John Barry, born in County Wexford, Ireland, is known to the world as "The Father of the American Navy." His achievements upon the high seas has never been surpassed by any commander of the world's history. He was not content with fighting upon water, but accompanied some of the daring feats of the Revolution, while fighting on land. England at the time of the Revolution needed a Barry in her navy. She needed one so badly that she had General Howe offer our John Barry 2000 pounds sterling and the best frigate in the English navy, if he would abandon the Revolutionary cause. This offer of the tempter naturally aroused the Irish ire of Barry, and he replied to the proposal in these memorable words: "I have devoted myself to the cause of my country, and not the value or command of the whole British fleet can seduce me from it."
The first Geneal killed in the American ranks during the Revolution, was Major General Richard Montgomery, born in Donegal, Ireland. Eleven of the American Generals were born in Ireland, namely; Generals Stark, the hero of Bennington, Morgan, Hogan, Greaton, Butler, Montgomery, Irvine, Hand, Thompson, Maxwell and Lewis. Six other American Generals were sons of Irishmen, namely; Generals Knox,Wayne (Mad Anthony), Clinton (George), Clinton (James), Reed and Sullivan. General Knox was the son of a Belfast emigrant. was Master of Ordinance, and served in every battle with Washington, and was appointed the first Secretary of War by General Washington when the Government was formed in 1789. "Mad Anthony" Wayne recaptured Stony Point from the British, and played distinguished part in the Battle of Monmouth. General George Clinton was the son of Charles Clinton, a native of Longford, Ireland. He became the first Governor of New York, and held this office for twenty-one years. In 1804, he was chosen Vice-President of the United States and again in 1808. Besides these seventeen Generals of Irish blood, there were twelve Colonels of the same army who were born in Ireland, namely: Colonels Magaw, Kelly, Dooley, Patton, Stewart, Shee, Halslet, Proctor, Fitxgerald, Mooney, Long and Moylan.
We must not overlook the work of the French-Irish Brigade under the leadership of Count Arthur Dillon, Colonel de Dillon, and at the same time remember that Count Dillon was born in Ireland. Several of the companies of Dillon's soldiers were made up entirely of men from Ireland. Dillon in commenting upon the services of these Franco-Irish soldiers, spoke in these words: "Thus we see that the Irish regiments have been constantly employed in all preceeding wars; they have always claimed the privilege of being the first to march against the English in all countries where France has been at war with them."
