his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle;
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

_Clement C. Moore._

* * * * *

_82_

a chieved'
es poused'
thral' dom
al li' ance
ter rif' ic
Del' a ware
Com' mo dore
re cip' i ents
New' found land
can non ad' ing
par tic' i pa ted
char ac ter is' tic

COMMODORE JOHN BARRY.

The story of the American Navy is a story of glorious deeds. From the
early days of Barry and Jones, when it swept the decks of King George's
proud ships with merciless fire, down to the glories achieved by
Admirals Dewey and Schley in our war with Spain, the story of our Navy
is the pride and glory of our Republic. The glowing track of its
victories extends around the world.

Of the many distinguished men whose names and whose deeds adorn the
pages of our country's history, there is none more deserving of our
gratitude and admiration than Commodore John Barry. His name and fame
will live in the naval annals of our country as long as the history of
America lasts.

Commodore Barry, the founder of the American Navy, was born in County
Wexford, Ireland, in the year 1745. At the age of fourteen he left home
for a life on

"The sea, the sea, the open sea,
The blue, the fresh, the ever free."

On board trading vessels he made several voyages to America. He spent
his leisure hours in reading and study, and in this way soon acquired a
general and practical education. By fidelity to duty, he advanced so
rapidly in his profession that at the age of twenty-five we find him in
command of the _Black Prince,_ one of the finest merchant vessels then
running between Philadelphia and London.

When the Revolution broke out between the Colonies and England, our
gallant Commodore gave up the command of his ship, and without delay or
hesitation espoused the cause of his adopted country. Congress purchased
a few vessels, had them fitted out for war, and placed the little fleet
under the command of Captain Barry. His flagship was the _Lexington_,
named after the first battle of the Revolution; and Congress having at
this time adopted a national flag, the Star-spangled Banner, the
_Lexington_ was the first to hoist this ensign of freedom.