So the County Wexford Irish Catholic boy had become the Commander-in-Chief of the new Navy of the new Constitutional United States. Appointed by Washington, "the Father of His Country," Barry thus became "the Father of the American Navy," in the many distinguished sons of the sea who were trained under him.
His commission reads, "to take rank from the fourth day of June, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four."
There are gallant hearts whose glory Columbia loves to name, Whose deeds shall live in story And everlasting fame. But never yet one braver Our starry banner bore Than saucy old Jack Barry The Irish Commodore.
APPOINTED TO SUPERINTEND THE BUILDING OF THE FRIGATE, THE "UNITED STATES," THE FIRST OF THE NEW NAVY--GOES TO GEORGIA TO SELECT TIMBER FOR THE FOUR FRIGATES.
On April 12, 1794, Joshua Humphreys, of Philadelphia, was directed by General Knox, Secretary of War--there was no Department of the Navy until 1798--to prepare models for the frame of the frigates to be built. On June 28th, Humphreys was appointed "Constructor or Master-Builder of a 44-gun ship to be built at the port of Philadelphia at the rate of $2000 per annum--the compensation commencing on the 1st of May last, in consideration of your incessant application to the public interest in adjusting the principles of the ships, drawing drafts and making moulds, etc."
On August 7th, General Knox notified Captain Barry: "You are to consider yourself as the Superintendent of the frigate to be built at the port of Philadelphia and which is to mount 44 guns." This frigate was named the "United States." It was built on the Delaware River at the foot of [now] Washington Avenue near the old Swedes Church. It was constructed mainly of Georgia live oak, "the most durable wood in the world," selected by Captain Barry who, in October, 1794, by direction of Tench Coxe, Commissioner of the Revenues, proceeded to that State for that purpose, sailing on the brig "Schuylkill" which carried oxen and horses which were "of the highest importance to the expediting of the timber for the several frigates," to which Captain Barry was to give all possible exertions "to the cutting and transportation of the timber for his own and every other frigate."