[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 38 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.J.Res.38
One Hundred Ninth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the fourth day of January, two thousand and five
Joint Resolution
Recognizing Commodore John Barry as the first flag officer of the United
States Navy.
Whereas John Barry, American merchant marine captain and native of
County Wexford, Ireland, volunteered his services to the Continental
Navy during the American War for Independence and was assigned by the
Continental Congress as captain of the Lexington, taking command of
that vessel on March 14, 1776, and later participating in the
victorious Trenton campaign;
Whereas the quality and effectiveness of Captain John Barry's service
to the American war effort was recognized not only by George
Washington but also by the enemies of the new Nation;
Whereas Captain John Barry rejected British General Lord Howe's
flattering offer to desert Washington and the patriot cause, stating:
``Not the value and command of the whole British fleet can lure me
from the cause of my country.'';
Whereas Captain John Barry, while in command of the frigate Alliance,
successfully transported French gold to America to help finance the
American War for Independence and also won numerous victories at sea;
Whereas when the First Congress, acting under the new Constitution of
the United States, authorized the raising and construction of the
United States Navy, it was to Captain John Barry that President
George Washington turned to build and lead the new Nation's infant
Navy, the successor to the Continental Navy of the War for
Independence;
Whereas Captain John Barry supervised the building of his flagship, the
U.S.S. United States;
Whereas on February 22, 1797, President Washington personally conferred
upon Captain John Barry, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate, the rank of Captain, with ``Commission No. 1'', United States
Navy, dated June 7, 1794;
Whereas John Barry served as the senior officer of the United States
Navy, with the title of ``Commodore'' (in official correspondence),
under Presidents Washington, John Adams, and Jefferson;
Whereas as commander of the first United States naval squadron under
the Constitution of the United States, which included the U.S.S.
Constitution (``Old Ironsides''), John Barry was a Commodore, with
the right to fly a broad pendant, which made him a flag officer; and
Whereas in this sense it can be said that Commodore John Barry was the
first flag officer of the United States Navy: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Commodore John Barry is
recognized, and is hereby honored, as the first flag officer of the
United States Navy.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.