of
the new Nation. He commanded the "Lexington," the first vessel
commissioned by authority of the Continental Congress. He commanded the
"Alliance," the best vessel the Congress had commissioned and the last
in the Continental service. He brought Congress its first prize. He
brought Congress its last war money.

On March 20, 1783, the "Alliance" arrived at Newport, R.I.--the last war
day, as on the next day the "Triumphe," commanded by Chevalier du
Quesne, arrived at Philadelphia with the preliminary Treaty of Peace.
She had been despatched from Cadiz on February 11th by D'Estaing, who
was ready to sail with sixty ships of the line and a very formidable
armament, but had given up the voyage on the agreement for peace.

On March 25th--Annunciation Day--Congress ordered the recall of all
vessels cruising under authority of the United States.

On April 19, 1783, Washington announced the close of the war and the
disbandment of the army.

On April 16th the cessation of hostilities was proclaimed in Barry's
home city--Philadelphia--to "a vast concourse of people, who expressed
their satisfaction on the happy occasion by repeated shouts. The State
flag was hoisted and the bells were rung and a general joy diffused
itself throughout the city."

New York City had been under British control nearly the whole war. How
great the contrast there. "When the proclamation was read nothing but
groans and hisses prevailed, attended by bitter reproaches and curses on
their King for having deserted them in the midst of their calamities."

Philadelphia, the seat of the "Rebellion," now by success made a
"Revolution," was open to the commerce of the world. On May 2d the ship
"Hibernia," Robert Scallan, Master, arrived from Dublin and soon, at the
store of Clement Biddle his cargo of "gold and silver silks, rich and
slight brocades, flannels, Mantuas and fabrics, colored and sky colored
tissue and Florentines, tamboured silks and satin, shapes for
gentlemen's vests and black Norwich capes" were on sale.

Joy bounded throughout the land. Meetings were held to express patriotic
sentiments. The men of Northampton, Pa., did so. The ladies of
Northampton followed the next day. Among the "toasts" on the occasion
was this: "May the Protestant religion prevail and flourish through all
nations."

Yet John Barry, an Irish-born Roman Catholic, had battled all the eight
years--from the first to the last of the fight--to win Freedom and
Independe