ain Barry then told Captain Edwards that
he, John Barry, commanded the Continental frigate the "Alliance" and
advised him to haul down the English colors.

Captain Edwards replied, "Thank you, Sir. Perhaps I may after a trial."

The firing then began. The "Alliance" had not wind enough for steerage
way. The enemy being lighter vessels, by using sweeps, got and kept
athwart the stern of the "Alliance" so that she could not bring half her
guns to bear upon them, and often but one gun out astern to bear on the
two--thus lying like a log the greater part of the time. Captain Barry
received a wound in the shoulder from a grape shot. He remained on the
quarterdeck until exhausted by loss of blood, when he was helped to the
cock-pit for treatment. Soon the colors of the "Alliance" were shot
away. This caused the enemy to believe the Americans had struck their
colors. They gave three cheers and manned their shrouds expecting a
surrender. But the colors of the "Alliance" were again run up--a breeze
sprung up--a broadside was given the "Atalanta" and another given the
"Trepassy," the brig. They then struck their colors to the "Alliance."
Captain Smith, of the "Trepassy," was killed. The Captain of the
"Atalanta" was brought on board and taken to Captain Barry, wounded in
his cabin. Captain Edwards advanced and presented his sword. Captain
Barry received it but at once returned it, saying:

"I return it to you, Sir. You have merited it. Your King ought to give
you a better ship. Here is my cabin at your service. Use it as your
own."

He then ordered Lieutenant King, of the "Trepassy" brig to be brought to
him. The crew of the "Atalanta" and the prisoners Barry had on the
"Alliance," numbering 250, should all be put on the "Trepassy," her
cannon thrown overboard, and she sent to Halifax as a cartel for the
exchange of American prisoners, while the Captain and Lieutenant
remained as hostages. The "Atalanta" was retaken by the "Charlestown"
and "Vulture." On account of Captain Barry's wound, the "Alliance" made
all sail for Boston. Kessler relates that when Captain Barry had been
carried to his cabin to have his wounds dressed, the Lieutenant later
went to him and reporting that the "Alliance" was very much damaged,
many men killed and wounded and of the disadvantages for want of wind,
asked "Shall the colors be struck?"

Captain Barry passionately answered: "No, Sir, and if the ship cannot be
fought without me, I will be brough