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.
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.