t on deck." The officer immediately
returned to deck. Captain Barry, after being dressed in haste, was on
his way to the deck when the enemy struck. The "Alliance" lost eleven
killed and twenty-four wounded. From her crew of two hundred and
eighty--three prize crews had been taken--fifty were on the sick list. A
few of these were able to sit between decks and hand powder to the
magazine. There were more than one hundred prisoners on board, as well
as those of the crew of a mutinous disposition. Add to all this
disadvantage the total calm prevailing until near the end of the
contest, the capture of the two British vessels was one of special
noteworthy importance. "It was considered a most brilliant exploit and
an unequivocal evidence of the unconquerable firmness and intrepidity of
the victor," says Frost's _Naval Biography_. Here again we find Captain
Barry adding to his record of capturing two prizes in one action.

The "Alliance" continued cruising, searching for other prey, but not
meeting any, made for Boston, where she arrived June 6, 1781. Captain
Barry's wound was yet in a dangerous condition. So he sent Kessler to
Philadelphia to bring on Mrs. Barry. The "Alliance" being much shattered
in her masts, sails and rigging, a thorough overhauling and repairing
was needed. The three mutineers were tried and condemned to be hanged.
The sentence was commuted to "serve during the war." Captain Barry
refused their admission on the "Alliance," so they were delivered to a
recruiting party as soldiers.

CHAPTER XI.

JOHN PAUL JONES SEEKS TO BE "HEAD OF THE NAVY" IN PLACE OF
BARRY--BARRY TAKES LAFAYETTE TO FRANCE, AFTER THE SURRENDER OF
CORNWALLIS, ON "BUSINESS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE"--ORDERED TO TAKE
NO PRIZES--LANDS LAFAYETTE--RETURNS TO AMERICA.

On July 25, 1781, Captain Barry reported to the Board of Admiralty that
he was "almost recovered" of his wound and in a few days would be able
for duty, his presence being very requisite on account of the scarcity
of officers. He made recommendations for places. On June 24th Captain
James Nicholson had written Captain Barry congratulating him upon his
success. He related in detail the endeavors of Captain John Paul Jones
by personal application to members of Congress to have himself declared
"Head of the Navy." He told Barry that his "arrival and success came
opportunely and I did not fail to make use of it in presence of Captain
Jones and some of his advo