ition" against the
British supply vessels coming up the Delaware.

Washington, amid the desolation of Valley Forge, had his heart torn by
the suffering of his Patriot soldiers who bore all, suffered all, hoped
all, determined to brave all that their country should be free. From
amid that distress Washington sent his thanks for "the good things"
Barry sent to the camp.

While the controversy with Hopkinson was being considered and Barry was
in the upper Delaware, he projected the plan to attempt the destruction
of some of the enemy's vessels lying off Philadelphia by floating down
machines in form of ships' buoys filled with powder. These, as they
floated past the city, were fired at by the British batteries. This
event is known in history as "The Battle of the Kegs."

Singularly, too, Francis Hopkinson, Barry's accuser of want of respect
for him made the event memorable by a humorous ditty reflecting upon
"British valor displayed."

"The cannons roar from shore to shore,
The small arms make a rattle;
Since war's began, I'm sure no man
E'er saw so strange a battle."

The Loyalists, however, considered the battle as "a most astonishing
instance of the activity, bravery and military skill of the Royal Navy
of Great Britain. Officers and men exhibited the most unparalleled skill
and bravery on the occasion, while the citizens stood as solemn witness
of their prowess."

This occurred on Monday, January 5, 1778, a day ever distinguished in
history for the memorable "Battle of the Kegs."

CHAPTER VI.

BARRY ATTACKS THE BRITISH SUPPLY SHIPS BELOW PHILADELPHIA--CAPTURES
THREE--SENDS SUPPLIES TO WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE--THANKS OF
WASHINGTON--WAS BARRY OFFERED A BRITISH COMMAND?

The expedition assigned to Captain Barry which he came near being
deprived of by Congress was a cruise in the Delaware River. The Marine
Committee, not being directed not to employ Barry, on January 29, 1778,
directed him to fit out the pinnace and barges belonging to the frigates
for "a cruise in said river under your command." He was empowered to
"receive stores and employ such Continental Navy officers and call the
number of men necessary for officering, manning, victualing and
equipping the boats." He was directed to have frequent occasion to land
on each side of the Delaware and to restrain his men from plundering or
insulting the inhabitants. The Navy Board was directed to supply
"everything necessary