=103. John Barry.= Although born on a farm in Ireland (1745), John Barry wanted to be a sailor lad. While still young he was put to service on board a merchant ship. Here young Barry learned more than being a mere sailor. Between voyages he studied hard, and soon gained a useful education. At the age of fifteen he came to Philadelphia, and was so pleased with the country and the people that he resolved to make America his home. [Sidenote: =Offers his services to Congress=] He rose rapidly as a sailor and, when the news of the first bloodshed between England and her colonies came, he offered his services to Congress. [Sidenote: =Made captain of the "Lexington"=] In 1776 Congress made him captain of the ship _Lexington_, the first Continental vessel to sail from William Penn's old city. Barry immediately put to sea, and met and captured the _Edward_ after a fierce fight. Thus the _Lexington_ was the first ship to bear the American flag to victory. Congress, pleased with the result, put him in charge of a larger ship, called the _Effingham_. The British, however, bottled up the _Effingham_ in the Delaware. [Illustration: JOHN BARRY _From the portrait painted by Colin Campbell Cooper after the Stuart painting, now in Independence Hall, Philadelphia_] But Barry was not idle. Arming four boatloads of men, with muffled oars he rowed down the Delaware at night. [Sidenote: =He captures a British vessel and four transports=] Just as the sun was rising Barry saw a British vessel of ten guns. With this ship were four transports loaded with forage for the British army. Barry's boats made for the British ship. His men climbed on board with guns and swords in hand. The British soldiers threw down their arms and ran below. Barry fastened down the hatchways, and then turned his attention to the four transports, which quickly surrendered. Barry then took his five prizes across the river to an American fort. [Sidenote: =He takes command of the "Raleigh"=] In 1778 Congress promoted John Barry to the command of the _Raleigh_. He set sail for Boston, and on his way met a British ship carrying thirty-two guns. His sailors had taken an oath never to surrender. They fought bravely, and had every hope of winning, when a British 64-gun ship came in sight. To keep their oaths, they ran the _Raleigh_ ashore, and set her on fire. The British put out the fire and saved the ship. [Illustration: BARRY'S BOATS ATTACKING THE BRITISH] [Sidenote: =Wounded, but forces the British to strike their colors=] =104. Barry Given Command of the "Alliance."= In 1781 Barry was placed in command of the _Alliance_, a ship whose name was given in honor of France's helping America in this war. In May the _Alliance_ met two British ships, and a hard battle followed. Barry was badly wounded, but would not surrender. He fought on and forced the British ships to strike their colors.