men."

The demonstration of satisfaction at Philadelphia because of Barry's
success gave heart to the patriots in an endeavor to have an increase in
the naval force. By the alertness of armed cruisers, protection would be
given to the supplies coming to the Americans and at the same time
captures could be made of supplies going to the British.

On May 1, 1776, the "Edward," condemned by the Court of Admiralty as a
prize to the "Lexington'" was, with all her ammunition, furniture,
tackle and apparel, sold at public auction and the proceeds divided
between the Government and Captain Barry and his crew.

CHAPTER III.

BARRY APPOINTED TO COMMAND DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS IN DELAWARE BAY AND
RIVER--CAPTURES BRITISH SUPPLIES AND PROTECTS AMERICAN--SAVES THE
CARGO OF THE "NANCY" AND EXPLODES HER WHEN THE BRITISH BOARD
HER--CAPTURES THE "LADY SUSAN" AND THE "BETSY"--APPOINTED TO THE
"EFFINGHAM."

The "Lexington" was not in a condition to then proceed on another
expedition, as she needed fitting up. Yet Captain Barry was not
permitted to be idle. On May 8th, Robert Morris, for the Marine
Committee of Congress, directed him to go down the Delaware River in the
sloop "Hornet," commanded by Captain Hallock, and to take the officers
and men of the "Lexington" to supply the Provincial armed ship,
commanded by Captain Read, the Floating Battery and the "Reprisal,"
under Captain Wickes, with men sufficient to have these vessels "fit for
immediate action," and to give the "utmost exertions" of himself,
officers and men in defending the pass at Fort Island so as to prevent
the British coming to Philadelphia; and also to take, sink or destroy
such as attempted to do so as well as pursue those he thought it
advisable to follow. This made Captain Barry the Commodore or ranking
officer in the naval operations in Delaware Bay. The next day Captain
Barry reported to Mr. Morris, urging the fitting out of the "Lexington"
so "she might be of service. The more there is the better," said the
Captain, though adding, "We shall keep them in play."

So the "Lexington" was fitted out and sent down the Bay to Barry where
the "Roebuck" and "Liverpool," British frigates, were "in and about."
Barry joined the rest of the fleet at Cape May. The "Liverpool" "was
scared away" when the Americans went "in quest of the pirates."

At this time the thirteen vessels ordered in December to be built for
the Marine Committee were being comple