completed cost $299,336.
She was 175 feet in length, 44 feet beam and of 1576 tonnage. She was
launched May 10, 1797.

"In the long list of splendid vessels which in a hundred combats have
maintained the honor of our national flag, the 'United States' stands at
the head." She served our country well in the war with France under
Barry; also in the war with England in 1812-15 and in subsequent duties,
peaceful or warlike.

LINES ON THE DEATH OF COMMODORE BARRY.

BY MICHAEL FORTUNE.

Columbia's friend, freed from this worldly coil,
Now rests (so Heav'n ordains) from human toil;
A Patriot firm, thro' chequer'd life unblam'd,
A gallant vet'ran, for his powers fam'd.
Beneath his guidance, lo! a Navy springs,
An infant Navy spreads its canvas wings,
A rising Nation's weal, to shield, to save,
And guard her Commerce on the dang'rous wave.

Whoe'er the Sage, his character shall scan,
Must trace those Virtues that exalt the man,
The bold achievement and heroic deed
To honor's fame, the laurel'd Brave that lead,
Long for his merits and unsully'd name
(Dear to his friends and sanctify'd name);
His clay cold relics shall his country mourn,
And with her tears bedew his hallow'd urn.

Come, cheering Hope--celestial cherub come--
Say that his virtues soar beyond the tomb,
Say that with Mercy in ethereal guise,
His white-robed spirit climbs yon op'ning skies.

(Philadelphia, Sept., 1803.)

CHAPTER XIX.

LAUNCH OF THE "UNITED STATES"--WAR WITH FRANCE--BARRY COMMANDS THE
AMERICAN FLEET IN THE WEST INDIES--CAPTURES THE "SAN PAREIL"--AGAIN
SENT TO THE WEST INDIES--BARRY FIRES ON THE FRENCH BATTERIES AT BASSE
TERRE--TO FRANCE AGAIN--DEATH OF OUR HERO.

The frigate "United States" though launched in May, 1797, was not ready
for sea until July, 1798, when, on 3d July, the new Secretary of the new
Department--the Navy--Hon. Benjamin Stoddert, directed Captain Barry "to
proceed to sea with the first fair wind," and expressing President
Adams' "conviction that nothing on your part will be wanting to justify
the high confidence reposed by him and your country in your activity,
skill and bravery."

He was directed to cruise "from Cape Henry to Nantucket," to "defend
this extent of coast against the depredations of the vessels sailing
under authority or pretence of authority of the French Republic," and to
"afford all possible protection to the ves