Distinguished naval officer; born in Wexford County, Ireland, 1745. At
the outbreak of the Revolution he abandoned “the finest ship and the
finest employ in America” to enter the service of the republic; was
appointed by Congress, in 1776, to prepare for sea a fleet which
sailed from Philadelphia, Pa.; rendered brilliant service while
commanding successively the U. S. S. Lexington, the U. S. S.
Raleigh, and the U. S. S. Alliance; was publicly thanked by
Washington; became senior officer of the navy; died at Philadelphia,
1803.
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