The southern press., 1851-05-14
CoMhoDoRE BARRoH - The Norfolk Herald
gives the following sketch Of the life Of this de-


| CoMAopoRE BARRon. - The Norfolk Herald
gives the following sketch Of the life Of this de-
Commodore Barron commenced his naval career
when o. yOulh, under the auspices Of his
nat r, VINO held the rank Of ssCommodore Of all
the erme' vessels ofthe Common wealth" Of vir-
ginia, durng the war of the revolution, and until
the State navy was dsbanded. Subsequent TO
this period, he pursued his profession in private
service until the formation Of our present navy,
IN 1893, in which he received the commission Of
Lieutenant, and served unter Commodore Barry in
the brief war with France, OF that period, with
distinguished credit. In 1899 he was promoted
TO the highest grade in the navy and ordered to
the Mediterranean, under IT. e command of his elder
brother, Commodore Samuel Barron, he signal
zed himself for scientific seamanship and nautical
skill, and was esteemed one of the most accom-
pished and efficient officers, and one of the best
discipinarIans the service.
NO officer bore more conspicuous part in the
organization of the present navy than he did He
originated the first code of signal ever introduced
IN the American navy. He served actively afoat,
with fsw intervals Of respite, until 1907, when
going out in the U. s. frigate Chesapeake, Capt.
Gordon, as commander of the U. S. squadron in
the Mediterranean, that ship was treacherousIy
way-laid and attacked within our waters, and at
a time OF a profoul peace, by one of the vessels
Of British squadron then lying in Lynnhaven
capituate what is now history. Though thus, by
a sudden fatality, he became the victim Of adverse
circumstances and influences, he stands honora-
bly, acquitted, by the sentence of q court martial
and the impartial verdict Of his countrymen Of all
incubation of his courage and department as
brave and accomplished officer in that affair.
In later years his services were advantag eously
employed on shore stations. He was in command
of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and had the honor
Of receiving General Lafayette, "the Nations
tiuest," when ne visited that place in 1924 He
was also an invited guest, with Col6nes McLane,
Huger, Fish, and other surviving officers OF the
revolution, at the great fete at Yorktown, given
to General Lafayette, by the State Of Virginia,
Oct. 10, 1924 He was next transferred TO the
command of the Norfolk station, at thst interest
ing period when the dry dock and many other i'm
portant Improvements in the Gosport Navy Yard
had just Commenced; a of which came under his
supervision. From this station he was called to
the superintendent of the Naval Asylum at Phil
adelphia, where he continued until the wasting
hand Of time had indicated the necessity Of his re-
tirement from active service, when he chose Nor
folk, the home of his early friends, (and among
whom he had friends indeed!) as the place ia
which to pass the remnant Of his days.
In social life as in his official station, Commo-
dore Barron was governed by high sense of
honor. and bore himself with dignity, courtesy,
and affabIity which gave charm to his 8 ciety.
And althou!h Of temperament not To brook the
slightest indignity there in his nature all the
milk of human kindness and benevoIence, and
the promptings Of ardent friendships and enduring
attachments, which, when once formed were held
sacred 10 the latest hour. q
In his family circle he was cherished with UNI
speakable fondness and affs, ton; and this whole
ommuniIy, in which lie has been for SO large
ortion of his life beloved and esteemed, will ever
onor and revere his memory