BARRY, John, the first American dor.e: b. Wcxford, Ireland, 1745; d. Philadel phia, 13 Sept. 1803. He early displayed a great partiality for the sea and at the age of 11 adopted America as his home and made a number of voyages in merchant ships until the conunencement of the Revolution. He at once embraced the cause of the colonies, offered his services and was one of the first officers com missioned by Congres.s in the naval service. After a successful cruise in the Lexington, he was transferred, in the latter part of 1776, to the Effingham, one of three large frigates built in Philadelphia! • Whin the American. vessels of war were lying near Whitehill, whither they had been sent when the city and the forts of the Aver .had fallen into the power of the pritish; Commodore,Barry conceived the. dar utg plan of anneying the enemy by meams of small boats, properly armed, which being sta tioned down the river and bay mip,ht intercept supplies and in case- of danger take refuge in the creeks. He accordingly manned the boats
of the frigates, descended the river with muf. fled Gars under cover of the night and ap peared unexpectedly before the city. He ef fected his object by intercepting a large stock of provisions and capturing several vessels laden with military munitions and valuable stores for the British officers. He was after ward transferred to the Alliance, a frigate of 36 guns, which was placed under his orders. The Alliance sailed from Boston 25 Dec. 1781 with the Marquis de la Fayette and Count de Noailles on board, who were proceed ing to France on public business. During the rest of the war Barry served with credit to himself and benefit to his country and after the cessation of hostilities was appointed to super ietend the building of the frigate Uuited States in Philadelphia, which was designed for his cammand. He retaiaed the command of the United States until she was laid up in ordinary,