Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-06-24
Joshua Barney a Type
OF American Youth
To the Editor of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
Relaxing now after the throbbing
events Of the past few weeks, It may
be Of interest to recall a unique and
youthful figure Of Revolutionary his
tory, who in many ways reminds one
OF Charles Lindbergh. AS the latter
possesses exceptional audacity and
skill In airmanship. just so did Joshua
Barney startle his time with daring
and consummate seamanship. He, too,
had a charming personality. superb
courage, steady glance and a de-
lightful smile.
This man was, through circum-
stances OF the sea, merchant ship
master at Is years and a lieutenant
in the Regular Navy before he was
IL years of age. At the close of the
Revolution. although only % years
old, he had lived through more adven-
ture than most adventurous men live
in a lifetime
In 1852 he captured a cruiser Of the
Royal Navy under the most eXtraordi-
nary circumstances. His seamanship,
always remarkable, was on this occa-
sion OF a quality hardly, If ever,
matched in our naval history. The
prize was American built, having been
captured previously by the English,
and was a very fast and able YES
sci. Robert Morris placed Barney in
command Of her and she resumed
her former name-the General Wash
ington.
Late that year Capt. Barney was or.
dered to proceed to France with speed,
depending upon his seamanship to
elude the British cruisers, which domi-
mated the sea. He was to carry papers
of the utmost importance bearing on
the peace terms to be considered.
The British fleet blockading the
Delaware was skillfully avoided, and
II days later the General Washington
was boarded by a pilot off Port
O'Lorient. The records of this, and
another passage which followed, were
the fastest ever made between Amer
lea and Europe up to that time, and
they stood unbeaten for nearly so
years.
Barney was fathered in Paris by
Mr.. Franklin much as Mr.. Herrick re.
Gently fathered Lindbergh, and the
youth became exceedingly popular. It
is said that when presented at court
his winning personality threw the la.
ulVoiii-WdlCiHS INTO CONFUSION, ana the
dignity of the ceremony must have
been further disturbed, for it has been
passed down that the fair Queen Marie
Antoinette received a kiss on the
cheek and not the hand.
The return Winter voyage. bear.
ing the stupendous news of the sign.
ing of the peace treaty, was a bitter
hight against heavy westerly gales
with an iced-up ship, which took so
days, but there was a warm welcome
awaiting.
Capt. Barney was not Is years old
when he hauled down the flag on the
General Washington, the last vessel
OF the Revolutionary Navy, and he
the last active commander. He con.
tinued an eventful career, and a few
years later appeared in Paris with Mr..
Monroe presenting the American col.
ors to the French government. He
had apparently lost none of his popu-
larity, for at the conclusion of his
speech, by vote of the body before
him, he was offered a commission in
the French navy. In that service he
became commodore.
Joshua Barney fell wounded at Bia.
densburg, valiantly but hopelessly de.
tending the City of Washington with
a force of some 500 sailors in 1914.
GERSHOM BRADFORD.