Irish-born sea captain (1745-1803) who commanded a number of American vessels during the Revolutionary War. Among other accomplishments, he successfully transported French gold across the Atlantic in order to fund the war effort, organized the crossing of the Delaware at Trenton in 1776, and forced a British surrender in the final naval engagement of the war. Revolutionary War-dated partly-printed DS, signed “John Barry Cap't,” one page, 6.75 x 3, September 1782. Certificate issued to a seaman who served on the USS Lexington, in full: "I do hereby certify, That the Bearer, Geo. Stitt, late Seaman on board the Lexington under my command, is entitled to whatever share or portion of prize-money may accrue him from service." In very good condition, with light show-through from old mounting remnants on the back, and small splits and losses to edges. Accompanied by an engraved portrait bearing a facsimile signature. Barry served as captain of the Lexington from December 1775 through October 1776, during which time he captured several private armed vessels.
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