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Commodore Joshua Barney:
Joshua Barney was born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 6, 1759. He served with distinction in the Navy during both the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
A seafaring life began early for Barney, who at eleven joined the crew of a Baltimore pilot boat. By sixteen he distinguished himself by assuming command of a merchant vessel whose captain had died during an Atlantic crossing. The nautical skills and commercial acumen Barney developed just prior to the American Revolution were redirected to serving his country during the War.
As an officer in the Continental navy, Barney engaged the British in numerous battles, was captured three times, and successfully implemented a daring escape from Mill Prison in England. Employing several disguises, he returned to America, whereupon the state of Pennsylvania appointed him to command the Hyder Ally. While convoying merchant vessels in Delaware Bay, Barney engaged the superior General Monk and succeeded through skillful naval tactics and a ruse to capture this British ship.
After the Revolution, Barney joined the French Navy, where he commanded a squadron. He returned home in 1802 and, early in the War of 1812, captained the privateer Rosie which captured 18 British vessels valued at 1.5 million. |