The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1897-10-02
A NATIVE OF THE EMERALD ISLE.
HY MARTIN I. j, GRIFFIN
or PHILADELPHIA.
THE STORY OF A PATRIOTS LIFE.
FIRST APPOINTED TO THE COMMAND
OF THE LEXINGTON.

With a record of bravery, skill and
success on the sea second to none in
the world, Americans should take a pa
triotic pride in knowing the history
, OF our navy since the beginning It's
foundation was laid, indeed, It's very
first keel, and its infant growth fostercd
by man Of transcendent patriotism
high courage and indomitable energy
Commodore John Barry. The story OF
this great patriots life is full of The
most absorbing interest and patriotic
inspiration, but we are sorry to say that
1t does not receive the space II deserves
in American history as they are gcner
ally written. The following sketch Of
| the heros career is taken from the his
tory recently published by Mr. Martin
of such excellence that the navy de-
partment purchased several copies for
its archives.
Irish ValOr, decision and perseverance
have filed the pages OF American his
tory with story which has an intense
interest for the people of Irish blood in
the United States. From the early Pc
| riod, when the yoke of unjust taxation
became unbearable. down to our taking
our place among the nations of thc
! world, Irish heroes have come forth to
| take their places in the annals OF this
great nation.
| Among the naval heroes of America
| who have advanced by the utility OF
| their services and the splendOr Of their
exploits and interests and glory OF their
! country. Commodore John Barry holds
| a distinguished rank. John Barry, "thc
| father and founder of the American
| Navy" was born in the town OF 'Tnclm
shire, County Wexford Ireland, in l7ib.
| A passion for maritime life, which he
| displayed at an early age. induced
! his father to place him on board of Il
| merchantmen. The intervals OF his
voyages were assiduously occupied In
the improvement of his mind. AT the age
! OF 21 he emigratcd to America. and hav
ing entered into the employment of tho
| try, continued to pursue his favorite
profession with signal success.
| In October, 1875. the Continental Con
gress authorized the purchase OF two
l tn IN nf "A tf,
capture vessels belonging to the British
army at Boston. On Dec. Capt. Barry
| was appointed to the command OF The
Lexington, so named In honor of the firs,
combat with England. Though congress
lad in October begun the formation of
IL navy, yet 1T was not until Dec. o.
1875. that Mr.. Hopkins, of Rhode Is
land, was appointed commander in-chcf,
and three others as captains. Capt
Rarry's commission bears the date OF
Dec. Z, two weeks before the formal
| organization of the navy, and was the
first issued. "A few days before April
| 49, says letter of John Adams. "tht
Lexington sailed from Philadelphia. 4
The Rocbnck. an English vessel, kept
a close watch on the Delaware Bay, but
Barry's career, now beginning, shows
| as subsequent events will demonstrate Q
that by flight as well as by fight hc
could become a victor Escaping the
enemy. he got to sea. and on April I,
Off the capes of Virginia. she fell i'm with
the Edward, shattered her in a terrible
manner, captured her and brought hcl
to Philadelphia. Thus the Lexington
was the first vessel that bore the Con
tinental flag to victory on the orcan
"F'rom the official report of the fight,
says Force, eve learn that il was con
tinued desperately for one hour and
twenty minutes. when the tender
struck"
On Aug. 3, Capt. Thomas Rodney
writing to Thomas Rodney, at bower
Del, says: yesterday came to tOwl
u'hiladclphia) a ship belonging to The
congress from France. and the same day
an armed vessel taken by Capt. Barr!
al sea- Two days later We read thai
Capt. Barry of the Lexington has take.
and sent in privatecr Of six guns"
In October, 177G, Barry was given com
mand of the Eflngham. Winter came
on and prevented Barry from goin:; to
sea. Washington, during December
l77G, was traversing Delaware with mi:
i'll clad but brave army, with the Eng
lish hanging on. But in that dark hour
when everything seemed all but lost
Thomas FtZsimmOns Ga signer of lh'
Federal Constitution), a prominent mcr
chant OF Philadelphia, and Capt. Barry
one in faith as they were one in countr.
of nativity, were now one in endeav0
for their adopted land. Each organized ;
company of volunteers to hasten to tn
aid Of Washington on the banks Of th'