plies for the British. He stripped the vessels and
sent the supplies northward through New Jersey and burned the vessels.
The "Alert," a British schooner with eight four-pounders, twelve
four-pound howitzers and thirty-three men properly equipped for an armed
vessel, came in sight while Barry was engaged in the encounter with the
supply vessels. Barry sent a flag to Captain Morse, of the "Alert,"
demanding a surrender, promising that the officers would be allowed
their private baggage, whereupon the "Alert" was "delivered up" to
Captain Barry, who granted parole to the Captain to go to Philadelphia
for a fortnight. "The schooner is a most excellent vessel for our
purpose," wrote Captain Barry to General Washington two days later, when
sending him a "cheese and a jar of pickled oysters" from the store of
wines and luxuries intended for General Howe's table. He also sent a
plan of New York "which may be of service," which he had taken on the
"Alert."

Though a fleet of the enemy's small vessels were in sight, "I am
determined," wrote Barry, "to hold the 'Alert' at all events;" that as a
number of ships with very little convoy were expected Barry declared
that with about forty more men he could give a very good account of
them. The next day, March 8, 1778, he reported to the Marine Committee
the success of the expedition. On the 11th the Committee congratulated
the "gallant commander, brave officers and men concerned in it
throughout the whole cruise." He was informed that the "Alert" would be
purchased for a cruiser, her name changed to the "Wasp," of which he was
to take command or bestow it on some brave, active and prudent officer
on a cruise on the coast and off Cape Henlopen, so as "to descry the
enemies' vessels coming and going." Barry's "well-known bravery and good
conduct" were commended. The British "frigates and small armed vessels,"
however, attacked Barry. After a long and severe engagement he was
obliged to ground and abandon the 'Alert,' though he saved her guns and
most of her tackle, so Washington reported to Congress on March 12th.

That day Washington wrote to Barry:

"I have received your favor of the 9th inst. and congratulate you on the
success that has crowned your gallantry and address in the late attacks
on the enemy's ships. Although circumstances have prevented you from
reaping the full benefit of your conquests, yet there is ample
consolation in the degree of glory which you have acquired.