Official Proclamations and Resolutions
RESOLUTIONS, Expressing the Sense of Congress on the Gallant Conduct of Lieut. Sterret, the Officers and Crew of the United States Schooner Enterprize.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/res001.asp
RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That they entertain a high sense of the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Sterret, and the other officers, seamen and marines, on board the schooner Enterprize, in the capture of a Tripolitan corsair, of fourteen guns and eighty men.
Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to present to Lieutenant Sterret, a sword, commemorative of the aforesaid heroic action; and that one month's pay be allowed to all the other officers, seamen and marines, who were on board the Enterprize when the aforesaid action took place.
APPROVED February 3,1802.
RESOLUTION Expressive of the Sense of Congress of the Gallant Conduct of Captain Stephen Decatur, the Officers and Crew of the United States Ketch Intrepid, in Attacking in the Harbor of Tripoli, and Destroying, a Tripolitan Frigate of Forty-four Guns.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/res002.asp
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be requested to present, in the name of Congress, to Captain Stephen Decatur, a sword, and to each of the officers and crew of the United States ketch Intrepid, two months pay, as a testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of the gallantry, good conduct and services of Captain Decatur, the officers and crew of the said ketch, in attacking in the harbor of Tripoli, and destroying a Tripolitan frigate of forty-four guns.
APPROVED, November 27, 1804.
Resolutions Expressive of the Sense of Congress of the Gallant Conduct of Commodore Edward Preble, the Officers, Seamen and Marines of His Squadron.
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/res003.asp
Resolved by the Senate and Hoarse of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the thanks of Congress be, and the same are hereby presented to Commodore Edward Preble, and through him to the officers, petty officers, seamen and marines attached to the squadron under his command, for their gallantry and good conduct, displayed in the several attacks on the town, batteries and naval force of Tripoli, in the year one thousand eight hundred and four.
Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause a gold medal to be struck, emblematical of the attacks on the town, batteries and naval force of Tripoli, by the squadron under Commodore Preble's command, and to present it to Commodore Preble, in such manner as in his opinion will be most honourable to him. And that the President be further requested to cause a sword to be presented to each of the commissioned officers and midshipmen who have distinguished themselves in the several attacks.
Resolved, That one month's pay be allowed exclusively of the common allowance to all the petty officers, seamen and marines of the squadron, who so gloriously supported the honour of the American flag, under the orders of their gallant commander in the several attacks.
Resolved, That the President of the United States be also requested to communicate to the parents or other near relatives of Captain Richard Somers, lieutenants Henry Wadsworth, James Decatur, James R. Caldwell, Joseph Israel, and midshipman John Sword Dorsey, the deep regret which Congress feel for the loss of those gallant men, whose names ought to live in the recollection and affection of a grateful country, and whose conduct ought to be regarded as an example to future generations.
APPROVED, March 3, 1805.
Resolution Concerning the Danish Consul at Tripoli
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/res004.asp
RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be requested to cause to be made known to Nicholas C. Nissen, Esquire, his Danish majesty's consul residing at Tripoli, the high sense entertained by Congress, of his disinterested and benevolent attentions, manifested to Captain Bainbridge, his officers, and crew, during the time of their captivity in Tripoli.
APPROVED, April 10, 1806.
RICHARD SOMERS DAY
ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION
No. 91
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
211th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 23, 2004
Establishing September 4th Richard Somers Day in the State of New Jersey
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman JOHN C. GIBSON
District 1 (Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland)
Assemblyman JEFF VAN DREW
District 1 (Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland)
SYNOPSIS
Permanently establishing September 4th as Richard Somers Day
A Joint Resolution permanently establishing September 4th as Richard Somers Day in New Jersey.
WHEREAS, Richard Somers, born during the American Revolution on September 15, 1778, was the great-grandson of John Somers, the founder of Somers Point, New Jersey, and
WHEREAS, Richard Somers first learned to sail as a boy on Great Egg Bay, later joining the United States Navy in 1798 as a Midshipman on the U.S.S. United States under the command of John Barry, the father of the U.S. Navy, and
WHEREAS, Upon being promoted to Lieutenant, Richard Somers was put in command of his own ship the U.S.S. Nautilus, and assigned to the Mediterranean fleet to fight the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War, and
WHEREAS, Aboard the U.S.S. Nautilus, Richard Somers captured a pirate ship, which became a prize, the profits of which were shared among the crew, and
WHEREAS, With Lt. Stephen Decatur, Lt. James Decatur and under the Command of Captain Edward Preble, led numerous attacks against the enemy fleet at Tripoli Harbor, that resulted in hand-to-hand combat and inflicted heavy damage to the pirates, and
WHEREAS, While in command of the U.S.S. Intrepid, Richard Somers and his crew of 12 volunteers died a hero's death during a daring nighttime raid on the pirate fleet at Tripoli harbor in Libya on September 4,1804, and
WHEREAS, The remains of Richard Somers and his crew are buried in an unmarked grave at Green Square and in the Old Protestant Cemetery in Tripoli, Libya, and
WHEREAS, Richard Somers' contributions helped end the First Barbary War, and important campaign for his fledgling country, proving that the American forces had the cohesion to fight together and execute a war far from home, and
WHEREAS, Richard Somers and the men who fought in that war established the principles, style and traditions of action that are continued by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. military today, and
WHEREAS, Richard Somers has been memorialized by the United States Navy, with at least six U.S. naval warships bearing his name and a monument standing at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and
WHEREAS, September 4, 2004 will mark the 200th anniversary of Richard Somers' death; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. September 4th of each year is designated Richard Somers Day in honor of the anniversary of the heroic death of New Jersey's native son.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of the State to observe this day each year with appropriate educational events and activities.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution declares September 4th of each year Richard Somers Day in the State of New Jersey. Richard Somers, a native of Somers Point, New Jersey, fought bravely against the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. September 4, 2004 will mark the 200th anniversary of his heroic death during a daring nighttime raid in Tripoli harbor, Libya.
JOHN BARRY DAY - OFFICIAL RESOLUTIONS
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION No. 417 Session of 2009
INTRODUCED BY GABIG, JULY 20, 2009
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, JULY 20, 2009
A RESOLUTION
Designating September 13, 2009, as "Commodore John Barry Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Commodore John Barry was born at Ballysampson in Tachumshin Parish, County Wexford, Ireland, in 1745 and immigrated to Philadelphia at 15 years of age, finding employment with a shipping firm where he prospered and became master of several merchant vessels; and
WHEREAS, Commodore Barry's first command came in 1766 aboard the schooner "Barbadoes" sailing out of Philadelphia, which he adopted as his home port; and
WHEREAS, At the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, Commodore Barry, like many of his fellow Irish Americans who constituted nearly 40% of the continental forces, joined the battle for American independence; and
WHEREAS, Upon the outbreak of war, the Continental Congress commissioned Commodore Barry as Captain of the ship "Lexington," which on April 7, 1776, captured the British sloop "Edward," the first war prize taken by the Americans; and
WHEREAS, On December 24, 1776, with his fleet unable to reach open water, Commodore Barry left his ships behind to recruit a company of volunteers with whom he rushed to the aid of General George Washington on the banks of the Delaware River and participated in the American victories at Princeton and Trenton; and
WHEREAS, During the course of the American Revolutionary War, Commodore Barry boldly and skillfully engaged and captured many British vessels and was wounded in service to his country; and
WHEREAS, In 1781, the Catholic Citizens of France sent to the Americans the sum of $6 million, entrusting the safe transport of those vital funds as well as clothing and munitions to Commodore Barry aboard his ship "Resolute," which he successfully delivered, enabling General Washington to sustain his army through the critical showdown at Yorktown; and
WHEREAS, On March 10, 1783, Commodore Barry, commanding the "Alliance," won the last sea battle of the Revolution when, while escorting a shipment of vital funds, he engaged and avoided capture by the British ship "Sybille"; and
WHEREAS, Commodore Barry was instrumental in the effort to persuade the Pennsylvania General Assembly to ratify the Constitution of the United States, providing observers with a compelling example of persuasive lobbying; and
WHEREAS, After the American Revolutionary War and the dissolution of the Continental Navy, Commodore Barry reentered the maritime trade, helping to open commerce with China and the Orient; and
WHEREAS, Commodore Barry was socially active as a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Hibernian Fire Company, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Order of the Cincinnati, the military brotherhood of officers of the Continental Army, Navy and Marines; and
WHEREAS, Under President Washington's guidance, the Navy was revived as a permanent entity, and on February 22, 1797, President Washington conferred Commission Number One in the Navy upon John Barry, designating him Commanding Officer of the United States Navy with the rank of Commodore, the first in the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, Commodore Barry is generally recognized as the Father of the United States Navy, a title bestowed upon him by his contemporaries; and
WHEREAS, Commodore Barry's last day of active duty came on March 6, 1801, and he remained head of the Navy until his death on September 13, 1803; and
WHEREAS, Commodore Barry was given a full military burial in Philadelphia's Old St. Mary's Churchyard; and
WHEREAS, The death of Commodore Barry was mourned by the entire nation, and monuments honoring him have subsequently been raised in Philadelphia, Washington, DC, New York, Boston and Wexford, Ireland; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the significance of the legacy of Commodore John Barry and his monumental role in the American Revolutionary War that allowed this nation to be founded on the principles of freedom and opportunity for all people; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate September 13, 2009, as "Commodore John Barry Day" in Pennsylvania.
Proclamation 4853 - Commodore John Barry Day
August 20, 1981
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=44173
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Commodore John Barry, hero of the American Revolution and holder of the first commission in the United States Navy under the Constitution, was born in 1745, in County Wexford, Ireland. Commodore Barry was commissioned to command the brig Lexington, one of the first ships bought and equipped for the Revolution, and became a national hero with the engagement and capture of the British warship Edward on April 7, 1776. He distinguished himself throughout the Revolution and again shortly thereafter in the Quasi-War with France as a fighter and seaman.
In 1797, with the advice and consent of the Senate, President Washington appointed Commodore Barry Captain in the Navy of the United States and Commander of the Frigate United States. In so doing, the President said that he placed "special Trust and Confidence in (Commodore Barry's) Patriotism, Valour, Fidelity, and Abilities".
Commodore Barry was honored by the United States Congress in 1906, when a statue was commissioned and later placed in Lafayette Park, Washington, District of Columbia, and honored again some fifty years later when President Eisenhower caused a statue of Commodore Barry to be presented on behalf of the people of the United States to the people of Ireland, at County Wexford, Ireland.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate September 13, 1981, as "Commodore John Barry Day", as a tribute to one of the earliest and greatest American Patriots, a man of great insight who perceived very early the need for American power on the sea. I call upon Federal, state, and local government agencies and the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of August, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth.
RONALD REAGAN
http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/research/public_papers.php?id=3332&year=1991&month=8
Proclamation 6328 -- Commodore John Barry Day, 1991
1991-08-26
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
During its War for Independence, our Nation faced a great and proven sea power. The young Continental Navy, which had been established by the Continental Congress in October 1775, was only a fraction of the size of the British fleet. Nevertheless, the small American naval force not only achieved several key victories during the War but also established a tradition of courageous service that continues to this day. On this occasion, we honor the memory of one of America's first and most distinguished naval leaders, Commodore John Barry.
After immigrating to the United States from Ireland, John Barry became a successful shipmaster in Philadelphia. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of American Independence, and when the Revolutionary War began, he readily volunteered for service. Thus, John Barry was commissioned as one of the first captains of the Continental Navy.
Captain Barry served bravely and with distinction throughout the course of the War. While commanding the brig LEXINGTON, he captured the British sloop EDWARD in April 1776. This victory marked the first capture in battle of a British vessel by a regularly commissioned American warship. Seven years later, Captain Barry participated in the last American naval victory of the War, leading the frigate ALLIANCE against H.M.S. SYBILLE in March 1783.
Captain Barry's record of service to our country is distinguished not only by its length but also by his extraordinary patriotism and daring. In late 1776, he led a raid by four small boats against British vessels on the Delaware River and seized a significant quantity of supplies that had been meant for the British Army. Serving as a volunteer artillery officer in December of that year, Captain Barry participated in General George Washington's celebrated campaign to cross the Delaware River, which led to victory at the Battle of Trenton.
Captain Barry continued to serve our country after the end of the Revolution, helping to make the American victory a meaningful and enduring one. Active in Pennsylvania politics, he became a strong supporter of the Constitution, which was ratified by the State Assembly on December 12, 1787. In June 1794, President George Washington appointed him as a commander of the new frigate U.S.S. UNITED STATES, one of six that were built as part of a permanent American naval armament. For the remaining years of his life, Commodore Barry helped to build and to lead the new United States Navy, commanding not only the U.S.S. UNITED STATES but also "Old Ironsides," the U.S.S. CONSTITUTION.
Commodore John Barry died on September 13, 1803, but his outstanding legacy of service is carried on today by all those brave and selfless Americans who wear the uniform of the United States Navy.
The Congress, by Public Law 102 - 92, has designated September 13, 1991, as "Commodore John Barry Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day.
Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 13, 1991, as Commodore John Barry Day. I invite all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities in honor of those individuals, past and present, who have served in the United States Navy.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixteenth.
George Bush
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 12:15 p.m., August 28, 1991]
Note: The Office of the Press Secretary released this proclamation on August 27 and it was published in the Federal Register on August 30.
Proclamation 6589 - Commodore John Barry Day, 1993
September 13, 1993
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=62484&st=6589&st1=
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
During its War for Independence, our Nation faced a great and proven sea power. The young Continental Navy, which had been established by the Continental Congress in October 1775, was only a fraction of the size of the British fleet. Nevertheless, the small American naval force not only achieved several key victories during the War but also established a tradition of courageous service that continues to this day. On this occasion, we honor the memory of one of America's first and most distinguished naval leaders, Commodore John Barry.
After immigrating to the United States from Ireland, John Barry became a successful shipmaster in Philadelphia. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of American independence, and when the Revolutionary War began, he readily volunteered for service and became one of the first captains of the Continental Navy.
Captain Barry served bravely and with distinction throughout the course of the War. While commanding the brig LEXINGTON, he captured the British sloop EDWARD in April 1776. This victory marked the first capture in battle of a British vessel by a regularly commissioned American warship. Later in 1776, he led a raid by four small boats against British vessels on the Delaware River and seized a significant quantity of supplies meant for the British Army. Seven years later, Captain Barry participated in the last American naval victory of the War, leading the frigate ALLIANCE against HMS SYBILLE in March 1783.
Serving as a volunteer artillery officer in December of that year, Captain Barry participated in General George Washington's celebrated campaign to cross the Delaware River, which led to victory at the Battle of Trenton.
Captain Barry continued to serve our country after the end of the Revolution, helping to make the American victory a meaningful and enduring one. Active in Pennsylvania politics, he became a strong supporter of the Constitution, which was ratified by the State Assembly on December 12, 1787. In June 1794, President George Washington appointed him as commander of the new frigate USS UNITED STATES, one of six that were built as part of a permanent American naval armament. For the remaining years of his life, Commodore Barry helped to build and lead the new United States Navy, commanding not only USS UNITED STATES but also "Old Ironsides," USS CONSTITUTION.
Commodore John Barry died on September 13, 1803, but his outstanding legacy of service is carried on today by all the brave and selfless Americans who wear the uniform of the United States Navy.
The Congress, by House joint Resolution 157, has designated September 13, 1993, as "Commodore John Barry Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day.
Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 13, 1993, as Commodore John Barry Day. I invite all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities in honor of those individuals, past and present, who have served in the United States Navy.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighteenth.
William J. Clinton
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