e justified under any circumstances or any
pretence whatever, and that they were exceedingly sorry for the rashness
which betrayed them into such behavior." Then the strikers were
"restored to former rank and command."

[Illustration: MISS ELIZABETH ADAMS BARNES

Great-Great-Grandniece of Commodore Barry; who christened "The Barry"
Boat March 22, 1902]

CHAPTER V.

THE BRITISH CAPTURE PHILADELPHIA--ACTIVITY OF BARRY--COMMANDER OF
NAVY AT PORT OF PHILADELPHIA--BATTLE AT RED BANK--ORDERED BY
WASHINGTON AND NAVY BOARD TO SINK THE VESSELS ON THE UPPER
DELAWARE--PROTESTS--DECLARED HE KNEW MORE ABOUT A SHIP THAN
WASHINGTON AND THE BOARD--CHARGED WITH DISRESPECT--HIS DEFENSE TO
CONGRESS--HIS BRILLIANT OPERATIONS ON THE DELAWARE.

The British, in 1776 having failed to reach Philadelphia by the
northward way through New Jersey, planned the 1777 campaigns to end with
the capture from the southward by the Chesapeake of the capital of "the
rebels." This was in accordance with the plan, as we now know, of
General Charles Lee, second in command to Washington, while he was a
prisoner in New York. He thus proved himself a traitor more despicable
even than Arnold. His infamy did not become known until of late years.
Moving northward from the head of the Chesapeake Bay, the British
encountered Washington at Brandywine and, defeating him, secured an
entrance to Philadelphia when it pleased General Howe to enter, which he
did on September 26th, amid the welcoming acclaim of the people who
remained. The Patriots had generally left the city.

On the 23d the Navy Board ordered all vessels south of Market Street to
move down the river and all north to go up the Delaware to escape
falling into the hands of the British. Barry's "Effingham" went down the
river.

Barry, as the Senior Commander of the Navy at the Port of Philadelphia,
had charge of the "row gallies, batteries" and other vessels protecting
and maintaining the _chevaux de frize_ off Billingsport by sinking
obstructions to prevent the passage to the city of any British vessels
and thus effectually stopping the channel.

The British erected a battery near the mouth of the Schuylkill upon
which Barry's galleys fired at times but seemingly with but little
effect, though "playing their part most nobly and acting like men and
freemen convincing the world their liberty was merited," to use the
words of Thomas McKean to General Rodney.

When, on October