.

This "unequal contest with two ships was fought with great gallantry and
though Captain Barry lost his ship he gained laurels for himself and
honor for his country. Perhaps no ship was ever better defended," wrote
John Brown, Secretary of the Navy Board at Boston to the Marine
Committee of Congress, adding, "Captain Barry's conduct is highly
approved and his officers and men are greatly pleased with him."

"His good conduct and bravery are universally allowed," said the
_Pennsylvania Post_.

Captain Barry "fought with his usual bravery. His officers and men being
sworn not to surrender, our brave Captain Barry avoided violating his
oath by running the 'Raleigh' ashore," wrote Colonel John Laurens to his
father.

The British frigates were the "Experiment," of 50 guns, and the
"Unicorn," of 22 guns, or 72 guns against Barry's 32. The latter had ten
men killed and was greatly damaged in hull and rigging in the contest of
nine hours duration. The "Raleigh" lost twenty-five killed and wounded.
The ship was added to the Royal Navy under the same name. This battle
took place off Seal Island, or Fox Island, in Penobscot Bay.

Cooper's _History of the Navy_ said, "Captain Barry gained credit for
his gallantry on this occasion."

"A noble and daring defence," said Watson's _Annals of Philadelphia_.

This disaster left Barry without a ship. The loss, though regrettable,
did not lessen his reputation as a skillful and sagacious commander nor
mar the character he had won for bravery.

The Marine Committee in ordering the Navy Board at Boston to "order a
Court of Inquiry on Captain Barry's conduct," said: "The loss of the
'Raleigh' is certainly a very great misfortune, but we have a
consolation in reflecting that the spirited and gallant behavior of her
commander has done honor to our flag."

And that it held him not censurable is shown by its statement that as
"Captain Harding has been appointed to the command of the frigate at
Norwich named the 'Confederacy,' which prevents our giving that ship to
Captain Barry."

The Committee was ready at once to give him another command had a vessel
been ready for him. That too without waiting the action of the Court of
Inquiry, which it had ordered. But the Committee had soon occasion to
give an appointment which showed the estimation in which his abilities
were held as the foremost naval commander, worthy to be entrusted with
its best commands and ships.

[Illustration: ORDER