22, 1777, Count Donop attacked the Americans in Fort
Mercer at Red Bank, the British fleet cooperated with the land forces,
while the Continental vessels under Barry and the Pennsylvania fleet
under Hazlewood drove them back, preventing their passage up the river.
The British frigate the "Augusta" and the "Merlin" were driven ashore.
The "Merlin" was set on fire by its crew. The powder on the "Augusta"
exploded and that vessel was blown up. Portions of its remains are in
the water off Red Bank to this day.

Fort Mifflin, held by the Americans, was attacked on November 16, 1777.
Unable to have the assistance of the Continental or the State Navy, the
fort was abandoned. A council of the commanders of the fleet was held,
when it was decided that an endeavor should be made at night to take all
the vessels up the river, as the British fleet held control of the lower
Delaware. To do this it was necessary to pass Philadelphia, then in
possession of the British. This was successfully accomplished by the
State fleet early in the morning of November 16th. They were
"unperceived," says the British account, until the passage had been
successfully made. The enemy were more alert the following night when
the Continental vessels under Barry endeavored to make the passage.
Three or four succeeded. Others had to be burned to prevent capture. The
success of this elusive passage up the river emboldened, as we shall see
later, Captain Barry, a few months afterwards, to make another
successful passage down the river, passing, unmolested, the British
vessels off Philadelphia and getting down into the Bay to oppose the
British hovering thereabouts.

Barry's operations on the Delaware, while the British occupied
Philadelphia, were as brilliant and as audacious in bravery as any
services performed during his career. Doubtless from his activity, good
judgment and bravery at this period may have proceeded all the successes
of his subsequent career. The Continental authorities were made aware at
once of the abilities of the gallant man whom they had so early in the
struggle for Independence placed in command.

During the attack on Fort Mifflin by the British, Lieutenant Ford, of
Barry's "Effingham," and Lieutenant Lyons, of the "Dickinson," deserted.
After the British had evacuated Philadelphia these deserters were
captured and on September 2, 1778, shot. The execution took place on a
guard-boat off Market Street.

After the Continental and St