Wounded, but forces the British to strike their colors
104. Barry Given Command of the "Alliance." In 1781 Barry was placed in command of the Alliance, a ship whose name was given in honor of France's helping America in this war. In May the Alliance met two British ships, and a hard battle followed. Barry was badly wounded, but would not surrender. He fought on and forced the British ships to strike their colors.
In 1783 Barry, in the Alliance, sailed on his last voyage of the Revolution. His companion ship was the Luzerne. Three British ships discovered the Americans and quickly gave chase. The Luzerne was slow and threw her guns overboard.
On his last voyage of the Revolution
Another vessel came into view; it was a French ship of fifty guns. With her aid Barry immediately decided to fight. He made a speech urging the men not to fire until ordered. A terrific battle with the foremost British ship followed. After fifty minutes' fighting, the British showed signals of distress. The remaining British ships now came up to rescue her, and the Alliance sailed away. The French ships took no part in the battle.
Named first commander of a navy
After the war was over, Congress provided for a navy, and General Knox, Washington's Secretary of War and of the Navy, named John Barry as first commodore. He served as the senior commander of the American navy until his death, in 1803. The people of Philadelphia have erected a monument to his memory (1907).
SUGGESTIONS INTENDED TO HELP THE PUPIL
The Leading Facts. 1. John Paul was born a sailor in Scotland and went to America. 2. He was in America when war broke out; offered his service and was made lieutenant. 3. Congress sent him to France, and Franklin sent him to prey on English commerce. 4. Paul Jones won the great sea fight in the Bon Homme Richard. 5. John Barry was born in Ireland, and went to sea early. 6. Congress made him captain in 1776, in charge of the Lexington. 7. Barry set the country talking by capturing a war vessel and four transports. 8. John Barry won more naval victories in the Revolutionary War than any other office. 9. Named first commodore in 1794 by the Secretary of the Navy.
Study Questions. 1. Give an account of John Paul's boyhood. 2. What of his first visit to America? 3. How did Paul happen, at so early an age, to have full charge of a vessel? 4. Why did he go to Virginia a second time? 5. Why did he hasten to Congress as soon as war began? 6. How did Paul Jones prove his right to be captain? 7. Tell the story of the battle between the Drake and the Ranger. 8. Picture the battle between the Bon Homme Richard and the Serapis. 9. What rewards came to Paul Jones? 10. Where is he buried? 11. Give an account of John Barry's youth. 12. When the war came, what was Barry's action? 13. What was the first victory on the part of the navy? 14. What was the outcome of the battle on the Raleigh? 15. What were Barry's experiences in the Alliance? Picture Barry's last battle.