d keep in mind as your sole object to make a quiet and
safe passage to some port in France."

Regarding stores for the accommodation of the French gentlemen, "Let it
be done with discretion; remember we are not rich enough to be
extravagant nor so poor as to act meanly." If funds were needed for a
return cruise Barry was advised to "prevail with the Marquis to give you
credit, but you must remember that all the money we have or can get in
France will be wanted for other more important purpose, therefore, I
charge you not to expend one livre more than is absolutely necessary."

The "Alliance" sailed from Boston on December 23, 1781, and arrived at
L'Orient, on January 18, 1782. During the voyage a British ship appeared
in sight, "as if she could give them sport," as Barry's crew often
wishing "Lafayette was in France," stated it. Barry's peremptory order
to avoid all vessels and take no prizes debarred an encounter with the
enemy. The crew manifested discontent at avoiding the possible prizes
and, relates Kessler, this appeared to increase the conflict in Barry's
mind between the call of duty and his inclination. Instead of
reprobating and promptly punishing what on other occasions would have
been the case, he was governed by a sullen silence which, if propriety
permitted him to break, would have pronounced: "I also wish the Marquis
were in France." But duty triumphed then as ever with Barry. As
speedily as wind and wave and skill could force onward the "Alliance"
she sped on her mission of the "utmost importance," and in twenty-three
days Lafayette was in France.

Barry's instructions permitted him, after his placing Lafayette "in
France," to cruise in search of prizes until March 1st. The "Alliance"
sailed from L'Orient on February 10, 1782, and returned after seventeen
days without making any captures, the vessels met being neutral ships.

On March 16, 1782, the "Alliance" sailed from L'Orient for return to
America and here again disappointment came. All the vessels spoken on
the voyage "none were of the enemy." On May 10th the "Alliance" arrived
off the Delaware Bay. The British frigate "Chatham," of 64 guns, and the
"Speedwell," sloop-of-war, barred entrance to the river, and off New
York two more frigates joined in the chase of the "Alliance," but she,
having a speed of fifteen knots an hour, succeeded in escaping the much
superior force and getting to New London, Connecticut, on May 13th. This
incident was one