In 1781 the Admiralty and Navy Boards were abolished by Congress and all naval affairs given to the Finance Department, supervised by Robert Morris. At this time the "Alliance" and the "Deane," frigates, constituted the whole of the effective navy. On September 21st Mr. Morris notified Captain Barry that it was projected to have the two frigates sent out upon a cruise under Barry's command to "disturb the enemy" by taking prizes, and neither fixing the cruising ground nor its length of time, knowing Barry would take "the most likely course and be anxious to meet such events as will do honor to the American flag and promote the general interest." He was to transmit at every opportunity reports of his operations to Morris and to General Washington any intelligence which may affect his operations. But, late in October, the "Deane" not being manned as soon as the "Alliance," Barry was directed to proceed to sea as soon as the "Alliance" would be ready. But the victory at Yorktown on October 19th, when Cornwallis surrendered his army to the combined French and American forces and to the French fleet, caused a change to be made in the movements of the "Alliance." Instead of going out to seek prizes to procure funds to be applied to the support of the small navy, Captain Barry, on November 21, 1781, was directed to take Lafayette to France "on business of the utmost importance to America." So urgent was this mission that Barry was directed to take part of the crew of the "Deane," place them on the "Alliance" and to take such French seamen as the Consul could procure. If still short of men the Governor of Massachusetts should be applied to for permission to impress seamen wherever found. Besides Lafayette, his brother-in-law, Vicomte de Noailles, General Du Portail, Colonel Gouvion, Major La Combe and others were also taken on the "Alliance." Morris directed that "the safe and speedy arrival of Marquis Lafayette is of such importance that I think it most consistent with my duty to restrain you from cruising on the passage. You are, therefore, to avoid all vessels and keep in mind as your sole object to make a quiet and safe passage to some port in France." Regarding stores for the accommodation of the French gentlemen, "Let it be done with discretion; remember we are not rich enough to be extravagant nor so poor as to act meanly." If funds were needed for a return cruise Barry was advised to "prevail with the Marquis to give you credit, but you must remember that all the money we have or can get in France will be wanted for other more important purpose, therefore, I charge you not to expend one livre more than is absolutely necessary."