and off Cape Henlopen, so as "to descry the
+enemies' vessels coming and going." Barry's "well-known bravery and good
+conduct" were commended. The British "frigates and small armed vessels,"
+however, attacked Barry. After a long and severe engagement he was
+obliged to ground and abandon the 'Alert,' though he saved her guns and
+most of her tackle, so Washington reported to Congress on March 12th.
+
+That day Washington wrote to Barry:
+
+"I have received your favor of the 9th inst. and congratulate you on the
+success that has crowned your gallantry and address in the late attacks
+on the enemy's ships. Although circumstances have prevented you from
+reaping the full benefit of your conquests, yet there is ample
+consolation in the degree of glory which you have acquired.
+
+"May a suitable recompense always attend your bravery."
+
+Alexander Hamilton, writing to Governor Clinton, of New York, from
+Washington's Headquarters, Valley Forge, March 12, 1778, said: "We have
+nothing new in camp save that Captain Barry has destroyed, with a few
+gunboats, two large ships belonging to the enemy, laden with forage from
+Rhode Island. He also took an armed schooner which he has since been
+obliged to run ashore after a gallant defense. 'Tis said he has saved
+her cannon and stores--among the ordnance four brass howitzers."
+
+Barry with twenty-seven men had captured one major, two captains, three
+lieutenants, ten soldiers and one hundred seamen and marines--one
+hundred and sixteen taken by twenty-seven. He captured also many letters
+and official papers relating to the Hessians in British service, as well
+as the Order of _Lion d'Or_ for General Knyphausen. This was sent the
+Hessian general. Barry's success won the admiration of friend and foe.
+It was at this time Sir William Howe is said to have offered Captain
+Barry twenty thousand guineas and the command of a British frigate if he
+would desert the service of the United Colonies. The alleged answer of
+Barry is stated to have been: "Not the value and command of the whole
+British fleet can seduce me from the cause of my country."
+
+Any such offer, if made, would more probably have been made by Lord
+Howe, Commander of the British fleet, brother to General Howe, Commander
+of the Army. It is of record that he sent Commodore Hazlewood, of the
+Pennsylvania Navy, a summons to surrender, to which reply was made that
+he "would not surrender but defend to the last." A like summons to
+Barry, Commander of the Continental Navy, doubtless received a similar
+reply, but there is no known evidence or authoritative record that Barry
+was tempted to desert his country.
+
+[Illustration: WASHINGTON GIVING COMMISSION TO BARRY]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+   PRAISE FOR BARRY'S SUCCESS--BRITISH DESTROY BARRY'S "EFFINGHAM" AND
+   OTHER VESSELS ON THE UPPER DELAWARE--APPOINTED TO THE
+   "RALEIGH"--PROTECTS THE COAST FROM NORTH CAROLINA TO
+   MASSACHUSETTS--ENCOUNTER WITH TWO BRITISH FRIGATES--BARRY RUNS THE
+   "RALEIGH" ASHORE--HIS ACTION APPROVED AND HIS BRAVERY DECLARED.
+
+
+Barry's operations on the Delaware were of foremost importance at this
+period of gloom and darkness. The British were in possession of
+Philadelphia, the Capital of "the rebels." Washington's men were
+suffering the distress of Valley Forge, ill-fed and scantily clothed.
+Barry was destroying forage and capturing supplies. General Wayne was
+operating around Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey
+in a like endeavor.
+
+"For boldness of design and dexterity of execution, Barry's operations
+were not surpassed, if equaled, during the war," says Frost's _Naval
+Biography_.
+
+"The gallant action reflects great honor on Captain Barry, his officers
+and crew," wrote William Ellery, one of Massachusetts' delegates in
+Congress.
+
+Colonel Laurens wrote his father telling of the deeds of Captain Barry,
+"to whom great praise is due." Washington reported to Congress "with
+great pleasure the success" of Captain Barry.
+
+Captain Barry considered the Delaware Bay "the best place for meeting
+with success where he could use his little squadron." On the upper
+Delaware where the "Effingham," "Washington" and other Continental
+vessels had been sunk, near Bordentown, by order of General Washington,
+in April by his orders, also, the Pennsylvania Navy Board, directed that
+the galleys, shallops and brigs be dismantled and sunk, shot buried and
+stores lodged throughout New Jersey. All this after "a rather stubborn
+insistance on the part of the officers" against so doing, just as
+Captain Barry had protested. Later in the month Barry's "Effingham," the
+"Washington" and other Continental vessels were raised "from the soft
+bottom of the river," but on May 7, 1778, a British force, under Major
+Maitland, was sent from Philadelphia and burned twenty-one or more
+vessels and naval stores and destroyed all supplies.
+
+At this time Captain Barry was in command of the squadron in the lower
+Delaware River and in the Bay. By the destruction of the "Effingham" in
+the upper Delaware he was without a command other than the temporary one
+in which he was operating. Accordingly, on May 30, 1778, the Marine
+Committee appointed him to the command of the frigate "Raleigh," then in
+Boston Harbor. He was directed to "repair immediately to that place" to
+take command. He succeeded Captain Thomas Thompson, who was charged with
+having deserted the "Alfred" (Barry's old-time "Black Prince") in the
+battle with the British frigates "Ariadne" and "Ceres," by which the
+"Alfred" became captive.
+
+Captain Barry proceeded to Boston and, taking command of the "Raleigh,"
+refitted her for service and went to sea, stopping at Rhode Island,
+where he received the orders of Marine Committee, on August 24, 1778,
+ordering him to cruise in company with the Continental brigantine
+"Resistance," Captain Burke, between Cape Henlopen and Occracok on the
+coast of North Carolina to intercept British armed vessels infesting
+that coast. On May 28th orders were sent to Hampton, Virginia, for
+delivery to Captain Barry, directing him to take under convoy six or
+more of the vessels loaded with commissary stores and protect them to
+the places of destination. Then he and Captain Burke were to proceed and
+protect the coast line of Virginia and North Carolina, reporting once a
+week at Hampton for orders, which he, as Senior Officer, should
+communicate to Captain Burke, and also there receive supplies furnished
+by the Governor of Virginia.
+
+Captain Barry in the "Raleigh" cruised along the coast from North
+Carolina to Massachusetts Bay. On September 8, 1778, off Boston Bay he
+reported to the Marine Committee that many of the guns of the "Raleigh"
+had burst in proving and the ship was "exceedingly foul" and unfit to
+further cruise. He was, on September 28, 1778, directed to proceed to
+Portsmouth, Virginia, where there was a Continental shipyard, and have
+the "Raleigh's" bottom cleaned. That done he was to continue "to cruise
+upon the coast," the "Deane" or any other vessel with him, Barry was to
+order to cruise while the "Raleigh" was being cleaned.
+
+The Committee had information that the British frigate "Persius," of 32
+guns was cruising singly on the coast of South Carolina. Barry was then
+ordered as soon as his ship was cleaned to extend his cruising ground so
+as to cover the coast of that State, taking the "Deane" or other vessel
+with him in search of the "Persius" and endeavor to "take, burn, sink or
+destroy" the said frigate or any other of the enemy's vessels "that he
+might fall in with." If he made a capture he was to take it to
+Charleston and there fit, man her and take her on the cruise with him.
+
+This order, sent to Hampton, Virginia, did not reach the "Raleigh" as,
+on September 25, 1778, she had sailed from Boston convoying a brigantine
+and sloop. That day and the following, two British frigates were seen
+but avoided. The next day--Sunday--the frigates chased the "Raleigh"
+from nine in the morning until five in the afternoon when, nearing each
+other, the "Raleigh" hoisted her colors and the headmost frigate
+"hoisted St. George's ensign." "We gave her a broadside which she
+returned, tacked and came up on our lee quarter and gave the "Raleigh" a
+broadside," which carried away its foretopmast and mizzentop gallant
+mast, which, to "the unspeakable grief" of Captain Barry, caused him,
+"in a great measure, to lose command" of the "Raleigh," "determined to
+victory" as he was. "The enemy plied his broadsides briskly, which was
+returned as brisk," though the "Raleigh" "bore away to prevent the enemy
+from raking us." The British sheered off and dropped astern. During the
+night Barry perceived the stern-most ship gaining on us very fast and,
+being disabled in our sails, masts and rigging and having no possible
+view of escaping, Captain Barry, with the advice of his officers, ran
+the "Raleigh" on shore to prevent her falling into the hands of the
+enemy. The engagement, however, continued "very warm until midnight"--a
+five-hours' contest, when the frigate sheered off to wait the consort.
+The "Raleigh's" mizzentopsail had been shot away. Captain Barry ordered
+the other sails cut loose from the yards. The two frigates appeared and
+endeavored to cut the "Raleigh" "from the land." The headmost ship
+proved a two-decker of at least fifty guns. The "Raleigh," "not in the
+least daunted, received their fire, which was very heavy, and returned
+ours with redoubled vigor."
+
+"Encouraged by our brave commander, we were determined not to strike,"
+related one of the officers. "After receiving three broadsides from the
+large ship and the fire of the other frigate on our lee quarter," the
+"Raleigh" struck the shore, when the enemy poured in two broadsides,
+which were returned. She then hove in stays, our guns being loaded gave
+us a good opportunity of raking her, which we did with our whole
+broadside. After that she bore away and raked us and both British
+frigates kept up a heavy fire in order to make us strike to them, which
+we never did. They ceased and came to anchor a mile distant from the
+"Raleigh."
+
+The island on which the "Raleigh" struck was uninhabited and being rocky
+could not be fortified for the defense of the ship. The enemy kept up an
+incessant fire on her and the men being exhausted after the long contest
+with the two frigates, Captain Barry ordered the men to land and the
+"Raleigh" to be set on fire. The eighty-five men were landed, but the
+treachery of Midshipman Jesse Jaycockt, an Englishman, who extinguished
+the fire, prevented the destruction. The other officers and men were
+made prisoners before the boats could return to take them off.
+
+This "unequal contest with two ships was fought with great gallantry and
+though Captain Barry lost his ship he gained laurels for himself and
+honor for his country. Perhaps no ship was ever better defended," wrote
+John Brown, Secretary of the Navy Board at Boston to the Marine
+Committee of Congress, adding, "Captain Barry's conduct is highly
+approved and his officers and men are greatly pleased with him."
+
+"His good conduct and bravery are universally allowed," said the
+_Pennsylvania Post_.
+
+Captain Barry "fought with his usual bravery. His officers and men being
+sworn not to surrender, our brave Captain Barry avoided violating his
+oath by running the 'Raleigh' ashore," wrote Colonel John Laurens to his
+father.
+
+The British frigates were the "Experiment," of 50 guns, and the
+"Unicorn," of 22 guns, or 72 guns against Barry's 32. The latter had ten
+men killed and was greatly damaged in hull and rigging in the contest of
+nine hours duration. The "Raleigh" lost twenty-five killed and wounded.
+The ship was added to the Royal Navy under the same name. This battle
+took place off Seal Island, or Fox Island, in Penobscot Bay.
+
+Cooper's _History of the Navy_ said, "Captain Barry gained credit for
+his gallantry on this occasion."
+
+"A noble and daring defence," said Watson's _Annals of Philadelphia_.
+
+This disaster left Barry without a ship. The loss, though regrettable,
+did not lessen his reputation as a skillful and sagacious commander nor
+mar the character he had won for bravery.
+
+The Marine Committee in ordering the Navy Board at Boston to "order a
+Court of Inquiry on Captain Barry's conduct," said: "The loss of the
+'Raleigh' is certainly a very great misfortune, but we have a
+consolation in reflecting that the spirited and gallant behavior of her
+commander has done honor to our flag."
+
+And that it held him not censurable is shown by its statement that as
+"Captain Harding has been appointed to the command of the frigate at
+Norwich named the 'Confederacy,' which prevents our giving that ship to
+Captain Barry."
+
+The Committee was ready at once to give him another command had a vessel
+been ready for him. That too without waiting the action of the Court of
+Inquiry, which it had ordered. But the Committee had soon occasion to
+give an appointment which showed the estimation in which his abilities
+were held as the foremost naval commander, worthy to be entrusted with
+its best commands and ships.
+
+[Illustration: ORDER TO CAPTAIN BARRY]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+   BARRY APPOINTED TO COMMAND AN EXPEDITION AGAINST FLORIDA--EXPEDITION
+   ABANDONED, BARRY ENTERS THE PENNSYLVANIA PRIVATEER SERVICE--MAKES
+   CAPTURES--RESISTS THE IMPRISONMENT OF HIS CREW--"MY NAME IS JOHN
+   BARRY."
+
+
+That the loss of the "Raleigh" brought no discredit upon Captain Barry,
+but rather added to his reputation as a brave and skillful commander is
+attested by the action of the Marine Committee in appointing him to
+command an expedition against East Florida.
+
+Major-General Lincoln was to command the Continental and State army
+forces in the reduction of St. Augustine, Florida, as it "was of the
+highest importance to the United States."
+
+On November 10, 1778, Congress Resolved:
+
+"That Captain John Barry be and is hereby directed to take command of
+all armed vessels employed in the intended expedition, subject to the
+order of the Commander-in-Chief in the Southern Department; and that
+this commission continue in force till the expedition of the intended
+invasion of the Province of East Florida or till the further order of
+Congress; that he proceed with the utmost despatch to the State of
+Maryland in order to expedite the equipment of the gallies to be
+furnished by that State and proceed with them to Charleston in South
+Carolina."
+
+At Charleston armed gallies from Virginia were to be joined. "The
+success of the expedition depended in the most essential manner on their
+service." The Continental share of all property taken would be released
+to the captors.
+
+To prevent difference among officers of the respective States whose
+gallies would be employed, Captain John Barry was appointed to command
+the naval part of the expedition. Captain Barry "made some extraordinary
+demands upon Congress for allowance of a table and a secretary, which
+the House did not determine on," wrote Henry Laurens, President of
+Congress, to General Lincoln; adding that "though Captain Barry is a
+brave and active seaman, the intended service is not pleasing to him,
+'tis possible, therefore, he may wish to avoid it and besides you will
+find old commanders in the two Southern States who will be much
+mortified should he actually proceed and take the command of them,
+consequences will arise which will be disagreeable to you and which may
+prove detrimental to the service."
+
+The British probably became aware of the intended invasion and so
+organized a counter-movement against General Lincoln and obliged him to
+defend his occupancy of Charleston. General Clinton, on December 26,
+1778, sailed from New York and a month later, delayed by storms, reached
+Savannah, the base of his operations against Lincoln. This obliged
+Congress to abandon its projected expedition against East Florida. So
+Captain Barry's "extraordinary demands" or the jealousies of the
+Southern naval officers were, by the course of events, set aside. The
+aggressive movement of Sir Henry Clinton had frustrated the intended
+invasion and so all the minor considerations involved therein.
+
+But the high esteem in which Barry was held was proven by the
+appointment to command the expedition and this, too, immediately after
+the loss of the "Raleigh." His defense of the "Raleigh" was so bravely
+performed that the appointment to the Southern expedition was given him
+as the best testimonial of worth and of fidelity to duty. The loss of
+the "Raleigh" and the abandonment of the invasion of East Florida left
+Captain John Barry without an available Continental ship. But such a
+brave and active seaman could not be listless nor idle while an
+opportunity could be found or made for doing service for his country.
+When the "Effingham" and other vessels were tied up in the Delaware,
+Captain Barry became a landsman and did shore duty, leading a company of
+volunteers in the Trenton and Princeton campaign.
+
+Now that his country had no ship to give him to do duty for America, he
+entered the service of his adopted State, Pennsylvania, and became "a
+bold privateer" by becoming commander of the Letter-of-Marque, the brig
+"Delaware," owned by Irwin & Co., of Philadelphia. His commission bears
+date of February 15, 1779. It is in the Lenox Library, New York.
+
+The "Delaware" was a new brig of 200 tons, built to replace the schooner
+of the same name, which had been driven on the New Jersey shore and set
+on fire to escape the British early on the morning of November 21, 1777,
+when the State's Navy had passed up the Delaware River after the attack
+on Fort Mifflin.
+
+The new "Delaware" carried ten guns and forty-five men when
+commissioned, but Captain Barry increased the force to twelve guns and
+sixty men.
+
+The day he was commissioned he stood sponsor and his wife a witness to
+the baptism of Anna, daughter of Thomas, his brother, born on that
+morning. On July 21st following, Captain Barry's wife, Sarah Austin
+Barry, became a Catholic and was baptised, conditionally, Anna Barry,
+wife of Thomas, being the only sponsor. At this time Captain Barry was
+cruising in the West Indies. Judith, "the slave of Captain John Barry,"
+an adult, was also baptised on August 19, 1779.
+
+In the "Delaware" Captain Barry made two cruises to Port-au-Prince. Of
+his first voyage no record has been discovered, but of his second there
+is sufficient in the account given by his Mate, John Kessler. The
+"Delaware" sailed on its second cruise in the fall of 1779 in company
+with three other Letter-of-Marque brigs and one schooner. Of this fleet
+Captain Barry was made Commodore. He was always so appointed whenever
+two or more vessels were assigned to one cruise or expedition in which
+he engaged. When abreast of Cape Henlopen the British sloop-of-war the
+"Harlem," with eighty-five men and fourteen four-pounders, was taken
+without resistance, though the officers escaped in boats after heaving
+overboard all the guns.
+
+The "Harlem" was sent to Philadelphia. The crew was delivered to the
+militia at Chincopague. Captain Barry reported to the owners that "the
+commanders in our little fleet are very complaisant and obliging to each
+other." That the "Harlem" had fourteen four-pounders and eighty-five
+men. The guns and other things were thrown overboard without firing a
+shot. The Captain, with ten men, went off in a whale-boat, "but,"
+reported Captain Barry, "we have reason to think, is since overset." The
+prisoners were taken out, a prize crew put on board, the "Harlem" sent
+to Philadelphia and the men landed at Sinipaxan, Virginia, as they were
+too many to keep with safety on board the little fleet. "We have every
+reason in the world to think we shall catch more before long," reported
+Barry. The "Harlem" was "a fine vessel and had been a cruiser since the
+enemy took New York, but at present she is much out of tune," he added.
+
+Of the rest of the voyage out and home nothing specially noteworthy
+occurred except that a merchant ship from Liverpool was captured and
+later retaken by the noted Goodrich and carried into Bermuda.
+
+During the war there was often contention between the commanders of the
+Continental and those of the States' service. The Continentals, when in
+need of men, often impressed the seamen of the States' fleet and also
+those of merchant vessels. On Captain Barry's return to the Delaware
+River the Continental frigate "Confederacy" lay at Chester. She had been
+impressing the crews of merchant vessels coming up the river. The pilot
+gave this information to the crew of the "Delaware." It alarmed them
+very much and many desired to be put on shore. Captain Barry addressed
+them saying, "My lads, if you have the spirit of freemen you will not
+desire to go ashore nor tamely submit against your wills to be taken
+away, although all the force of all the frigate's boats' crew were to
+attempt to exercise such a species of tyranny." This address, records
+Kessler, satisfied them, as it implied his consent to their defending
+themselves. They resolved to do it at all hazards, and for that purpose
+put themselves under the command and direction of the boatswain and
+armed themselves with muskets, pistols and boarding pikes, and thus
+arrived within hailing distance of the "Confederacy." Her commander
+ordered the brig's maintopsail to be hove to the mast. Captain Barry
+answered that he could not without getting his vessel ashore. The
+commander of the frigate then ordered that the brig should come to
+anchor.
+
+Captain Barry gave no answer but continued on his way, beating up with
+tide and flood and wind, when a gun was fired from the frigate and a
+boat, manned, left her and came towards the "Delaware." Captain Barry
+directed that the officers of the boat should be admitted on board, but
+as to the men with them, the "Delaware's" crew could do as they pleased.
+The boat soon arrived and two officers, armed, jumped on board and on
+the quarterdeck, ordering the maintopsail halyards to be cast off,
+which, however, was not done. Captain Barry asked whether they were sent
+to take command of his vessel. The boat's crew were about coming on
+board when the "Delaware's" men threatened instant death to all who came
+on board.
+
+The officers after trying to intimidate our boatswain by presenting
+their pistols at him, and finding it of no avail, hastily sprang into
+their boats and left.
+
+Another gun was fired from the "Confederacy." Captain Barry ordered the
+guns cleared and declared that if a rope-yard was injured he would give
+the "Confederacy" a whole broadside. A third gun was fired. Captain
+Barry hailed and asked the name of the commander of the frigate.
+
+The answer was "Lieutenant Gregory."
+
+Captain Barry addressed him: "Lieutenant Gregory, I advise you to desist
+from firing. This is the brig 'Delaware,' belonging to Philadelphia and
+my name is John Barry."
+
+"Nothing further was said or done by Lieutenant Gregory," recorded Mate
+Kessler, who added: "Our whole crew arrived at Philadelphia, but the
+other vessels of our fleet were obliged to anchor, as the pressing of
+those who did not get on shore obliged them to remain until assistance
+was sent from Philadelphia. After our arrival Barry left the command of
+the brig, he having been ordered to take charge of a Continental 74-gun
+ship then building in the State of New Hampshire," relates Kessler.
+James Collins, First Lieutenant, became Captain Barry's successor in
+command of the "Delaware," which had taken two prizes, the distribution
+of which was made among the officers and crew, Kessler receiving "in the
+threefold capacity of clerk, steward and captain of marines."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+   CAPTAIN BARRY APPOINTED TO SUPERINTEND THE BUILDING OF THE "AMERICA,"
+   FRIGATE--GIVEN COMMAND OF THE "ALLIANCE" AS SUCCESSOR OF LANDAIS, THE
+   FRENCHMAN--THE DISCOVERY OF ARNOLD'S TREASON--"WHOM CAN WE TRUST
+   NOW?"--THE ANSWER TO ARNOLD.
+
+
+The Continental 74 to which Captain Barry was sent immediately on his
+arrival at Philadelphia in the "Delaware" was the frigate "America,"
+then building at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. To this command he was
+appointed on November 6, 1779, by the Marine Committee of Congress,
+which that day notified the Navy Board at Boston that Captain Barry on
+his way to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he goes to hasten the
+building and fitting out of the new ship on the stocks at that place,
+would present the notification desiring the Committee to "push forward
+with all possible expedition" the work Captain Barry had been entrusted
+with. Barry's orders were "to hasten as much as may be in your power the
+completing of that ship, which we are desirous of having done with all
+despatch."
+
+On November 20th, as desired by Captain Barry, Captain George Jerry
+Osborne was appointed to command the marines of the ship, but as it
+would be "a considerable time before there is occasion to raise the
+men," he was appointed "on the principle of his being useful in doing
+matters relative to the ship until that time." How long Captain Barry
+continued to superintend the building of the new Continental ship--later
+named the "America," does not appear, but on June 1, 1780, there is
+record in the _Pennsylvania Archives_ [Vol. I, 5th Series] that Captain
+John Barry became the commander of the Pennsylvania privateer, the
+"American," of 14 guns and 70 men. Possibly the work of directing the
+construction of a vessel was not congenial to the active spirit of one
+who was at his best amid the more earnest exertions required by a life
+at sea, seeking the destruction or capture of the armed vessels of the
+enemy. So again he became a privateersman in the service of his State.
+He so served three months.
+
+On June 26, 1781, Captain John Paul Jones was appointed, in succession
+to Barry, to superintend the construction of the "America," while Barry
+was doing service at sea in command of the "Alliance." The expense of
+launching and equipping the "America" was paid from the shares of the
+United States "in the prizes taken by Captain Barry" in the first cruise
+of the "Alliance" under his command. The Board of Admiralty were
+directed to assign these shares to Robert Morris by Resolution of
+Congress, June 3, 1781. The "America" when launched in November, 1781,
+was presented to France to replace the "Magnifique," wrecked in Boston
+Harbor.
+
+The Continental Marine Committee, knowing well Barry's worth, on
+September 5, 1780, appointed him "to the command of the Continental
+frigate 'Alliance' now in the port of Boston." He was "directed to
+repair there as soon as possible to get the ship ready for sea with all
+possible despatch." The "Alliance" was the largest and finest vessel of
+the Continental Navy.
+
+Thus we see again that the best available position was always given to
+Captain Barry. The first armed cruiser under direct Continental
+authority--the "Lexington"--was given him, then the "Effingham," of 32
+guns, the largest armament of any vessel, was assigned him, and he was
+made Senior Commander of the Port of Philadelphia. On its destruction by
+the British, while he was operating in the lower Delaware, he was
+appointed to the "Raleigh." On its loss, for which Captain Barry
+suffered no detriment, he was made commander of the projected expedition
+to Florida. When that enterprise was abandoned he was given command of a
+fleet of the Navy of Pennsylvania. At the termination of the cruise the
+appointment to construct the best vessel the country had projected was
+given him. Then he was commissioned to the "Alliance," the best and
+finest vessel the United Colonies ever possessed. In that he remained as
+commander while the war continued, and at its close he was Commodore of
+all armed vessels remaining in the service of the Colonies, just as
+Washington was Commander-in-Chief of all the forces, military and naval,
+at the end of the war. As commander of the fleet, Barry was second to
+Washington.
+
+The "Alliance," which Captain Barry took charge of in September, 1780,
+was so named in honor of the alliance with France. As a further
+compliment to the French, Captain Pierre Landais, a Frenchman, had been
+appointed Captain. He was relieved of the command and Captain Barry
+succeeded him. These were the only commanders the "Alliance" ever
+had--Landais the Frenchman and Barry the Irishman. Landais is buried in
+St. Patrick's cemetery, New York; Barry in St. Mary's, Philadelphia. One
+in faith and one in endeavor for our country.
+
+The "Alliance" was the only American vessel in the expedition sent out
+by King Louis XVI, under John Paul Jones, which resulted in the ever
+memorable encounter with, and capture of, the "Serapis" by the "Bonne
+Homme Richard," commanded by Captain John Paul Jones. During the battle
+the "Alliance" twice fired into Jones' vessel and did damage. For this,
+on arrival in France, he was called on to make explanations and John
+Paul Jones, as Commodore of all American vessels in Europe, was
+appointed by Commissioner Benjamin Franklin, on June 16, 1780, to take
+"command of the 'Alliance' in her present intended voyage to America."
+But Silas Deane supported Landais, who ordered Jones off the vessel and
+set sail for America. On the voyage, his mental faculties becoming more
+erratic, the officers took the command from him and entrusted it to
+Lieutenant James Degges.
+
+On arrival at Boston, Captain Barry was appointed to the command and the
+Courts of Inquiry and Courts-Martial tried Landais and dismissed him
+from the service. He died in New York in 1818 and is buried in St.
+Patrick's graveyard.
+
+Captain Barry now commanded "the most perfect piece of naval
+architecture" than which the navies of France or England had none more
+complete. Landais and Barry were the only duly commissioned and
+regularly appointed by Continental authority commanders of the
+"Alliance," who at sea, on voyage or in battle ever directed her
+operations, yet a block of timber of the "Alliance" exhibited in the
+Revolutionary Relic Museum at Independence Hall is inscribed: "Commanded
+by John Paul Jones during the Revolutionary War."
+
+There is no mention of its chief commander, John Barry, and that
+ignoring of his right to recognition is within sight of his statue
+erected by THE FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK, of Philadelphia, March 16,
+1907. Let that Society now secure the Commodore's right to the command
+his country gave him.
+
+The appointment of Captain Barry had special significance at the time it
+was made--after the discovery of the treason of Benedict Arnold. He had
+issued on October 7, 1780, an "Address to the Soldiers of the American
+Army," in which he declared he thought "it infinitely wiser and safer to
+cast his confidence upon Great Britain's justice and generosity than to
+trust a monarchy too feeble to establish your Independence, so perilous
+to her distant dominions and the enemy of the Protestant faith."
+
+Washington, in almost faint-hearted despair on the discovery of Arnold's
+treachery, had asked: "Whom can we trust now?" Was the answer to
+Washington and Arnold that made by the Marine Committee of the
+Continental Congress by the appointment of Captain John Barry to the
+largest, finest and best American war-vessel named in honor of an
+alliance with France, the alleged "enemy of the Protestant faith," as
+Arnold had declared?
+
+Was that the answer to Arnold by the Congress whom he had denounced "as
+mean and profligate" and "praying a soul out of purgatory," because the
+members had attended the Requiem service in St. Mary's Church,
+Philadelphia, in behalf of the soul of Don Juan de Miralles, the Spanish
+Agent to the Congress, and in the very church which Captain Barry
+attended when in Philadelphia.
+
+The Irish-born Catholic, John Barry, could be trusted with the very best
+when the native-born Protestant, Arnold, had betrayed the country for
+pelf and position among the oppressors of the native land of John Barry
+and the native land of the infamous Benedict Arnold.
+
+What more could the adopted land of John Barry do for one who had been
+so faithful and so helpful from the first day of opportunity to serve
+her? It will erect a monument at the Capital of the Nation for America
+as Ireland's SONS OF ST. PATRICK have erected one at Independence Hall.
+His new country had given him the first, and at all times the best, she
+had to bestow, as his native land had given to America. Place of birth
+nor creed of faith made no disparagement of such superior worth as John
+Barry possessed.
+
+The Congress that had, to the people of Great Britain, denounced Barry's
+religion as "one fraught with impiety, bloodshed, rapine and murder in
+every part of the globe," had given to the Irish-born Catholic who gave
+the best he possessed in talent, ability and service to the cause of
+America, had also given him the first of her war vessels, continued to
+give him the best she, too, possessed and, finally, while the
+native-born traitor almost paralyzed the hearts of the patriots, gave to
+the foreign-born and staunch Catholic, the foremost vessel in her navy,
+one "so swift, so warlike, stout and strong," as to be the admiration of
+Europe's most expert naval commanders, while America had dismissed from
+her service, as incompetent, the native-born Esek Hopkins, the first
+Commander-in-Chief of the Navy of the Colony. It is somewhat singular,
+therefore, that the foremost naval commanders of the Navy during the
+Revolutionary War were John Barry, of Ireland, and John Paul Jones, of
+Scotland--"foreigners," as John Adams spoke of both in 1813.
+
+The lines of the Poet of the Revolution, Philip Freneau, may most
+appropriately be inserted here, to show the regard in which the vessel
+was held while John Barry was its commander:
+
+   "When she unfurls her flowing sails,
+   Undaunted by the fiercest gales,
+   In dreadful pomp she plows the main,
+   While adverse tempests rage in vain.
+   When she displays her gloomy tier,
+   The boldest Britons freeze with fear,
+   And, owning her superior might,
+   Seek their best safety in their flight.
+   But when she pours the dreadful blaze
+   And thunder from her cannon plays,
+   The bursting flash that wings the ball,
+   Compels those foes to strike or fall."
+
+"She was in many engagements and always victorious--a fortunate ship--a
+remarkably fast sailer--could always choose her combat--could either
+fight or run away--always beating her adversary by fight or flight,"
+Philadelphia's annalist, Watson, made that record of her.
+
+Such was the vessel commanded by Captain John Barry, the Wexford boy, in
+the closing and eventful year of the Revolution, which established our
+country's Independence and Liberty, to become the home of countless
+thousands of all lands who might enjoy the Liberties John Barry had so
+conspicuously aided in winning.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+   THE "ALLIANCE" SAILS FOR FRANCE--CAPTURES A BRITISH CRUISER--RETURN
+   TO AMERICA--THE LOSS OF THE "LA FAYETTE"--MUTINY.
+
+
+The selection of John Barry, at this crisis in our country's struggle
+for Liberty and Independence, to the command of the foremost ship of the
+new Republic is a most conspicuous and honorable testimony to his
+merits, abilities and services. None additional is needed.
+
+The "Alliance" was selected to convey Colonel John Laurens as a special
+Commissioner to France to seek "an immediate, ample and efficacious
+succor in money, large enough to be a foundation for substantial
+arrangement of finance, to revive public credit and give vigor to future
+operations."
+
+There was delay in sailing owing to a shortness of crew and the
+inability to procure recruits. In the meantime Captain Barry was, on
+November 10, 1780, appointed, by the Navy Board of the Eastern
+Department, President of a Court-Martial, together with Captains
+Hoystead Hucker, Samuel Nicholson and Henry Johnson, Lieutenants Silas
+Devol, Patrick Fletcher, Nicholas E. Gardner and Samuel Pritchard,
+Lieutenant of Marine, to meet on November 21st to try Lieutenant James
+Degges to determine whether he was justified in revolting against the
+authority of Captain Landais of the "Alliance" and usurping command on
+the voyage from France. A Court-Martial was also held for the trial of
+Captain Landais, and he was dismissed the service. There is much
+interesting history connected with these trials, but they do not
+properly enter into this recital further than to say that Captain
+Landais' erratic conduct in command of the "Alliance" was due to mental
+deficiencies as was afterwards generally acknowledged. These became so
+manifest in the voyage to America that the officers took the command
+from him.
+
+On February 2, 1781, so impatient at the delay had become Colonel
+Laurens that, as all other resources had failed, he applied to General
+Benjamin Lincoln to allow recruits for the army fitted for marine
+service to be engaged and nowhere so advantageously employed.
+
+Patrick Sheridan, an enlisted soldier of Boston, is one known to have
+been given leave to join the "Alliance." On February 11, 1781, the
+"Alliance" sailed from Boston with Colonel Laurens, Thomas Paine, Comte
+de Noailles, brother-in-law of Lafayette and other celebrities. On the
+way to France the "Alliance" captured, on March 4th, the British cruiser
+"Alert," which had possession of the "La Buonia Compagnia," a Venetian
+ship which, "contrary to the Laws of Nations and every principle of
+justice" had been seized by the British cruiser called the "Alert" from
+Glasgow, Francis Russell commander, by whom the Venetian crew were put
+in irons and otherwise cruelly treated.
+
+Captain Barry released the Venetian "out of respect for the Laws of
+Nations and the rights of neutrality." Colonel Laurens in reporting to
+Congress, from L'Orient, March 11, 1781, where the "Alliance" had
+arrived two days before, related the action of Captain Barry, whereupon
+on June 26th it was resolved that Congress approve of Captain Barry's
+conduct in releasing the ship belonging to the Republic of Venice,
+retaken by him from a British privateer on March 4th last, it being the
+determination always to pay the utmost respect to the rights of neutral
+commerce. The Venetian Senate also expressed to Franklin, our Ambassador
+at Paris, through the Ambassador of Venice, their "grateful sense of the
+friendly behavior of Captain Barry, commander of the 'Alliance,' in
+rescuing one of the ships of their State from an English privateer and
+setting her at liberty."
+
+It may be remarked as a singular circumstance that the "Alert" was,
+probably, the cruiser which, on September 10, 1777, had captured Barry's
+first command, the "Lexington," which was then commanded by Captain
+Henry Johnson and which Barry had, in March, 1778, captured in the
+Delaware Bay, but which was retaken by the British a few days later and
+which, on September 17, 1778, captured the American cruiser "La
+Fayette." If so, Captain Barry's gratification must have been great in
+again capturing the "Alert."
+
+The importance of Captain Barry's services in this voyage must be noted.
+He succeeded in conveying to France Colonel Laurens, whose father had
+been sent on a similar mission, but had been taken prisoner while on the
+way, and at the time of his son's going on the same mission was a
+prisoner in the Tower at London. Captain Barry's responsibility was,
+therefore, great. Skill and acuteness were most essential to avoid
+encounter with a superior British force and thus endanger the safety of
+the special Commissioner charged with so important a duty at this
+"infinitely critical posture of our affairs," as Washington wrote
+Franklin.
+
+To promptly and safely convey Colonel Laurens was more important to the
+general good than for Barry to make captures and prizes. Yet he not only
+performed the duty assigned him, but took two prizes from the enemy--its
+"Alert" and its own prize, the Venetian ship, restoring it to its
+country.
+
+Barry's captures were, in notable cases, double captives, taking two in
+each encounter. On the Delaware Bay expedition he had taken the
+"Mermaid" and the "Kitty," which he held and the "Alert" which was
+retaken. Now we find him taking that "Alert" and its prize. These double
+captures we shall, later, see repeated--taking two prizes in one
+battle--killing two birds with one stone, as it were. And it took two
+British cruisers to inflict the only loss he ever had--the loss of the
+"Raleigh."
+
+Captain Barry took the "Alert" to L'Orient, where the crew were
+imprisoned. Laurens secured from France a gift of six millions from the
+King--as well as clothing and military stores. It was sent in the
+"Resolute" which sailed from Brest, June 1, 1781, and arrived at Boston
+August 25th. It was this money which moved Washington's army to
+Yorktown, Virginia, by paying the army one month's pay in specie and
+enabling supplies to be furnished. Congress had no credit to get money
+or supplies until the arrival of the French funds. Other portions of the
+money were used to pay overdue French loans. That was our hard-pressed
+country's method of paying its debts.
+
+The importance of the duty assigned Captain Barry to get Colonel Laurens
+to France is thus made manifest. Well performed, its results brought the
+downfall of British supremacy in America. Failure to safely convey
+Laurens would have brought untold disaster upon the cause of
+Independence and Liberty and, mayhap, long have delayed the winning and
+the triumph.
+
+On March 23, 1781, Captain Barry, after obtaining supplies needed, was
+assigned the Letter-of-Marque vessel "Marquis de La Fayette," commanded
+by Captain Gallatheau, which was loaded with stores for Congress, and
+directed that, as he was about to return to America, that the "La
+Fayette" would proceed under his convoy to Philadelphia. On March 29th
+the "Alliance" and "La Fayette" sailed from L'Orient in company.
+
+When the "Alliance" left L'Orient on her returning cruise to America,
+Captain Barry, by orders of Franklin, directed Captain Gallatheau, of
+the ship "Marquis La Fayette," to proceed to the United States under
+convoy of the "Alliance," as the vessel was laden with one hundred tons
+of saltpetre, twenty-six iron eighteen-pounders, fifteen thousand
+gunbarrels, leather, uniforms for ten thousand men and cloth for five or
+six thousand. After being under convoy for three weeks in a gale of wind
+which split the sails of the "Alliance," the "La Fayette" disappeared.
+Captain Barry gave signals by flags and guns and cruised about for two
+days in search of the missing vessel. Five days after the separation the
+"Suffolk," British man-of-war, of 74 guns, met the "La Fayette" and
+after three hours' battle made her captive though reduced to "a perfect
+hulk." For thirteen days she was towed by the "Suffolk."
+
+Investigation made by Congress into the cause of this great loss showed,
+by the evidence of Captain Robeson, on board the "La Fayette," that the
+separation was the fault of Captain Gallatheau by sailing away from the
+"Alliance" contrary to every argument of Captain Robeson. The loss
+aggregated four hundred and fifty tons of public stores and two hundred
+men, besides the armament of twenty-six eighteen-pound guns and fourteen
+six-pounders.
+
+On March 30th a mutiny plot was discovered among the crew of the
+"Alliance." It is best related in the words of Kessler, Barry's friend
+and officer:
+
+"An Indian, one of the forecastle men, gave Captain Barry information of
+a combination among the crew for the purpose of taking the ship, and
+pointed out three who had striven to prevail on him to be concerned
+therein. The three men were immediately put in irons and all the
+officers, with such of the crew as could be confided in, were armed and
+required to remain all night on deck. On the next morning all hands were
+called and placed on the forecastle, booms and gangways, excepting the
+officers and such part of the crew in whom Captain Barry confided, who,
+armed strongly, guarded the quarterdeck, the steerage and the main deck
+to keep the remainder of the crew together on the forecastle and boom.
+The three designated men were brought out of their irons on the
+quarterdeck, and being stripped and hoisted by the thumbs to the
+mizzen-stay, underwent a very severe whipping before either would make
+any confession. As their accomplices were disclosed they were called to
+the quarterdeck, stripped and tied to the ridge-rope of the netting and
+the whipping continued until it was thought all was disclosed that could
+possibly be obtained, which proved to be: that it was intended to take
+the ship on her passage out by killing all the officers in the middle of
+the watch of the night, except Lieutenant Patrick Fletcher who was to
+navigate her to some port in Ireland, or, on failure, to be destroyed. A
+quartermaster, one of the mutineers, was to have command. They all had
+been bound by an oath on the Bible, administered by the Captain's
+assistant cabin steward, and had also signed their names in a
+round-robin, so-called, but that they found no opportunity on the
+outward passage and intended to accomplish taking of the ship as
+aforesaid immediately on leaving France. But on coming out of L'Orient
+we lost a man overboard who was one of the chief ring-leaders, and they,
+considering that as a bad omen, threw the round-robin overboard and
+relinquished their designs. The three principals were placed securely in
+irons and the remainder, after being admonished by Captain Barry, and on
+their solemn declaration to conduct themselves well, were permitted to
+return to ship's duty. This mutiny was discovered Sunday, March 31,
+1781."
+
+On April 2d two British armed cruisers were seen at seven in the
+morning. The "Alliance" gave chase and the two Britishers "stood for"
+the "Alliance." They neared each other at ten o'clock when the two gave
+the "Alliance" a broadside, which was "returned double-fold" so
+effectively that one struck her flag and hove to. She was the "Mars," of
+twenty twelve-pounders, two sixes and twelve four-pounders and one
+hundred and eleven men. The other ran while the "Alliance" "fired a
+number of bow chasers at her" and in an hour hove to and surrendered.
+She was the "Minerva," mounting eight four-pounders and fifty-five men.
+The "Alliance" received "considerable damage" from the shot of the
+enemy. Lieutenant Fletcher and fourteen men were placed in charge of the
+"Minerva" as a prize crew. Here again in one battle Captain Barry
+captures two of the enemy's cruisers. The "Alliance" continued the
+cruise and went to the West India waters seeking prizes.
+
+On May 2d a brig and a snow (a small vessel) loaded with sugar from
+Jamaica for London were captured and being manned from the "Alliance"
+was ordered to Boston. Again two captures. Later in the day a fleet of
+sixty-five sail, convoyed by ten sail of line, were observed but
+prudently not molested by Captain Barry. Later in the day a brig from
+Jamaica bound to Bristol, England. We "gave the brig two bow guns at
+meridian," notes the log of the "Alliance." She surrendered. "Sent our
+boats, on board and took the prisoners out." The next day another
+vessel, with seven four-pounders also from Jamaica to Bristol, was taken
+and the prisoners brought on board the "Alliance."
+
+Not until May 28th was there another opportunity found, when early on
+that morning an armed ship and a brig were discovered about a league
+distant. At sunrise they hoisted the English colors and beat drums. At
+the same time Captain Barry displayed the American colors. By eleven
+o'clock Captain Barry hailed the ship and was answered that she was the
+"Atalanta" ship-of-war belonging to His Britannic Majesty, commanded by
+Captain Sampson Edwards. Captain Barry then told Captain Edwards that
+he, John Barry, commanded the Continental frigate the "Alliance" and
+advised him to haul down the English colors.
+
+Captain Edwards replied, "Thank you, Sir. Perhaps I may after a trial."
+
+The firing then began. The "Alliance" had not wind enough for steerage
+way. The enemy being lighter vessels, by using sweeps, got and kept
+athwart the stern of the "Alliance" so that she could not bring half her
+guns to bear upon them, and often but one gun out astern to bear on the
+two--thus lying like a log the greater part of the time. Captain Barry
+received a wound in the shoulder from a grape shot. He remained on the
+quarterdeck until exhausted by loss of blood, when he was helped to the
+cock-pit for treatment. Soon the colors of the "Alliance" were shot
+away. This caused the enemy to believe the Americans had struck their
+colors. They gave three cheers and manned their shrouds expecting a
+surrender. But the colors of the "Alliance" were again run up--a breeze
+sprung up--a broadside was given the "Atalanta" and another given the
+"Trepassy," the brig. They then struck their colors to the "Alliance."
+Captain Smith, of the "Trepassy," was killed. The Captain of the
+"Atalanta" was brought on board and taken to Captain Barry, wounded in
+his cabin. Captain Edwards advanced and presented his sword. Captain
+Barry received it but at once returned it, saying:
+
+"I return it to you, Sir. You have merited it. Your King ought to give
+you a better ship. Here is my cabin at your service. Use it as your
+own."
+
+He then ordered Lieutenant King, of the "Trepassy" brig to be brought to
+him. The crew of the "Atalanta" and the prisoners Barry had on the
+"Alliance," numbering 250, should all be put on the "Trepassy," her
+cannon thrown overboard, and she sent to Halifax as a cartel for the
+exchange of American prisoners, while the Captain and Lieutenant
+remained as hostages. The "Atalanta" was retaken by the "Charlestown"
+and "Vulture." On account of Captain Barry's wound, the "Alliance" made
+all sail for Boston. Kessler relates that when Captain Barry had been
+carried to his cabin to have his wounds dressed, the Lieutenant later
+went to him and reporting that the "Alliance" was very much damaged,
+many men killed and wounded and of the disadvantages for want of wind,
+asked "Shall the colors be struck?"
+
+Captain Barry passionately answered: "No, Sir, and if the ship cannot be
+fought without me, I will be brought on deck." The officer immediately
+returned to deck. Captain Barry, after being dressed in haste, was on
+his way to the deck when the enemy struck. The "Alliance" lost eleven
+killed and twenty-four wounded. From her crew of two hundred and
+eighty--three prize crews had been taken--fifty were on the sick list. A
+few of these were able to sit between decks and hand powder to the
+magazine. There were more than one hundred prisoners on board, as well
+as those of the crew of a mutinous disposition. Add to all this
+disadvantage the total calm prevailing until near the end of the
+contest, the capture of the two British vessels was one of special
+noteworthy importance. "It was considered a most brilliant exploit and
+an unequivocal evidence of the unconquerable firmness and intrepidity of
+the victor," says Frost's _Naval Biography_. Here again we find Captain
+Barry adding to his record of capturing two prizes in one action.
+
+The "Alliance" continued cruising, searching for other prey, but not
+meeting any, made for Boston, where she arrived June 6, 1781. Captain
+Barry's wound was yet in a dangerous condition. So he sent Kessler to
+Philadelphia to bring on Mrs. Barry. The "Alliance" being much shattered
+in her masts, sails and rigging, a thorough overhauling and repairing
+was needed. The three mutineers were tried and condemned to be hanged.
+The sentence was commuted to "serve during the war." Captain Barry
+refused their admission on the "Alliance," so they were delivered to a
+recruiting party as soldiers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+   JOHN PAUL JONES SEEKS TO BE "HEAD OF THE NAVY" IN PLACE OF
+   BARRY--BARRY TAKES LAFAYETTE TO FRANCE, AFTER THE SURRENDER OF
+   CORNWALLIS, ON "BUSINESS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE"--ORDERED TO TAKE
+   NO PRIZES--LANDS LAFAYETTE--RETURNS TO AMERICA.
+
+
+On July 25, 1781, Captain Barry reported to the Board of Admiralty that
+he was "almost recovered" of his wound and in a few days would be able
+for duty, his presence being very requisite on account of the scarcity
+of officers. He made recommendations for places. On June 24th Captain
+James Nicholson had written Captain Barry congratulating him upon his
+success. He related in detail the endeavors of Captain John Paul Jones
+by personal application to members of Congress to have himself declared
+"Head of the Navy." He told Barry that his "arrival and success came
+opportunely and I did not fail to make use of it in presence of Captain
+Jones and some of his advocate members by observing that you had
+acquitted yourself well, which they acknowledged. I then told them they
+could not do less than make you an Admiral also. I had not a sentence in
+reply. It irritated Jones so much that he was obliged to decamp." This
+shows that among naval men Barry was then regarded as "Head of the
+Navy"--as he was in fact if not by title.
+
+In 1781 the Admiralty and Navy Boards were abolished by Congress and all
+naval affairs given to the Finance Department, supervised by Robert
+Morris. At this time the "Alliance" and the "Deane," frigates,
+constituted the whole of the effective navy. On September 21st Mr.
+Morris notified Captain Barry that it was projected to have the two
+frigates sent out upon a cruise under Barry's command to "disturb the
+enemy" by taking prizes, and neither fixing the cruising ground nor its
+length of time, knowing Barry would take "the most likely course and be
+anxious to meet such events as will do honor to the American flag and
+promote the general interest." He was to transmit at every opportunity
+reports of his operations to Morris and to General Washington any
+intelligence which may affect his operations. But, late in October, the
+"Deane" not being manned as soon as the "Alliance," Barry was directed
+to proceed to sea as soon as the "Alliance" would be ready. But the
+victory at Yorktown on October 19th, when Cornwallis surrendered his
+army to the combined French and American forces and to the French fleet,
+caused a change to be made in the movements of the "Alliance."
+
+Instead of going out to seek prizes to procure funds to be applied to
+the support of the small navy, Captain Barry, on November 21, 1781, was
+directed to take Lafayette to France "on business of the utmost
+importance to America." So urgent was this mission that Barry was
+directed to take part of the crew of the "Deane," place them on the
+"Alliance" and to take such French seamen as the Consul could procure.
+If still short of men the Governor of Massachusetts should be applied to
+for permission to impress seamen wherever found. Besides Lafayette, his
+brother-in-law, Vicomte de Noailles, General Du Portail, Colonel
+Gouvion, Major La Combe and others were also taken on the "Alliance."
+
+Morris directed that "the safe and speedy arrival of Marquis Lafayette
+is of such importance that I think it most consistent with my duty to
+restrain you from cruising on the passage. You are, therefore, to avoid
+all vessels and keep in mind as your sole object to make a quiet and
+safe passage to some port in France."
+
+Regarding stores for the accommodation of the French gentlemen, "Let it
+be done with discretion; remember we are not rich enough to be
+extravagant nor so poor as to act meanly." If funds were needed for a
+return cruise Barry was advised to "prevail with the Marquis to give you
+credit, but you must remember that all the money we have or can get in
+France will be wanted for other more important purpose, therefore, I
+charge you not to expend one livre more than is absolutely necessary."
+
+The "Alliance" sailed from Boston on December 23, 1781, and arrived at
+L'Orient, on January 18, 1782. During the voyage a British ship appeared
+in sight, "as if she could give them sport," as Barry's crew often
+wishing "Lafayette was in France," stated it. Barry's peremptory order
+to avoid all vessels and take no prizes debarred an encounter with the
+enemy. The crew manifested discontent at avoiding the possible prizes
+and, relates Kessler, this appeared to increase the conflict in Barry's
+mind between the call of duty and his inclination. Instead of
+reprobating and promptly punishing what on other occasions would have
+been the case, he was governed by a sullen silence which, if propriety
+permitted him to break, would have pronounced: "I also wish the Marquis
+were in France." But duty triumphed then as ever with Barry. As
+speedily as wind and wave and skill could force onward the "Alliance"
+she sped on her mission of the "utmost importance," and in twenty-three
+days Lafayette was in France.
+
+Barry's instructions permitted him, after his placing Lafayette "in
+France," to cruise in search of prizes until March 1st. The "Alliance"
+sailed from L'Orient on February 10, 1782, and returned after seventeen
+days without making any captures, the vessels met being neutral ships.
+
+On March 16, 1782, the "Alliance" sailed from L'Orient for return to
+America and here again disappointment came. All the vessels spoken on
+the voyage "none were of the enemy." On May 10th the "Alliance" arrived
+off the Delaware Bay. The British frigate "Chatham," of 64 guns, and the
+"Speedwell," sloop-of-war, barred entrance to the river, and off New
+York two more frigates joined in the chase of the "Alliance," but she,
+having a speed of fifteen knots an hour, succeeded in escaping the much
+superior force and getting to New London, Connecticut, on May 13th. This
+incident was one of traditionary interest among the veterans of the old
+time wooden navy.
+
+"Not a prize this trip! Hard luck indeed," wrote Barry to John Brown,
+Secretary of the Board of Admiralty, to whom also he wrote that Robert
+Morris had sent him orders to join the French frigates at Rhode Island
+and be under their command. "Mr. Morris," wrote Barry, "must be
+unacquainted with his rank or he must think me a droll kind of a fellow
+to be commanded by a midshipman. I assure you I don't feel myself so low
+a commander as to brook such orders. I suppose he will be much offended.
+I assure you although I serve the country for nothing I am determined no
+midshipman shall command me, let him be a chevalier or what he will."
+
+Barry wrote from New London to Mr. Brown: "I never was in such a damn
+country in my life. You never was in so miserable a place in your life.
+All the people here live five miles from home. Not a house have I been
+in but the tavern and one Irishman's." The tavern was kept by Thomas
+Allen, an Irishman from the island of Antigua, whose "antipathy to the
+British was abnormal"--and so we may well believe he was a kindred
+spirit to that of Commodore Barry.
+
+Though Captain Barry thought he had "hard luck" in not taking a prize,
+yet the log-book of the "Alliance," a copy of which he sent the
+Committee of Investigation, relates that on April 3d he fell in with two
+privateers, gave each of them a broadside, one of them struck, the other
+ran; hove out a signal for the "Marquis La Fayette" to take charge of
+the privateer that had struck while the "Alliance" went in chase of the
+other, "which we shortly after took." The record again shows Captain
+Barry did as he usually had done--captured two vessels in a battle.
+
+Though he brought in no prize he yet was not unmindful of Mrs. Barry,
+but brought her a carpet and "a wash kettle full of claret," and
+doubtless other luxuries of the time as well as advising her "not to
+stay so much at home," as it "was clever to visit one's friends now and
+then, besides it is helpful to good health," added the gallant Captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+   A MOST SUCCESSFUL CRUISE--NINE PRIZES.
+
+
+The "Alliance" while at New London was fitted out for a cruise on which
+she started August 4, 1782, at four o'clock in the morning. Barry had a
+few days before an interview with General Washington. By seven o'clock
+Barry had captured from the enemy a brig laden with lumber and fish
+which "had been cut out of Rhode Island by the enemy." The cruise was
+first to the Bermudas and then to the Banks of New Foundland.
+
+On August 9th Barry took the schooner "Polly" bound from Bermuda to
+Halifax with a cargo of molasses, sugar and lime and sent her to Boston.
+On August 19th arrived at the Bermudas after chasing several vessels,
+among which was the "Experiment," of 18 guns, which escaped into St.
+George's Harbor. On the 23d Barry sent Captain Tufts, of the "Polly," to
+inform the Governor that unless all the American prisoners were released
+he would remain for three weeks and hinder vessels going in or coming
+out which, said Barry, he "could effectively do as their whole force was
+not sufficient to cope with the 'Alliance.'" On August 25th Barry chased
+the privateer "Hawk" and took from her the sloop "Fortune," which she
+had captured. The "Hawk" escaped.
+
+The "Alliance" continued cruising and chasing vessels until August 30th,
+when learning from a brig from Guadeloupe bound for Rhode Island, that a
+large fleet had sailed from Jamaica, Captain Barry concluded to attempt
+to overhaul by running northeast. On September 8th he captured a
+Nantucket brig returning from a whaling cruise. It had protection papers
+from Admiral Digby and permission to bring the oil to New York, then in
+British possession as during almost all the war. At this time the
+"Alliance" was off the Banks of New Foundland, where on September 18th
+the capture of a brig, one of the Jamaica fleet, was made. Barry learned
+that the convoy--the "Ramilie," of 74 guns--had foundered in a gale and
+that the fleet he was in search of had scattered.
+
+On September 24th Barry took two ships--on 27th he captured another. On
+the following day he captured a dismantled ship and all of the fleet
+from Jamaica he had been in search of and ordered them to L'Orient,
+France, where the "Alliance" with the prizes arrived October 17th, and
+the prisoners, except those who had entered into American service, were
+sent on shore. Most of the prisoners belonged at Glasgow where they had
+families. Otherwise these also would have entered under Captain Barry.
+"The separation," records Kessler, "was more like the separation of old
+friends than that of individuals of nations at war." Their treatment on
+the "Alliance" while prisoners was good. The officers were given
+quarters with officers--the privates placed with the privates of the
+"Alliance," enjoying fare alike. No confinement, no abridgment of food
+nor any labor required of them.
+
+Several officers of the "Ramilie" were captives. The treatment they
+received from Captain Barry was so different from the usual treatment of
+American officers by the British commanders, it "made them blush for
+their country," notes Kessler, the Master's Mate. The captures numbered
+three ships, one snow, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop, all
+merchant vessels, variously loaded--nine prizes. Four other prizes were
+brought by the "Alliance" to L'Orient and four sent to America. They
+were sold at auction.
+
+The shares of the United States as shown by Robert Morris' accounts
+were:
+
+The "Kingston," 75,834.11.3 livres or $14,083.39
+
+The "Commerce," 104,263.12.5 livres or $19,308.08.
+
+The "Britannia," 43,620.18.5 livres or $8,077.85.
+
+The "Anna," 71,656.11.5 livres or $13,269.60.
+
+The prizes were loaded with rum, sugar, coffee and liquors. One-half the
+proceeds went to the Government--the other part to the captors. A
+Captain was entitled to six shares. Captain Barry's report of the
+cruise, dated October 18, 1782, reads: "A few hours after I sailed from
+New London I retook a brigantine and sent her in there; proceeded as
+fast as possible off Bermudas; on my way I took a schooner from that
+place for Halifax; after cruising off there for twelve or fifteen days I
+retook a sloop from New London and sent her to Cape François. Finding
+the prizes I had taken of little value either to myself or the country
+and in all likelihood should be obliged to return into port soon for
+want of men, was determined to alter my cruising ground. I, therefore,
+thought it best to run off the Banks of New Foundland. On my way thither
+I fell in with a whaling brigantine with a pass from Admiral Digby; I
+manned her and sent her to Boston. A few days after, off the Banks of
+New Foundland, I took a brigantine from Jamaica bound to London loaded
+with sugar and rum and sent her for Boston; by this vessel I found the
+Jamaica fleet was to the eastward of us. I then carried a press of sail
+for four days. The fifth day I took two ships that had parted with the
+fleet. After manning them, and a fresh gale westwardly, I thought best
+to order them to France. A day or two after I took a snow and a ship
+belonging to the same fleet.
+
+"Being short of water, and a number of prisoners on board, the
+westwardly winds still blowing fresh and the expectation of falling in
+with some more of them, I thought it best to proceed to France, with a
+determined view to get those I had already taken in safe and after
+landing the prisoners to put out immediately; but meeting with blowing
+weather and high sea, I lost the sails of the head and was in great
+danger of losing the head, which accident obliged me to put in here,
+where I arrived yesterday with the four prizes. After repairing the
+damages and getting what the ships may want I shall put to sea on a
+cruise."
+
+While at L'Orient, Captain Barry was invited by Lafayette to come to
+Paris, but as he had been "indisposed with a fever which confined him
+for ten days" and the ship ready to sail, he could not accept, but wrote
+the Marquis he envied the Captain who was to take him to America, but as
+that pleasure could not be his, Barry hoped to command the ship that
+would convey Lafayette back to France, when he would visit Paris and
+"have the honor of seeing Lady Fayette," an honor his brother who since
+was lost at sea had had.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+   OFFICERS OF THE "ALLIANCE" REFUSE TO SERVE--PEACE.
+
+
+Though in October Captain Barry hoped in a few days to proceed on a
+cruise it was not until December 8, 1782, that he was ready to sail,
+which he did the next day. Lieutenants Patrick Fletcher and Nicholas
+Gardner, John Buckley, Master; James Geagan, Surgeon, and Samuel Cooper,
+Purser, demanded two-thirds of their wages, "though they had received as
+much prize-money as they knew what to do with." Captain Barry informed
+them that he had no authority to pay them and had no money if he had.
+They refused to go on board the "Alliance" and do their duty.
+Accordingly, Captain Barry placed them under arrest until tried by
+Court-Martial in the United States. He was obliged to appoint others,
+"not adequate to the duty of the stations, 'but necessity knows no
+law,'" he wrote Thomas Barclay, Consul-General of the United States and
+Commissioner of the Navy in France, who justified Barry's course and
+concurred in the appointments he made.
+
+All this time there were rumors of peace. On November 30, 1782,
+preliminary articles of peace had been signed. On December 5th King
+George III announced that he had given the "necessary orders to prohibit
+the further prosecution of offensive war upon the Continent of North
+America."
+
+Though Captain Barry, early in December, 1782, had "great reason to
+think peace was concluded," he decided to make another cruise by
+"running down the coast of Guinea" and returning to America by way of
+Martinico, believing "should peace be made there will be a certain time
+given for vessels to make prizes in certain latitudes."
+
+The "Alliance" sailed from L'Orient on December 9th, but though chasing
+several vessels, no encounter came about. On December 16th arrived at
+Porto Sancto--the next day the island of Madeira. Sailed hence and on
+January 8, 1783, arrived off Martinico. At St. Pierre Harbor Barry found
+orders for him to proceed to Havana to take in specie for Congress.
+
+On January 12th sailed for Havana and after stopping at St. Eustatia and
+Cape François arrived there January 17th. While off Hispaniola Barry met
+an English fleet of seventeen sail, but he "got clear of them." The
+next day met two British cruisers, one of 74 guns. They chased the
+"Alliance" under the guns of Cape François.
+
+On February 13th Captain Barry notified the Governor of Havana that the
+"Alliance" and "Duc de Lauzun," frigates belonging to Congress, were
+ready to sail from that port. He requested permission for the frigates
+to depart as he had "despatches from the Court of France which are very
+important," and also desired that the American merchant vessels at the
+port should be permitted to depart under convoy of the "Alliance." The
+Governor replied that, complying with secret instructions from the King,
+it was entirely out of his power to grant the permission sought. To
+which Barry replied that it was somewhat singular for ships of war
+employed on national objects to be restricted in the same manner as
+merchant vessels. He then again asked "in the name of my Sovereign for
+permission for the sailing of the two American ships of war." He
+withdrew his request for the trading vessels as they were "fully under
+the influence of the embargo." The Governor replied that he and the
+Admiral of the Squadron had consulted and decided that permission could
+not be given then. He advised Captain Barry "to reflect on the immense
+prejudice that might occur to the common cause of the allied powers and
+commerce of Spain if any unlucky accident should happen by the enemy
+taking one of the frigates."
+
+On February 22d, Washington's birthday, Captain Barry issued orders "to
+exercise the great guns and the small arms every day, to loose the
+topsails in order the men could learn to do it well, to have wood and
+water ready for sea." He evidently was having the ship ready for service
+and action though he had brought the news of peace to the West India
+Islands.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+   THE LAST BATTLE OF THE REVOLUTION.
+
+
+Captain Barry's foresight in having everything ready for war, although
+the preliminary articles of peace had been signed, was soon manifested.
+The "Alliance" left Havana on March 6, 1783, in company with the "Duc de
+Lauzun," commanded by Captain Greene. There also sailed nine Spanish
+warships. Not knowing where the Spaniards were bound to, Captain Barry
+decided to make his own way and ordered Captain Greene to follow him.
+
+The "Alliance" and "Lauzun" had seventy-two thousand dollars "of public
+money on board," which Captain Barry had been entrusted with to deliver,
+by order of Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance, to George Olney,
+of Providence, R.I., in case he arrived in that harbor. The afternoon
+after leaving Havana two British cruisers were seen. Captains Barry and
+Greene "stood for the Spanish fleet," of which some vessels had been
+seen in the morning. He did this as "the only way to save the 'Lauzun,'"
+as that vessel sailed "much heavier" than the "Alliance." At ten o'clock
+at night they got in sight of part of the Spanish fleet. The British
+men-of-war had followed closely and had got within gun-shot of the
+"Alliance" and "Lauzun" when, observing the lights of the Spaniards,
+they abandoned the chase. Barry and Greene kept in company with the
+Spaniards all night--though they found in the morning that they were but
+eight or ten sloops and schooners. "However, they answered our ends,"
+reported Captain Barry.
+
+The British not being in sight and no tidings of them among the
+Spaniards, the Americans "made the best of their way." Finding the
+"Lauzun" much slower than the "Alliance," the public money on board of
+her was transferred to the "Alliance." On the morning of the 9th "three
+large sail of ships," British men-of-war, were seen "standing directly
+for us," reported Barry. He signaled Greene to follow him, who replied
+the enemy were of superior force. The "Alliance" having the money, Barry
+believing he could be of no service to the "Lauzun," made all sail and
+ran faster than the British could follow. But Barry shortened sail and
+spoke the "Lauzun." By this time one of the British, a 32-gun frigate,
+was within gun-shot of the "Alliance" and the "Lauzun"--the other two
+British cruisers a little way astern and fast coming up to the
+"Lauzun." Captain Greene told Captain Barry the two were privateers, but
+Barry "told him he was mistaken" and that he knew better.
+
+While the "Alliance" dropped astern, the foremost British frigate
+shortened sail and would not come near the "Alliance."
+
+Later the two British came up fast. Captain Barry, "confident within"
+himself that the "Alliance" "would have fallen a sacrifice" if he
+remained with the "Lauzun," signaled Captain Greene to heave his guns
+overboard so as to get clear of the enemy by lightening his ship. By
+this time one of the British was within gun-shot of the "Lauzun." They
+fired several shots at one another but at too great a distance for
+either to do damage. In the morning a strange ship had been seen to the
+southward, but sailing away from the "Alliance." In the afternoon after
+the "Lauzun" had exchanged shots with the enemy pursuing her, this
+"strange sail" stood for the Americans. Barry had "all the reason in the
+world to suppose she was a stranger to the enemy also," as at that time
+the "Lauzun" was firing "stern chasers" at her pursuer. Barry then ran
+down between the "Lauzun" and the enemy in order to give Captain Greene
+a chance to get off by bringing the enemy into action, which Barry did
+"close on board for forty-five minutes, when the enemy sheered off."
+During the action the "Alliance" had ten wounded--one dying later. The
+"spars and rigging were hurt a little but not so much but they would all
+do again." Captains Barry and Greene then sailed towards the strange
+ship. It proved to be a French gun ship of 60 guns, which had sailed
+from Havana two days before Barry and Greene. It had half a million
+dollars on board and was bound to one of the French islands.
+
+Kessler relates that Captain Barry expected the French gunship to assist
+the "Alliance"; that two of the British kept "at a distance as if
+waiting to ascertain about the French ship." But though she "approached
+the Americans fast," she did not join in the encounter. When Captain
+Barry afterwards "asked them why they did not come down during the
+action, they answered they thought they might have been taken, and the
+signal known; that the action was only 'a sham to decoy him.'"
+
+"His foolish action," records Kessler, "thus, perhaps, lost us the three
+frigates, for Captain Barry commenced the action in the full expectation
+of the French ship joining and thereby not only be able to cope but to
+subdue part, if not the whole of them."
+
+The French proposed to give chase. This was done, but the French ship
+could not keep up with the "Alliance" or the slower "Lauzun." This
+battle took place on March 10, 1783. The British frigate was the
+"Sybille," commanded by Captain Vashon, which, on January 22, 1783, had
+been captured from the French by the British "Hussar," commanded by
+Captain Thomas Macnamara Russell. Captain Vashon "confessed he had never
+seen a ship so ably fought as the 'Alliance,' that he had never received
+such a drubbing and was indebted to his consorts for his escape from
+capture." He always spoke of Captain Barry in the most magnanimous
+terms.
+
+"The coolness and intrepidity no less than the skill and fertility in
+expedients which Captain Barry displayed on this occasion are described
+in naval annals as truly wonderful; every quality of a great commander
+was brought out with extraordinary brilliancy."
+
+This is the occasion on which Captain Barry is said to have replied to
+the hail of the British that his was "The United States ship 'Alliance,'
+Saucy Jack Barry, half Irishman, half Yankee! Who are you?"
+
+I do not believe this true. It is too bombastic to suit the character of
+Captain Barry. He could not have called himself "Saucy," for nothing of
+impetuosity or dare-devilishness was ever manifested in his career. Nor
+did he ever flippantly call himself "Jack."
+
+"My name is John Barry," was his dignified declaration to Lieutenant
+Gregory, as we have seen. It embodied respect and determination and
+dignity of character which he ever maintained.
+
+Let not his admirers lessen that dignity.
+
+This--the last battle of the Revolution--occurred March 10, 1783, after
+the signing of the Provisional Articles of Peace at Paris, November 30,
+1782; after the Preliminary Articles for Restoring Peace, signed at
+Versailles on January 20, 1783, and also after the Ratification of the
+Preliminary Articles on February 3, 1783, by the Ministers of the United
+States, France and Great Britain, by which a cessation of hostilities
+was agreed upon.
+
+On April 11, 1783, Congress, by Proclamation, ordered the "cessation of
+arms as well by sea as by land." But, one month prior, Captain John
+Barry had the final encounter on the ocean in defense of the Liberty and
+Independence of the United States. He had thus commanded the first
+Continental cruiser, the "Lexington" and also commanded the last
+Continental frigate, the "Alliance"; bringing to Congress the first
+prize brought to Philadelphia and defending and saving the last
+Continental war money brought to the country on the last armed vessel of
+the new Nation. He commanded the "Lexington," the first vessel
+commissioned by authority of the Continental Congress. He commanded the
+"Alliance," the best vessel the Congress had commissioned and the last
+in the Continental service. He brought Congress its first prize. He
+brought Congress its last war money.
+
+On March 20, 1783, the "Alliance" arrived at Newport, R.I.--the last war
+day, as on the next day the "Triumphe," commanded by Chevalier du
+Quesne, arrived at Philadelphia with the preliminary Treaty of Peace.
+She had been despatched from Cadiz on February 11th by D'Estaing, who
+was ready to sail with sixty ships of the line and a very formidable
+armament, but had given up the voyage on the agreement for peace.
+
+On March 25th--Annunciation Day--Congress ordered the recall of all
+vessels cruising under authority of the United States.
+
+On April 19, 1783, Washington announced the close of the war and the
+disbandment of the army.
+
+On April 16th the cessation of hostilities was proclaimed in Barry's
+home city--Philadelphia--to "a vast concourse of people, who expressed
+their satisfaction on the happy occasion by repeated shouts. The State
+flag was hoisted and the bells were rung and a general joy diffused
+itself throughout the city."
+
+New York City had been under British control nearly the whole war. How
+great the contrast there. "When the proclamation was read nothing but
+groans and hisses prevailed, attended by bitter reproaches and curses on
+their King for having deserted them in the midst of their calamities."
+
+Philadelphia, the seat of the "Rebellion," now by success made a
+"Revolution," was open to the commerce of the world. On May 2d the ship
+"Hibernia," Robert Scallan, Master, arrived from Dublin and soon, at the
+store of Clement Biddle his cargo of "gold and silver silks, rich and
+slight brocades, flannels, Mantuas and fabrics, colored and sky colored
+tissue and Florentines, tamboured silks and satin, shapes for
+gentlemen's vests and black Norwich capes" were on sale.
+
+Joy bounded throughout the land. Meetings were held to express patriotic
+sentiments. The men of Northampton, Pa., did so. The ladies of
+Northampton followed the next day. Among the "toasts" on the occasion
+was this: "May the Protestant religion prevail and flourish through all
+nations."
+
+Yet John Barry, an Irish-born Roman Catholic, had battled all the eight
+years--from the first to the last of the fight--to win Freedom and
+Independence for the land in which these Ladies of Northampton "hoped
+the Protestant religion might prevail."
+
+[Illustration: THE FRIGATE "UNITED STATES"]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+   BARRY VISITS THE "SYBILLE" ON HIS RETURN TO PHILADELPHIA--PEACE IS
+   DECLARED--ORDERED TO AMSTERDAM WITH TOBACCO--THE "ALLIANCE" BECOMES
+   DISABLED--IS ORDERED SOLD.
+
+
+After Captain Barry had arrived at New London it was nearly three months
+before he came on to Philadelphia. Mrs. Barry had, in April, gone on to
+New London. Captain Barry returned home by way of New York. The
+"Sybille" was there. Captain Barry visited her and was "politely
+treated" by Captain Vashon. The vessel yet bore the marks of the injury
+Barry had inflicted and "they said they had not been treated so roughly
+before," records Kessler. Some of the Hessians were embarked on her for
+return home. As she had received "eighteen cannon shots her condition
+was such that pumps had to be manned night and day to keep her from
+filling five to eight feet of water." That proved how she had been
+shattered by Barry. Captain Barry, after a brief visit to Philadelphia,
+returned to Providence Harbor and soon set sail for the Rappahannock
+River, Virginia, for a cargo of tobacco for Amsterdam, Holland, on
+public account, to pay the interest on loan negotiated there. This was
+in August, 1783.
+
+On the way down the Providence River the "Alliance," when going four or
+five miles an hour, ran against a sunken rock, which "stopped her as
+quick as thought," related Barry. After remaining on the rock two hours
+and finding the ship made no water in consequence of the mishap, the
+"Alliance" proceeded to Virginia where she took on 500 hogsheads of
+tobacco weighing 530,000 pounds.
+
+The Accounts of Robert Morris show that to meet this Holland Loan, 1837
+hogsheads of tobacco weighing 1,937,355 pounds had been sent by Daniel
+Clarke, Agent of the Finance Department.
+
+On August 24th the "Alliance" sailed from the Capes of Virginia "with
+good prospects before us and in hopes of a short voyage. But," as
+Captain Barry reported to Robert Morris on the 26th from the Delaware
+Bay, "as is often the case when people's expectations are buoyed up with
+great prospects they frequently find themselves disappointed."
+
+"We had not been long out with a moderate breeze, wind and smooth sea
+when we discovered all of a sudden the ship to make nineteen inches per
+hour and soon to have three feet of water in her hold and so damaging
+the tobacco."
+
+Captain Barry then "made for the Delaware." Though her bottom was
+"perfectly sound when bore down at Providence," Barry believed the run
+on the rock caused the leak. The damage to the "Alliance" was serious
+enough to warrant Congress appointing a committee to examine the
+condition of the ship. On September on their report Congress ordered the
+ship "to be unladen and her cargo freighted to Europe on the best
+terms." The Agent of Marine was directed to discharge officers and crew,
+have her surveyed and a report made of the expense "necessary to give
+her a good repair." Five hundred hogsheads of the tobacco were reshipped
+on the "Princess Ulrico" [480 hhds.] and the "Four Friends" [20 hhds.].
+
+Had the voyage to Amsterdam been made, Barry would have stopped at
+London. Robert Morris gave him a (July 24, 1783) letter of introduction
+to Messrs. Bewickes & Mourgue of that city stating that: "He has proved
+himself a brave and deserving officer in the service of his country and
+a worthy man in every station of life." (Crimmin's Autographs.) He also
+had a letter from John Paul Jones to friends in Paris.
+
+In pursuance of the Act, Robert Morris, Agent of Marine, appointed as
+surveyors Captains John Barry and Thomas Read and Messrs. Thomas
+Penrose, Joshua Humphreys, Jr., and Benjamin G. Eyre. The latter were
+shipbuilders. They estimated the repairs would cost 5866-2/3
+dollars--that it was not necessary to keep the "Alliance" for the
+protection of commerce and it would be to the interest of the Union to
+dispose of her. A resolution to direct the Agent of Marine to dispose of
+her by public auction was adopted on June 3, 1785. She was sold on
+August 1, 1785. So Congress parted with its last and its best vessel.
+The new Nation was without a ship or flag on the ocean. Captain Barry
+had the first Continental vessel. He commanded the last one. Great must
+have been his satisfaction when given the "Lexington." Sad, indeed, must
+he have been in parting with the "Alliance."
+
+She was purchased by Coburn & Whitehead for £2287 or $7,700 in
+certificates of public credit. They sold to Robert Morris "at a great
+profit." She became a merchant vessel and in June, 1787, made a voyage
+to China, returning September, 1788. She was of 724 tons--a large ship
+for those days. After all her perilous voyages and wonderful escapes
+from the enemy she was beached on Petty's Island in the Delaware River
+opposite Kensington, Philadelphia. Part of her timbers remained until
+1901 and her hulk was visible at low tide. The widening of the channel
+caused the removal of what remained of her hulk. Pieces are preserved at
+the Museum of Independence Hall, where it is labeled as having been
+commanded by John Paul Jones. Another portion is at the American
+Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia. There also may be seen the
+card table and soup tureen of the Commodore, deposited by the compiler
+of this record.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+   AFTER THE WAR BARRY SECURES THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW FEDERAL
+   CONSTITUTION BY FORCING A QUORUM OF THE ASSEMBLY--IS SUED--GOES TO
+   CHINA IN COMMAND OF THE "ASIA," A MERCHANT VESSEL.
+
+
+After the sale of the "Alliance," Captain Barry "rested from his
+labors," but yet concerned about many things pertaining to his friends
+and their interests. We find him recommending subordinate officers for
+positions in the merchant service, in petitioning Congress that officers
+of the Navy be put on "a footing similar to their brother officers of
+the land service, as to half-pay or commutation and lands according to
+their ranks, as they were the only class of officers who remain
+neglected and totally unprovided for." He referred evidently to his own
+experience when he said, "few of the ships belonging to the United
+States were ever suffered to cruise, but were sent on private service
+and ordered not to go out of their way, but to keep clear of all vessels
+whatever and that such as were permitted had particular cruising grounds
+pointed out to them, which frequently ensured them severe blows and but
+few prizes."
+
+When in 1787 a Federal convention had been held in Philadelphia to
+formulate a Constitution by which the States could form "a more perfect
+union" and "promote domestic tranquility," the present Constitution of
+our country was formulated by the convention for ratification by the
+several States. In each State controversy and discussion arose over the
+consideration of the advisability of adopting it as the supreme law of
+the land.
+
+The Confederation had proven unsuited to the needs of the country. So a
+new plan of government was necessary. On September 17th, the day the
+Convention had adopted the Constitution, the Pennsylvania members of the
+Convention at once notified the Assembly of the State, then in session
+at the Hall of Independence, that they were ready to report to the
+Assembly. The next morning "the honorable delegates, led by Benjamin
+Franklin, were ushered into the Hall of the Assembly, made their report
+and presented the new Constitution." No action was taken by the
+Assembly. On September 29th, the last day but one of the session, George
+Clymer proposed to refer the Act of Ratification to a Convention of the
+State. Pleas for delay were made. Thomas FitzSimons, a Catholic, one of
+the Representatives at the Constitutional Convention and also a member
+of the Pennsylvania Assembly, opposed delay in submitting the new
+Constitution to a convention of the citizens for adoption or rejection.
+
+It was resolved to call a State Convention, but no day was fixed for its
+meeting. Nineteen members had voted against calling it. On their behalf
+it was asked that the consideration of the time of the meeting of the
+convention should be postponed until the afternoon. This was granted.
+When the House again met, the nineteen were absent. The Assembly lacked
+a quorum. The absentees were sent for, but refused to appear. Mr.
+Wynkoop declared: "If there is no way of compelling those who deserted
+from duty to perform it, then God be merciful to us!"
+
+There was a way of "compelling" and Captain John Barry led the
+compellers.
+
+The next morning a number of citizens, whose leader was Commodore John
+Barry, forcibly entered the lodgings of James McCalmont and Jacob Miley,
+the members from Franklin and Dauphin Counties, dragged them to the
+State House and thrust them into the chamber where the Assembly was in
+session without a quorum. With these two there were forty-six
+representatives present--a quorum. Mr. McCalmont informed the House that
+he had been forcibly brought into the Assembly-room, contrary to his
+wishes, by a number of citizens. He begged he might be allowed to
+retire.
+
+Thomas FitzSimons replied that if any member of the House had forced the
+gentleman from the determination to absent himself, such member's
+conduct met the disapprobation of the House. But Mr. McCalmont was now
+here and the business of the State cannot be accomplished if any one is
+suffered to withdraw.
+
+When Mr. McCalmont attempted to leave he was restrained by the citizens
+who had "dragged" him into the Assembly. The House resumed the fixing a
+time for the Convention to act on the Constitution. The date was fixed.
+The people cheered. Christ Church chimes rang and Captain Barry, we may
+be sure, was happy. By his action within twenty-three hours of the
+adoption of the Constitution by the Federal Convention, Pennsylvania had
+ordered a State Convention to consider it. Verses relative to the
+"dragging" were soon published. One extract recited:
+
+   "It seems to me I yet see Barry
+   Drag out McCalmont."
+
+But McCalmont undertook the "dragging" of Barry into Court. On October
+13, 1787, he applied to the Supreme Executive Council and the Council
+directed the Attorney-General to commence a prosecution against "Captain
+John Barry and such other persons as shall be found to have been
+principally active in seizing James McCalmont or otherwise concerned in
+the riotous proceedings." Ben Franklin, President, was one of the eight
+who voted for the resolution. The Attorney-General began suit but at the
+Council meeting, February 16, 1788, he requested the advice of the
+Council "relative to the suit carried on by their order against Captain
+John Barry." The Council informed him it did not wish to interfere, but
+left the matter with him to do as he judged best.
+
+So nothing more was done about the suit. By this time Captain Barry was
+on the high seas on his way to China in the merchant ship "Asia," in
+which he had sailed on January 7, 1787. It returned to Philadelphia,
+June 4, 1789. So Captain Barry had been away over two years. Eight years
+afterwards, on July 7, 1797, the "Asia," commanded by Captain Yard, when
+returning from Bengal, was captured in sight of Cape May, New Jersey, by
+the Spanish privateer "Julia," commanded by Don Baptista Mahon, a name
+indicating Irish descent. She was valued at $800,000. But the next month
+she was recaptured by an American privateer off Havana.
+
+Columbia claims her soldier love and Ireland joys to own
+The boy who sailed from his Wexford home undaunted if unknown;
+Columbia guards his latest sleep--hers was his manhood's noon.
+Ireland's the vigorous cradling arms and tender cradle croon;
+For Ireland paints the dreaming boy on the lonely Wexford shore,
+In 'customed clasp may meet the hands of mother and foster-mother
+Above his grave, who was loyal to each as each unto the other.
+
+--_Margaret M. Halvey._
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+   CAPTAIN BARRY OFFERS HIS SERVICES TO PRESIDENT WASHINGTON IN CASE OF
+   WAR AGAINST THE ALGERINES.
+
+
+In 1793 France and England engaged in war, seized each other's vessels
+on the American coast and often within American waters. The Algerines
+were committing depredations on American commerce. Hence a naval force
+was necessary. When Congress assembled in December, 1793, the building
+of frigates early engaged attention, not only to protect commerce from
+the ravages of the Algerines but from the aggressions of France as well
+as from the violation of our neutrality by England.
+
+The United States was without a ship.
+
+Captain John Barry was prompt to offer his services to his country.
+
+On March 19, 1794, he wrote President Washington:
+
+   "_Sir_:--Finding that the Government have partly determined to fit
+   out some ships of war for the protection of our trade against the
+   Algerines, I beg leave to offer myself for the command of the
+   squadron, conceiving myself to be competent, thereto assuring your
+   Excellency that should I be honored with your approbation, my utmost
+   abilities and most unremitting attention should be exerted for the
+   good of my country and also to approve myself worthy of the high
+   honor shown by your Excellency.
+
+               "To your Obedient, Humble Servant,
+"March 19, 1794.
+    "HIS EXCELLENCY.            [Signature: John Barry]"
+
+A week later, March 27, 1794, Washington signed an Act declaring that
+"the depredations of the Algerine Corsairs on the commerce of the United
+States rendered it necessary that a naval force should be provided for
+its protection."
+
+This Act is the foundation of our present Navy.
+
+Congress ordered the building and equipment of three frigates of
+forty-four guns and three of lesser weight and tonnage.
+
+On June 5, 1794, public announcement was made of the appointment of six
+Captains to superintend the construction and to take command of the
+vessels thus ordered. The notice sent to Captain Barry read:
+
+"WAR DEPARTMENT, June 5, 1794.
+
+"_Sir_:--The President of the United States, by and with the advice and
+consent of the Senate, has appointed you to be a Captain of one of the
+ships provided, in pursuance of the Act to provide a naval armament,
+herein enclosed.
+
+"It is understood that the relative rank of the Captains is to be in the
+following order:
+
+   John Barry,
+   Samuel Nicholson,
+   Silas Talbot,
+   Joshua Barney,
+   Richard Dale,
+   Thomas Truxtun.
+
+You will please to inform me as soon as convenient whether you accept or
+decline the appointment.
+
+"I am, Sir, etc.,
+
+
+"To                "HENRY KNOX,
+CAPTAIN BARRY."           _Secretary of War_.
+
+Captain Barry at once accepted, saying:
+
+"STRAWBERRY HILL, June 6, 1794.
+
+"The honor done me in appointing me Commander in the Navy of the United
+States is gratefully acknowledged and accepted by,
+
+Sir,
+ Your Most Obedient,
+         Humble Servant,
+         [Signature: John Barry]
+
+The original is in the Force Collection in the Lenox Branch of the New
+York Public Library.
+
+The commission was not signed nor issued by Washington until February
+22, 1797, when the frigate the "United States," built under the
+superintendency of Barry, was ready for launching at Philadelphia. The
+original commission is in possession of Barry's grand-niece, Mrs. W.
+Horace Hepburn, of Philadelphia.
+
+Captain Barney declined appointment because of the rank--the
+fourth--assigned him. Captain James Sever was appointed but given the
+sixth place. Captain Nicholson, at Boston, on June 14, 1794,
+congratulated Captain Barry on his "honorable appointment to the Command
+of our Navy."
+
+"Captain Barry," says Cooper's _History of the Navy_, "was the only one
+of the six surviving Captains of the Revolutionary War who was not born
+in America, but he had passed nearly all his life in it and was
+thoroughly identified with his adopted countrymen in interest and
+feeling. He had often distinguished himself during the Revolution and,
+perhaps, of all the naval Captains that remained, he was the one who
+possessed the greatest reputation for experience, conduct and skill. His
+appointment met with general approbation. Nor did anything ever occur to
+give the Government reason to regret its selection."
+
+So the County Wexford Irish Catholic boy had become the
+Commander-in-Chief of the new Navy of the new Constitutional United
+States. Appointed by Washington, "the Father of His Country," Barry thus
+became "the Father of the American Navy," in the many distinguished sons
+of the sea who were trained under him.
+
+His commission reads, "to take rank from the fourth day of June, one
+thousand seven hundred and ninety-four."
+
+   There are gallant hearts whose glory
+     Columbia loves to name,
+   Whose deeds shall live in story
+     And everlasting fame.
+   But never yet one braver
+     Our starry banner bore
+   Than saucy old Jack Barry
+     The Irish Commodore.
+
+--_William Collins_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+   APPOINTED TO SUPERINTEND THE BUILDING OF THE FRIGATE, THE "UNITED
+   STATES," THE FIRST OF THE NEW NAVY--GOES TO GEORGIA TO SELECT TIMBER
+   FOR THE FOUR FRIGATES.
+
+
+On April 12, 1794, Joshua Humphreys, of Philadelphia, was directed by
+General Knox, Secretary of War--there was no Department of the Navy
+until 1798--to prepare models for the frame of the frigates to be built.
+On June 28th, Humphreys was appointed "Constructor or Master-Builder of
+a 44-gun ship to be built at the port of Philadelphia at the rate of
+$2000 per annum--the compensation commencing on the 1st of May last, in
+consideration of your incessant application to the public interest in
+adjusting the principles of the ships, drawing drafts and making moulds,
+etc."
+
+On August 7th, General Knox notified Captain Barry: "You are to consider
+yourself as the Superintendent of the frigate to be built at the port of
+Philadelphia and which is to mount 44 guns." This frigate was named the
+"United States." It was built on the Delaware River at the foot of [now]
+Washington Avenue near the old Swedes Church. It was constructed mainly
+of Georgia live oak, "the most durable wood in the world," selected by
+Captain Barry who, in October, 1794, by direction of Tench Coxe,
+Commissioner of the Revenues, proceeded to that State for that purpose,
+sailing on the brig "Schuylkill" which carried oxen and horses which
+were "of the highest importance to the expediting of the timber for the
+several frigates," to which Captain Barry was to give all possible
+exertions "to the cutting and transportation of the timber for his own
+and every other frigate."
+
+On October 14th the "Schuylkill" arrived at Gashayes Bluff, on the
+island of St. Simon, where he found Mr. John T. Morgan, superintendent
+of cutting the timber, but not "a stick of wood cut." Barry sent him
+"into the country to try and get hands." He got six. Barry succeeded in
+getting ten more. So that on the 20th Morgan set the sixteen at work. On
+the 22d eighty-one woodcutters arrived from New London. They were set to
+work. Barry after "doing all in his power at St. Simon's" went to
+Savannah to charter a vessel--returned to St. Simon's and thence to
+Philadelphia, wherefrom, he, on November 10th, reported to Commissioner
+Coxe.
+
+On December 12th he presented his bill of expenses for "Voyage to
+Georgia on Public Account." He had been given $200. His expenses
+amounted to $124.24. So he returned $75.76.
+
+His salary as Captain of the Navy was $75 a month.
+
+Captains Barry, Dale and Truxtun on December 18, 1794, wrote the
+Secretary of War that the frigates could be built and equipped next
+year, adding, "It would be highly gratifying to us who have thrown aside
+our former occupations and the prospects that were fair for increasing
+our fortunes, with a view of serving our country, and who have no desire
+of being mere sinecure officers if we could at this moment embark and
+obey the commands of our country, in going in pursuit of a barbarous
+enemy, who now holds in chains and slavery so many of our unfortunate
+fellow-citizens; the relieving and restoring of which to the bosom of
+their families and friends are, with that of having an opportunity to
+chastise their cruel oppressors, objects of our greatest ambition and
+which we anticipate with all the ardor of officers, of seamen and of
+citizens."
+
+But no haste was made in building the frigates. Temporary diplomatic
+arrangements with France quieted or averted action. Our country paid
+tribute to the Barbary State and sent barrels of silver to purchase
+tolerance on the sea from these pirates as a cheaper method of peace
+than the cost and maintenance of armed vessels of war would be.
+
+By the Act of March 27, 1794, work on the frigates was to cease in the
+event of peace being signed with Algiers. So when on December 21, 1795,
+Washington informed the Senate that the Emperor of Morocco had signed a
+treaty of peace and friendship with the United States, work on the
+frigates was suspended. Washington called the attention of Congress to
+the loss that would come if the work ceased, whereupon on April 20,
+1796, Congress ordered the unexpended balance to be used, but ordered
+the work to be discontinued. Yet President Washington in his message had
+declared: "To secure respect for a neutral flag requires a naval force
+organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression.... Our
+trade to the Mediterranean, without a protecting force, will always be
+insecure. Will it not then be advisable to begin without delay to
+provide and lay up materials for the building and equipping of ships of
+war and to proceed with the work by degrees, in proportion as our
+resources shall render it practicable, without inconvenience so that a
+future war of Europe may not find our commerce in the unprotected state
+in which it was found by the present."
+
+The cannon for the frigates had been cast at Cecil Furnace, Maryland.
+Captain Barry, on May 16, 1796, was sent there "to see the guns and
+examine whether they were suitable or fit for service."
+
+The frigate "United States" was progressing rapidly towards completion.
+Captain Barry, on September 19, 1796, estimated the cost of fitting out
+for officers and men at $7285. The vessel when completed cost $299,336.
+She was 175 feet in length, 44 feet beam and of 1576 tonnage. She was
+launched May 10, 1797.
+
+"In the long list of splendid vessels which in a hundred combats have
+maintained the honor of our national flag, the 'United States' stands at
+the head." She served our country well in the war with France under
+Barry; also in the war with England in 1812-15 and in subsequent duties,
+peaceful or warlike.
+
+
+LINES ON THE DEATH OF COMMODORE BARRY.
+
+BY MICHAEL FORTUNE.
+
+   Columbia's friend, freed from this worldly coil,
+   Now rests (so Heav'n ordains) from human toil;
+   A Patriot firm, thro' chequer'd life unblam'd,
+   A gallant vet'ran, for his powers fam'd.
+   Beneath his guidance, lo! a Navy springs,
+   An infant Navy spreads its canvas wings,
+   A rising Nation's weal, to shield, to save,
+   And guard her Commerce on the dang'rous wave.
+
+   Whoe'er the Sage, his character shall scan,
+   Must trace those Virtues that exalt the man,
+   The bold achievement and heroic deed
+   To honor's fame, the laurel'd Brave that lead,
+   Long for his merits and unsully'd name
+   (Dear to his friends and sanctify'd name);
+   His clay cold relics shall his country mourn,
+   And with her tears bedew his hallow'd urn.
+
+   Come, cheering Hope--celestial cherub come--
+   Say that his virtues soar beyond the tomb,
+   Say that with Mercy in ethereal guise,
+   His white-robed spirit climbs yon op'ning skies.
+
+(Philadelphia, Sept., 1803.)
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+   LAUNCH OF THE "UNITED STATES"--WAR WITH FRANCE--BARRY COMMANDS THE
+   AMERICAN FLEET IN THE WEST INDIES--CAPTURES THE "SAN PAREIL"--AGAIN
+   SENT TO THE WEST INDIES--BARRY FIRES ON THE FRENCH BATTERIES AT BASSE
+   TERRE--TO FRANCE AGAIN--DEATH OF OUR HERO.
+
+
+The frigate "United States" though launched in May, 1797, was not ready
+for sea until July, 1798, when, on 3d July, the new Secretary of the new
+Department--the Navy--Hon. Benjamin Stoddert, directed Captain Barry "to
+proceed to sea with the first fair wind," and expressing President
+Adams' "conviction that nothing on your part will be wanting to justify
+the high confidence reposed by him and your country in your activity,
+skill and bravery."
+
+He was directed to cruise "from Cape Henry to Nantucket," to "defend
+this extent of coast against the depredations of the vessels sailing
+under authority or pretence of authority of the French Republic," and to
+"afford all possible protection to the vessels of the United States
+coming on or going off the coast," in conjunction with Captain Dale.
+Captain Barry was authorized "to subdue, seize and take any armed French
+vessel which should be found within the jurisdictional limits of the
+United States or elsewhere on the high seas, with apparel, guns and
+appurtenances." On July 11, 1798, Secretary Stoddert notified Barry that
+information was received that "the French have considerable force in the
+West Indies" and that "it is thought that a small squadron under the
+command of an officer of your intelligence, experience and bravery might
+render essential service and animate your country to enterprise by
+picking up a number of prizes in the short cruise of these islands."
+
+So Barry was directed to take the "Delaware," Captain Stephen Decatur;
+the "Herald," Captain Sever, and a revenue cutter of 14 guns from Boston
+"and to proceed to the West Indies and so dispose of the vessels as to
+afford the greatest chance of falling in with French armed vessels," to
+"look into St. John's, the principal harbor of Porto Rico and after two
+or three days' cruising, return to the continent."
+
+"The object of the enterprise," said the Secretary, "is to do as much
+injury to the armed vessels of France and to make as many captures as
+possible." He closed saying, "It is scarcely necessary for me, in
+writing to a brave man who values his own country, its government and
+its laws, to suggest the usefulness of inculcating upon those under his
+command the propriety of preserving in their language and conduct the
+same respect which he himself feels for those constitutions and those
+characters which deserve the respect of all. It is time we should
+establish an American character. Let that character be a love of country
+and a jealousy of its honor. This idea comprehends everything that ought
+to be impressed upon the minds of all our citizens, but more especially
+of those citizens who are seamen and soldiers."
+
+Barry was directed, when at St. John [San Juan], to write the Governor
+requesting that the American seamen who had collected there to return to
+the United States should be permitted to do so, but as the United States
+was at peace with Spain no hostile measures were to be taken to obtain
+them if the civil authorities should not produce them. Barry and Decatur
+sailed northward and off the coast of New England. On July 26, 1798,
+they sailed for the West Indies, the revenue cutter not being ready to
+proceed with them. The "United States" and the "Delaware" returned to
+Philadelphia September 21, 1798. Captain Barry had captured the French
+schooner "Le Jaleux," of 14 guns and 70 men and also the "San Pareil,"
+of 10 guns and 67 men, belonging to Guadeloupe. The "San Pareil," in
+1794, captured the vessel on which Charles and Catharine, children of
+Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, were returning from England. Proceeding
+to the West Indies the "San Pareil" fell in with the "Pallas" bound to
+the Kennebeck and compelled her to take the passengers and crew to
+Boston. [Rowland's _Carroll_ II, p. 200.]
+
+Now Barry had captured the "San Pareil." The crews were imprisoned at
+New Castle, Del., until November 6th, where it was alleged, by opponents
+of the Adams administration, they were cruelly treated by being
+neglected and uncared for. "The government allowed nothing, though it
+furnished blankets. The French Consul had neither funds nor orders to
+give his countrymen relief." Secretary Stoddert, then resident at
+Trenton, New Jersey, because of the yellow fever, wrote President Adams,
+at Quincy, Massachusetts, that "Barry returned too soon. His reason,
+apprehensions from the hurricanes in the West Indies at this season.
+Upon the whole, it is better than to have kept the ships sleeping on our
+own shore, though the result of the enterprise falls very far short of
+my hopes."
+
+Yet the Secretary had when reporting to the President that Barry had
+been sent to the West Indies "to be employed while the French have but
+little force" and that "the hurricane season" was near, had yet "hopes"
+that neither Barry nor Decatur had been able to satisfy. By direction of
+the President both were, on September 28, 1798, sent out again--"Decatur
+to cruise from the Delaware to Cape Henry and Barry to cruise from the
+Delaware along the eastern coast northward"--though the Secretary had
+informed the President "it is not to be apprehended that our coasts will
+be much molested by French cruisers," as they had no force in the West
+Indies equal to ours "and it was not probable they could send a force
+from Europe." Barry and Decatur were ordered to return about November
+15th. Barry on the cruise was "to protect the trade from Delaware to New
+Hampshire, while Decatur did the same from New York to the Chesapeake."
+
+Barry sailed from New Castle on October 8th without "a single article
+for the ship but ballast and," so he wrote Mrs. Barry, "my reason for
+going to sea without these is the European ships are expected any day
+and should any of them be taken and I lying in the harbor, the merchants
+may blame me and no other, although it would not be my fault." Barry
+returned on November 9th "totally unexpected," as an "accident had
+prevented the 'United States' from getting to Newport," where the ship
+had been expected to appear.
+
+On November 29, 1798, Captains Barry, Dale, Truxtun and Tingley were
+directed to report upon "a proper system for the government of the
+Navy." He had previously recommended the establishment of Navy Yards and
+organization of a Navy Department. The War Department had, previous to
+1798, directed all naval affairs. At the opening of Congress in
+December, 1798, President Adams, in his Message, declared the law of
+France, that "neutral vessels with British fabrics or produce, although
+the entire property belonging to neutrals, were liable to seizure," was
+an "unequivocal act of war on the commerce of the nation it attacks,"
+and so "whether we negotiate with her or not, a vigorous preparation for
+war will be alike indispensable." He urged the increase of the Navy.
+Congress in February, 1799, added six 74's and six 18's to the naval
+force at a cost of $2,400,000. The naval appropriation for 1799 amounted
+to $4,594,677.
+
+On December 7, 1798, Captain Barry was placed in "immediate command" of
+the frigates the "United States," the "Constitution," the "George
+Washington," the "Merrimac" with four or five more vessels of nearly the
+same force as the latter (24 guns). The fleet was to be employed in the
+West Indies in active operations for the "protection of our commerce and
+for the capture or destruction of French armed vessels from St.
+Christopher's as far as Barbadoes and Tobago," and to "pay considerable
+attention to Cayenne and Curricoa and even to the passage from the
+United States to Laguayra, on the Spanish Main, to which place our
+citizens carry on considerable trade," but above all, Barry was "to
+relieve our commerce from the piccaroons and pirates continually issuing
+from the Island of Guadeloupe."
+
+Captain Truxtun was assigned "from St. Christopher's to Porto Rico,"
+with two or three vessels of 14 and 18 guns. Captain Decatur, with one
+brig of 16 guns, "the vicinity of Havana," and Captain Tingley in the
+"Ganges," "between Cuba and Hispaniola," to give security to the trade
+of Jamaica.
+
+The expedition was designed "to rid those seas as well of French armed
+vessels as of the pirates which infest them."
+
+Barry was directed to "proceed as early as possible to Prince Rupert's
+Bay in the Island of Dominica, where the other vessels" of his command
+were ordered to rendezvous and he was to "commence operations." Under
+Barry's command on this expedition were Charles Stewart, Stephen
+Decatur, Jacob Jones, all of whom became famous in naval annals and
+obtained the highest positions. Barry's training and discipline
+developed heroes after his death. When the squadron reached the West
+Indies, Barry's command consisted of the frigate "United States," the
+"Constitution," Captain Samuel Nicholson; the "George Washington,"
+Captain Patrick Fletcher; the "Merrimac," Captain Moses Brown; the
+"Portsmouth," Captain Daniel McNeill; the "Pickering," Master-Commandant
+Edward Preble; the "Eagle," Lieutenant Hugh George Campbell; the "Herald,"
+Lieutenant Charles Russell; the "Scammel," Lieutenant J. Adams, and the
+"Diligence," Lieutenant J. Brown. The vessels sailing from Norfolk,
+Virginia, in company with Barry's frigate the "United States" were the
+"Constellation," of 36 guns; the "John Adams," the "Congress," the
+"Little Adams," the "Little York," all of 32 guns; the "Connecticut,"
+the "Boston," the "General Green," of 36 guns; the "Siren" and "Argus,"
+of 16 guns, and the "Enterprise," 14 guns. All ships "must claim your
+attention as well as your own," directed Secretary Stoddert.
+
+The "Constellation" "cruised for about three months without finding any
+game," until she captured the "Insurgente," of 50 guns and 700 men of
+whom 350 were killed or wounded. The "Constellation" met a French, 74,
+later but the enemy being of superior force the "Constellation" "got out
+of reach." The next day the "United States" met the same French vessel
+and after an exchange of a few shots, Captain Barry also thought it
+advisable to withdraw, as his ship had become "dismasted" and had to go
+to Bermuda for repairs, while the "Constitution" was "much disabled in
+her mast and spars." Later Captain Nicholson captured the "Carteret,"
+packet "and took her to St. Pierre" and again chased a French privateer
+into a harbor near that port.
+
+On February 30, 1799, the "United States," under Barry, gave chase to a
+French privateer. A well-aimed 24-pound shot was sufficient to "cut the
+career of the privateer short," for the ball went through her hull so
+that she quickly began to fill and settle. Captain Barry ordered the
+boats of his frigate to the rescue of the crew. Midshipman Stephen
+Decatur being in the first boat to reach the wreck and rescue the crew.
+"They were plaintively imploring for help," wrote an eye-witness, "with
+earnest gesticulations, not only from men but from God and although it
+is 'true they had abolished all religion they had not, it seemed, forgot
+the old way of invoking the protection of the Omnipotent.'"
+
+The vessel was the "Amour de la Patrie," of 6 guns and 80 men. All her
+crew were saved. The "United States" also captured the "Tartufe," of 8
+guns and 60 men. Desiring to relieve himself of his prisoners and hoping
+to make exchange of Americans imprisoned at Guadeloupe, Captain Barry
+sailed to Basse Terre flying a flag of truce, but was fired on by the
+French batteries. Hauling down the flag Barry returned the fire and
+battered the walls so effectively that the marks of the American shot
+were visible for many years. The "Merrimac," Captain Moses Brown,
+captured "Le Bonapart le Phenix," 14 guns, 128 men, and "La Magiciene,"
+14 guns, 63 men. The "Portsmouth" took "La Bonapart" (No. 2), "Le
+Bullante," "Le Tripon" and "Le Bon Peré," of 6 guns and 52 men. Seven
+other captures made by the squadron.
+
+It is not within the scope of this narration to record the operations
+of the fleet or the exertions of the several commanders of the
+respective vessels composing it, but much that was creditable to our
+naval forces was done though little that could be called brilliant or
+conspicuous, beyond the capture of the "Insurgente" by Truxtun and
+the "Amour de la Patrie" and "Tartufe" by Barry. The main service of
+the fleet was in protecting our merchant vessels and convoying them
+to safe waters.
+
+Commodore Barry was not in good health while on this expedition. This,
+the Secretary of the Navy, writing to him, 15th March, 1799, chose to
+"attribute to vexation for not being able to fall in with the French"
+than to the effects of the climate. He had the "most entire confidence"
+that when joined by the other vessels Barry would "afford the greatest
+possible protection to our commerce and punish the depredation on it."
+
+Barry had been joined by the "Constitution," the "Washington" and the
+"Merrimac" and would later have under his command the "Portsmouth," the
+"Herald," the "Pickering," the "Diligence," the "Scammel" and the
+"Eagle." Secretary Stoddert notified him, and also that if his health
+obliged him to return, Captain Truxtun would take command of the fleet
+and of the operations.
+
+On St. Patrick's Day, 1799, Captain Barry was at Prince Rupert's Island.
+The Hibernian Society of Philadelphia for the Relief of Emigrants from
+Ireland were, the same day, at dinner at Shane's Tavern and drank to the
+toast of
+
+"COMMODORE BARRY AND THE NEW NAVY."
+
+On April 8, 1799, Captain Barry was at Bridgetown, Barbadoes. For that
+port he had, as the youthful Captain of the schooner "Barbadoes," sailed
+from Philadelphia on October 2, 1766, almost a third of a century
+previous. What thoughts must have moved him we may conjecture at the
+change in his own circumstances and in that of the country of his
+adoption which had taken place. Then, at twenty-one, he was commander of
+his first vessel, a trading schooner of 60 tons. He had since made
+effective war upon the enemy of his native land and of his adopted
+country. He now entered Bridgetown the commander of a squadron of the
+chief armed vessels of his country. During the War for Independence he
+had acted in cooperation with French naval forces, now he was protecting
+the commerce of his country from the depredations of the French and
+inflicting punishment upon such as came in his path. He had made war on
+British naval vessels and taken captive many as well as those of
+England's merchant marine. Now he and his country were acting in accord
+with England in opposition to and in restraint of the French.
+
+Friends had become enemies and enemies had become friendly, so much so
+that a Barbadoes paper, on his arrival there, could declare: "Whatever
+good fortune attends Commodore Barry will but increase the public esteem
+which he already possesses, as to see merit rewarded is the generous
+wish of every British bosom."
+
+What a change!
+
+This praise arose from the fact that Barry meeting the French privateer
+"Democrat" took from her the British Letter-of-Marque, "Cicero," which
+had been captured by the "Democrat." The darkness debarred Barry from
+capturing the "Democrat" also. The "Cicero" was of 450 tons and 50 men.
+Her Captain and three of the crew had been killed and thirty-six
+wounded. She had been in possession of the French for thirty-six hours
+when retaken by the "United States" with the prize crew of thirty taken
+prisoners. These he left at Guadeloupe in French possession. As there
+were no American prisoners there Barry thought it better to do so than
+to have them on the "United States" frigate "to eat more than they were
+worth."
+
+On April 15, 1799, the Navy Department recalled the "United States," the
+"Constitution" and the "Washington," "with all possible expedition." The
+other vessels were left in command of Captain Truxtun. Barry, in the
+"United States," arrived at New Castle, Delaware, May 9, 1799, and
+within a month at the opera it was sung that "the gallant Barry" was "by
+all Columbia's sons adored." He was then in Philadelphia after leaving
+Lieutenant Charles Stewart in charge of the frigate. Barry was, on 13th
+May, directed to discharge the crew whose time expired that or next
+month, so as to give them "an opportunity of spending their money," that
+they might the sooner re-enlist for another year. Officers were directed
+"to open rendezvous for recruiting a crew." In the meantime Captain
+Truxtun had arrived at Norfolk and was received with "every mark of
+respect and attention." Captain James Barron was there also, but on June
+2d Barry requested his return to Philadelphia as necessity obliged his
+presence, as the President had directed the Secretary of the Navy to
+send "us as soon as possible to protect our defenceless coast."
+Lieutenant Stewart, almost daily, sent reports of the overhauling work
+going on preparing the frigate for a voyage. The French privateers were
+active along the coast harassing the merchantmen, and so audacious as
+even to enter our harbors.
+
+This made "the public mind very uneasy." So on June 29th the frigate
+sailed under orders to cruise along the coast to Charleston and after
+remaining there "long enough to let the citizens know" he was "in the
+vicinity"; he was to "proceed further south, indeed as far as the River
+St. Mary's," if he could return to Hampton Roads by the middle of July,
+where the "Constitution," Captain Talbot, would join the "United
+States," as it was intended to send both to the coasts of France and
+Spain. This did not come to be, however, as it was found necessary to
+have the vessels in the West Indies as soon as they could operate there.
+
+Barry received "the President's command" that "taking the 'Constitution'
+with you, you proceed on a cruise to the Western Isles, to Madeira and
+Teneriffe and thence returning by Cayenne, Surinam and the Windward
+Islands, and reaching Guadeloupe about the middle of October where
+further orders would be handed" him. Then both frigates were to proceed
+to San Domingo and enter the port of Cape François, so they might be
+seen by General Touissant with whom and the people he was to "endeavor
+to cultivate a good understanding." After remaining two or three days
+there he was to return to New York, leaving Captain Talbot in the
+"Constitution" at San Domingo to take command of that station. Barry was
+given leave, however, if time did not permit his going to Madeira and
+Teneriffe as well as the Western Isles, he might proceed no further than
+the Western Isles.
+
+"The protection of our commerce is the great object of the naval
+armament," said the Secretary, but on July 27th he notified Barry, "the
+projected enterprise to Europe must be given up," the frigate "United
+States" had to "remain on our coast for our protection at home." The
+"Constellation" was to be employed in the same way. Barry was to
+"proceed from Hampton" southward as far as St. Mary's River and thence
+back along the coast and take the best chance of falling in with the
+enemy until about September 10th, when he was to return to New York if
+the frigate could pass the bar--if not then to proceed to Newport, to
+which latter he did, where he remained until sailing for France.
+
+"On October 20, 1799, from Newport Harbor, R.I., Captain Barry notified
+the Hon. Jonathan Dayton, of New Jersey, that Owen Smith whom he had
+recommended as a midshipman for frigate 'United States' had, in many
+instances, 'behaved himself in a manner very unbecoming a gentleman, and
+as I conceive it my indispensable duty to prevent every person of bad
+conduct from getting a footing in the infant navy, I have, at his own
+request, discharged him. Your nephew, Mr. Williamson, has been too
+tenderly brought up to follow sea life; I think his father had better
+seek some other mode of life for him.'" (Crimmins' MS.)
+
+The cruise ordered took six weeks, but no record of captures appears.
+The coast had been protected. That was the end to be obtained--not
+captures--as a formal declaration of war had not been made by either the
+United States or France. Though commonly called "the War with France"
+because of actual hostilities having taken place, officially, war did
+not exist between the two countries. It is not necessary for our purpose
+to detail the political course of the two nations with respect to the
+difficulties between them, but when negotiations had so far progressed
+that special Commissioners or Ministers were to proceed to France with a
+view of arranging a treaty, Captain Barry was, on October 16, 1799,
+notified that "the President has decided that the 'United States' shall
+carry our envoys to Europe and you will hold yourself in readiness to
+perform that service by the first of November at the farthest."
+
+The envoys were Chief Justice O. Ellsworth, R.W. Davis, ex-Governor of
+North Carolina, and W.V. Murray, U.S. Minister at The Hague--"Envoys
+Extraordinary to the French Republic."
+
+Captain Barry had orders to land them at any part of France they
+preferred and to touch at any ports they desired. Captain Barry was
+indeed on an old service. He had carried Colonel John Laurens and
+Lafayette to France to seek aid for America. Now he carried American
+envoys to demand justice for American commerce and the cessation of
+hostile measures against its freedom.
+
+The mission President Adams declared was sent at one of the "most
+critical, important and interesting moments that ever occurred" in
+American history. Again was Barry given the old order so often given him
+during his Revolutionary career: "You will not capture anything on the
+voyage. This is a mortification to which it is necessary that you should
+submit. I hope to salute you an Admiral on your arrival at
+Philadelphia."
+
+Captain Barry performed the duty assigned him and landed the envoys in
+France. After long negotiations a Treaty of Peace, Commerce and
+Navigation was agreed to September 30, 1800, with the First Consul
+Bonaparte. It was ratified by the U.S. Senate February 3, 1801, by the
+French July 31, 1801, and proclaimed December 31, 1801.
+
+Washington died December 14, 1799. On the 20th Captain Barry received
+from the Navy Department a General Order of President Adams that all
+vessels should be "put in mourning one week by wearing their colors at
+half-mast high." The officers to "wear crape on the left arm below the
+elbow for six months."
+
+During the year 1800 the "United States" frigate was not in active
+duty--the trouble with France having ceased, other occasions for her
+services did not arise. Lieutenant Mullowney was promoted to the command
+of the "Ganges" and thirty-five of the seamen of the "United States"
+transferred with him.
+
+On July 16, 1800, Lieutenant Charles Stewart was given command of the
+"Experiment," Captain Barry expressing the hope that "he will be more
+active than he was," a hope which was justified in his subsequent
+career. At this time Barry's vessel was undergoing repairs. He wrote the
+Secretary, "she will not be out of the carpenter's hands until October."
+When she was ready for sea, Barry was directed "to proceed to St. Kitts
+and assume command of your squadron on the Guadeloupe station, taking
+under your convoy any merchant vessels ready to proceed for the Windward
+Islands; you have to protect our commerce to all the Islands and to
+guard our merchant vessels against all depredations from Porto Rico as
+well as from Guadeloupe and other dependencies of France." Later the
+Treaty of September 30, 1800, arrived, when Barry was directed to "treat
+the armed vessels of France, public and private, exactly as you find
+they treat our trading vessels."
+
+Up to that time seventy-four French vessels had been taken and more than
+eighty had been retaken from the French. This was regarded as ample
+proof of the value of a Navy and made its advocates so jubilant that
+"What think ye of the Navy now?" was tauntingly asked of its former
+opponents.
+
+So again Captain Barry's services as Head of the Navy were conspicuous
+and useful. But the Federalists, the party of Washington, of Adams and
+of Barry, were defeated by the election by the House of Representatives
+of Thomas Jefferson.
+
+Reform and Retrenchment were the chief policies of his administration.
+With the measures against France, Jefferson's Republicans had had no
+sympathy. Their antipathy to Great Britain and their fury against Jay's
+Treaty were terrific. The new Congress of Jefferson ordered the
+cessation of work on the 74-gun ships, for which timber had already been
+collected. Only a quarter of a million of dollars was appropriated for
+naval expenditures. All but thirteen of the ships were sold. The new
+Navy established by the Act of 1794 was, within seven years, almost
+non-existent and would have been wholly so if the policy of the
+Jefferson Republicans had been fully carried out. Though that
+practically came to pass by the "laying up" of all vessels.
+
+Jefferson was inaugurated March 4, 1801. On the 23d of that month
+Captain Barry was notified to "call home all the ships in the West
+Indies. You are to make the best of your way to Philadelphia."
+
+At the end of April the frigate "United States" was in the Delaware
+River and, on May 1st, the new Secretary of the Navy, General Dearborn,
+instructed Barry to bring the "United States" to Washington, "where it
+is intended she shall be laid up." There were now Navy yards at
+Portsmouth, N.H.; Charlestown, Philadelphia, Norfolk and Washington, in
+accordance with the advice Captain Barry had given in 1798 that such
+should be established and a Navy Department created.
+
+Captain Barry sailed the frigate to Washington and on May 23d reported
+his arrival in the Potomac, "though his friends had declared that the
+President was not aware of the difficulties that would be met in getting
+the frigate there," as Mrs. Barry wrote the Captain the day he had
+arrived near Washington.
+
+The first frigate of the New Navy was "laid up"--was at rest--had ceased
+operations, not because its usefulness was at an end and it might no
+more be serviceable, nor would there be occasion for her power as a
+protector of American commerce, but because the political policy of the
+Party in power did not sanction the possession of a Navy.
+
+So having fulfilled its mission and its commander having obeyed
+instructions and brought the first born of the new Navy to the new
+Capital of the new nation he was, on June 6, 1801, notified:
+
+   "You have permission to retire to your place of residence and there
+   remain until the government again requires your services."
+
+The frigate "United States" served our country well in the War with
+France, in the War with Great Britain, 1812-15, and in subsequent
+duties, warlike and peaceful, until the War between the States, 1861-65,
+when while laid up "in ordinary" at the Norfolk Navy Yard she was, by
+the Confederates, sunk to obstruct the channel. After the war she was
+raised and in January, 1866, broken up, though Commodore Hitchcock
+endeavored to have her preserved, saying "if her value were only
+measured by dollars it may be unwise to attempt her preservation, but
+ideas and sentiments cannot be judged by such a standard. What is the
+use of being rich and great and powerful if we cannot afford to indulge
+becoming sentiments and cherish the memory of the bright deeds of our
+history." But she was broken up. All that remains as visible objects of
+her are two of her guns on the exhibition grounds of the Navy Yard at
+Portsmouth, Va.
+
+The Navy was, on June 11, 1801, by President Jefferson, put on "a peace
+establishment." Of the Captains nine were retained, of Lieutenants
+thirty-six and of Midshipmen one hundred and fifty. Captain Barry was
+"one of those retained," he was notified. Half-pay was allowed from July
+1, 1801.
+
+Captain Barry's health was now failing. On returning to Philadelphia he
+was, in November, 1801, engaged in proving guns cast by Mr. Lane. The
+next year when directed to prove cannon at Colonel Hughes' works near
+Havre-de-Grace, Maryland, Barry's health did not permit him to go. On
+August 19, 1802, Barry, Dale and Bainbridge were appointed a Board to
+examine applicants for admission to the Navy--the Barbary Powers were
+again giving trouble to our merchant traders and imprisoning American
+seamen, and an idea that a more vigorous navy was needed and that
+paying tribute in money was degrading was gaining headway even among the
+Republicans. So that on December 22, 1802, the Secretary of the Navy
+notified Captain Barry, "We shall have occasion to keep a small force in
+the Mediterranean and we shall expect your services on that station."
+But the old Warrior-Sailor was nearing another Station. Ill health was
+enfeebling him, destroying his wonted activity. The flame of the fire of
+his ardor to serve his country was flickering so much as to remind him
+that death might be nearing.
+
+So on February 27, 1803, he made his will. During the summer at his
+country residence at Strawberry Hill in the Northern Liberties he remain
+incapacitated for any further sea or other services useful to the
+country, or beneficial to mankind in general. He died September 13,
+1803, and was buried from his City home on Chestnut Street below Tenth,
+south side, then No. 186. He was interred at St. Mary's graveyard the
+next morning, according to the custom of those days. St. Mary's was the
+church where Commodore Barry "was a constant attendant when in the
+City," as Bishop Kenrick wrote Colonel B.U. Campbell, of Ellicott Mills,
+January 15, 1844. [Balto. Archives, C.D. 14.] His estate amounted to
+$27,691. He is buried within a few feet of the entrance to the graveyard
+in the rear of the church. In the grave with him his two wives are
+interred--Mary died in 1771, Sarah in 1831.
+
+Beside him northward lies his friend Captain John Rosseter, also of the
+County of Wexford, Ireland.
+
+At the head of his grave to the northward is interred Captain Thomas
+FitzSimons, a signer of the Constitution of the United States, an
+officer in the Revolution, a merchant of Philadelphia and Representative
+in Congress.
+
+Also at the head of Barry's grave, southward, lies the mortal remains of
+George Meade, a patriot of the Revolution and a merchant of
+Philadelphia.
+
+This is the most Catholic Irish-American historical plot of ground in
+the United States.
+
+Three of these patriots were born in Ireland--George Meade, born in
+Philadelphia of Irish parents.
+
+Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, wrote
+the first draft of the epitaph for the tomb of Captain Barry. It read:
+
+[Illustration]
+
+LET THE PATRIOT, THE SOLDIER AND THE CHRISTIAN
+WHO VISITS THESE MANSIONS OF THE DEAD
+VIEW THIS MONUMENT WITH RESPECT
+
+BENEATH IT ARE INTERRED THE REMAINS OF
+
+JOHN BARRY
+
+HE WAS BORN IN THE COUNTY OF WEXFORD IN IRELAND
+BUT AMERICA WAS THE OBJECT OF HIS PATRIOTISM
+AND THE THEATRE OF HIS USEFULNESS.
+
+IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR WHICH ESTABLISHED THE
+INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES HE
+BORE AN EARLY AND AN ACTIVE PART AS A CAPTAIN IN THEIR
+NAVY AND AFTER BECAME ITS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
+
+HE FOUGHT OFTEN AND ONCE BLED IN THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM.
+
+HIS HABITS OF WAR DID NOT LESSEN HIS
+VIRTUES AS A MAN NOR HIS PIETY AS A CHRISTIAN.
+
+HE WAS GENTLE, KIND AND JUST IN PRIVATE LIFE,
+WAS NOT LESS BELOVED BY HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAN BY
+HIS GRATEFUL COUNTRY.
+
+THE NUMBER AND OBJECTS OF HIS CHARITIES WILL BE
+KNOWN ONLY AT THAT TIME WHEN HIS DUST
+SHALL BE REANIMATED AND WHEN HE WHO SEES IN SECRET
+SHALL REWARD OPENLY.
+
+IN THE FULL BELIEF IN THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL
+HE PEACEFULLY RESIGNED HIS SOUL INTO THE ARMS OF HIS
+REDEEMER
+
+ON THE 13TH OF SEPTEMBER, 1803, IN THE 59TH YEAR OF HIS AGE.
+
+HIS AFFECTIONATE WIDOW HATH CAUSED THIS MARBLE TO BE
+ERECTED TO PERPETUATE HIS NAME AFTER THE HEARTS OF HIS
+FELLOW-CITIZENS HAVE CEASED TO BE
+THE LIVING RECORD OF HIS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE VIRTUES.
+
+As cut on the tombstone after revision the epitaph was substantially the
+same. "Interred" was changed to "deposited"; "theatre" was stricken out
+and "aim" inserted and "honor" added after "usefulness"; "became" was
+changed to "was"; "Virtues as a Man" was made to read "the power of the
+virtues which adorn private life"; "charitable" was added after "just"
+and the sentence relating to the number and objects of his charities
+stricken out; "in the 59th year of his age" was omitted.
+
+[Illustration: TOMB OF COMMODORE BARRY, ST. MARY'S GRAVEYARD,
+PHILADELPHIA]
+
+In 1876, the original tomb having fallen into decay, a new tomb--the
+present one--was erected by contributions of the members of St. Mary's
+Church. The epitaph having become illegible the compiler of this record
+supplied a copy of the epitaph as it had been cut on the first stone.
+But Rev. Wm. F. Martin, the Pastor of the church, had the epitaph cut so
+as to read, and now may be seen, as follows:
+
+SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF COMMODORE JOHN BARRY, FATHER OF
+THE AMERICAN NAVY.
+
+LET THE CHRISTIAN, PATRIOT AND SOLDIER WHO VISITS THESE
+MANSIONS OF THE DEAD VIEW THIS MONUMENT WITH RESPECT
+AND VENERATION.
+
+BENEATH IT RESTS THE REMAINS OF JOHN BARRY, WHO WAS
+BORN IN THE COUNTY WEXFORD, IRELAND, IN THE YEAR 1745.
+
+AMERICA WAS THE OBJECT OF HIS PATRIOTISM AND THE AIM OF
+HIS USEFULNESS AND AMBITION.
+
+AT THE BEGINNING OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR HE HELD THE
+COMMISSION OF CAPTAIN IN THE THEN LIMITED NAVY OF THE
+COLONIES.
+
+HIS ACHIEVEMENTS IN BATTLE AND HIS RENOWNED NAVAL TACTICS
+MERITED FOR HIM THE POSITION OF COMMODORE AND TO BE
+JUSTLY REGARDED AS THE FATHER OF THE AMERICAN NAVY.
+
+HE FOUGHT OFTEN AND BLED IN THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM, BUT
+HIS DEEDS OF VALOR DID NOT DIMINISH IN HIM THE VIRTUES
+WHICH ADORN HIS PRIVATE LIFE.
+
+HE WAS EMINENTLY GENTLE, KIND, JUST AND CHARITABLE AND
+NO LESS BELOVED BY HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAN BY HIS
+GRATEFUL COUNTRY.
+
+FIRM IN THE FAITH AND PRACTICES OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC
+CHURCH, HE DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 13TH DAY OF
+SEPTEMBER IN THE 59TH YEAR OF HIS AGE.
+
+IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE, A FEW OF HIS COUNTRYMEN, MEMBERS
+OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH AND OTHERS HAVE CONTRIBUTED
+TOWARDS THIS SECOND MONUMENT, ERECTED JULY 1ST, 1876.
+
+REQUIESCAT IN PACE.
+
+[Illustration: STATUE OF COMMODORE BARRY, FAIRMOUNT PARK, PHILADELPHIA]
+
+In the Centennial year, 1876, the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of
+America erected in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, at the foot of George's
+Hill, a fountain costing $55,000. One of its five statues of heroic size
+is that of Commodore John Barry. The sides of the base contain
+inscriptions as follows:
+
+On the east:
+
+       JOHN BARRY,
+       FIRST COMMODORE
+           OF THE
+    UNITED STATES NAVY.
+        BORN IN 1745
+   IN WEXFORD COUNTY, IRELAND.
+    DIED SEPTEMBER 13TH, 1803,
+        AT PHILADELPHIA.
+
+On the west:
+
+   DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR HE DISTINGUISHED
+       HIMSELF GREATLY. HE FILLED THE VARIOUS
+     COMMANDS ENTRUSTED TO HIM WITH SKILL
+       AND GALLANTRY. WHEN UNABLE TO FIGHT
+     ON THE OCEAN HE OBTAINED COMMAND OF A
+           COMPANY OF VOLUNTEERS
+           AND FOUGHT AGAINST THE
+               ENEMY ON LAND.
+
+   AMONG HIS EXPLOITS WAS THE CAPTURE, UPON
+       MAY 29TH, 1781, OF TWO ENGLISH VESSELS,
+         THE ATALANTA AND TREPASA, AFTER A
+         HOTLY CONTESTED ACTION WITH HIS OWN
+               SHIP, THE ALLIANCE.
+
+On the north:
+
+       IN JANUARY, 1776, HE COMMANDED
+     THE BRIG LEXINGTON, THE FIRST REGULAR
+   CRUISER THAT GOT TO SEA UNDER THE AUTHORITY
+   OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS AND THE VESSEL
+     THAT FIRST CARRIED THE AMERICAN FLAG
+               UPON THE OCEAN.
+
+On March 18, 1895, the Hibernian Society for the Relief of Emigrants
+from Ireland, now the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, presented the City
+of Philadelphia a copy, by Colon Campbell Cooper, of Gilbert Stuart's
+portrait of Commodore Barry, to be placed in Independence Hall. Hon.
+Edwin Stuart, President of the Society and Mayor of the City and now
+[1908] Governor of Pennsylvania, presided and accepted the portrait on
+its presentation by General St. Clair Mulholland, who declared Commodore
+Barry to have been "one of the most illustrious of Ireland's sons, a
+brilliant child of the wind and waves, a heroic warrior of the sea who
+never knew defeat, the Father and Founder of the Navy of the United
+States. The Navy that from the beginning has been the admiration and
+model of all the nations of the earth."
+
+[Illustration: STATUE OF COMMODORE BARRY, INDEPENDENCE SQUARE,
+PHILADELPHIA]
+
+On March 22, 1902, the torpedo boat destroyer the "Barry" was launched
+at the Neafie & Levy's shipyard. It was "christened" by Miss Elizabeth
+Adams Barnes, the great-great-grandniece of Commodore Barry and daughter
+of Captain John S. Barnes, U.S. Navy, retired, of New York City.
+
+In July, 1902, Hon. M.E. Driscoll, of Syracuse, New York, proposed a
+Bill in the National House of Representatives appropriating fifty
+thousand dollars "to erect in Washington a monument inscribed
+
+   "JOHN BARRY
+
+   "THE FATHER OF THE AMERICAN NAVY."
+
+At that and the next Sessions of Congress the Bill did not, in either
+Session, pass both Houses, but in the Session of 1906 it passed and was
+signed by President Roosevelt.
+
+A site near the new Union Depot has been selected and, after the delay,
+usual in all governmental monumental projects, the monument will stand
+in a most conspicuous location in the Capital of the Nation.
+
+On March 16, 1907, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Philadelphia
+presented to the City of Philadelphia the bronze statue of Commodore
+Barry which now stands in Independence Square. It cost $10,500: was
+designed and executed by Samuel Murray, sculptor, of Philadelphia.
+General St. Clair Mulholland, on behalf of the Committee, presented the
+statue to the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Rear Admiral Melville, U.S.
+Navy, retired, presented it to the City. It was accepted by Hon. John
+Weaver, Mayor of the City, who had signed the Bill passed by the City
+Council, permitting the erection of the statue in the Square.
+
+[Illustration: [John Barry]]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Story of Commodore John Barry, by 
+Martin Griffin
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