d by Washington and Navy Board to Sink the Vessels on the Upper Delaware-Protests-Declared He knew more about a Ship t

, of General Charles Lee, second in command to Washington, while he was a prisoner in New York. He thus proved himself a traitor more despicable even than Arnold. His infamy did not become known until of late years. Moving northward from the head of the Chesapeake Bay,

move down the river and all north to go up the Delaware to escape fallin

teries" and other vessels protecting and maintaining the chevaux de frize off Billingsport by sinking obstr

but seemingly with but little effect, though "playing their part most nobly and acting like men and fre

Barry and the Pennsylvania fleet under Hazlewood drove them back, preventing their passage up the river. The British frigate the "Augusta" and the "Merlin" were driven ashore.

s it was necessary to pass Philadelphia, then in possession of the British. This was successfully accomplished by the State fleet early in the morning of November 16th. They were "unperceived," says the British account, until the passage had been successfully made. The enemy were more alert the following night when the Continental vessels under Barry endeavored to make the pass

g his career. Doubtless from his activity, good judgment and bravery at this period may have proceeded all the successes of his subsequent career. The Con

nt Lyons, of the "Dickinson," deserted. After the British had evacuated Philadelphia these deserters we

, directed to move the "Effingham" "a little below White Hill" (now Fieldsboro, N.J.) "where she may lie on a soft bottom. You are to sink her there without delay by sunset this evening." But Barry was loath to sink the vessel he had been appointed to command and fight. Later in the month Francis Hopki

order the sinking. Barry offered to go and inform him, but Hopkinson declared Washington had been informed and his order would

Board, "that nevertheless I knew more about a ship than General Washington and the Navy Board together. That I was c

r-and the orders were punctually obeyed"-while Hopkinson himself was on board giving orders which did not permit the vessel to keel and so was "very near upsetting." When Barry reporte

insult I overlooked, having the getting up of the ship much at heart," Barry told Congress. So he got everything ready and sent for a

doth she rise,"

lied Barry. This was an allusion to Hopkinson's order that onl

ays grumbling," r

say?" quickly

own business, you scou

lie," s

ell me I lie?"

em that said so," w

he would bring Barry

gress, "Damn you! I don't value

nded your duty," r

ongress knew I had minded my duty, and added that had he minded

of the "disrespect and ill treatment which Hopkinson had re

ade defense, concluding by saying that he considered himself "unworthy the commission of Congress

reated Mr. Hopkinson with indecency and disrespect." Nothing further appears on record, so it is presumed Captain Barry complied and the case closed. At this ti

ned to his conduct by the Marine Committee with the approbation of Congress until the further order of Congress." Had he not been employed, Washington mig

oldiers who bore all, suffered all, hoped all, determined to brave all that their country should be f

truction of some of the enemy's vessels lying off Philadelphia by floating down machines in form of ships' buoys filled with powder. Th

want of respect for him made the event memorable by a h

roar from s

arms mak

began, I'm

o strange

y and military skill of the Royal Navy of Great Britain. Officers and men exhibited the most unparall

8, a day ever distinguished in history