In the spring of 1777, when Congress appointed eighteen brigadier-generals, six of those who were thus commissioned were Irish by birth or descent. Among the number were the dashing and brilliant Mad Anthony Wayne and the strong and courageous Clinton. I need only speak of the accomplished Montgomery, whose valor has been justly praised and who died a hero’s death upon the plains of Quebec, or of Sullivan, the splendid leader and the associate of Washington, upon whom the latter leaned more than upon any other, and for whose great service the thanks of Congress were extended; of Knox and Stark and many others who were ideal and successful leaders in the great Revolutionary struggle. It has been asserted, but undoubtedly with very much exaggeration, that half of the Continental Army were Irish or of Irish descent. Even if this be not true it must be admitted that the race had a large representation in the Army, and it speaks well for their patriotism and devotion to the cause of American Independence. The Irish race I think can take a just pride in the accomplishments of its people, not only as statesmen and leaders in contributing vastly towards shaping the policies of the colonies in the formative period of our history with a view to the ultimate forming of the Federal Union, and also in leadership and on men in the field of battle. But it was not alone upon the land that the heroism of the race asserted itself in the cause for National Independence. If not the first, at least among the first naval fights of the Revolution was the capture of the British ship _Margaretta_ at Machias Bay on the Coast of Maine on May 11, 1775. The Americans were commanded by Captain O’Brien, the son of an Irish immigrant. This victory has frequently been called “The Lexington of the Seas.” It was John Barry, a native of Ireland, who received one of the first naval commissions from Congress. Through his ability and leadership and his many well earned victories he brought the highest credit to America upon the seas. Commodore Barry today is justly called “The Father of the American Navy.” He was the great naval commander of the Revolution. I might name many other distinguished officers of this nationality who rendered conspicuous service to their country and added to the fame of the Navy in the war of the Revolution. Irish womanhood also gave evidence of its devotion and heroism in the person of Mollie Pitcher, who took the place at the cannon of her fallen husband and is accorded a hero’s place in the battle of Monmouth. The devotion of those of Irish blood did not exhaust itself in the cause of the Revolution alone. In the War of 1812 it contributed some of its most conspicuous figures. It was Jackson at New Orleans, Commodore Stewart on the sea with his _Constitution_, McDonough on Lake Champlain and Perry on Lake Erie that won imperishable glory for the American Army and Navy in that War.