Last Naval Battle of the Revolution

USS Alliance surprises HMS Sybil

     On March 10th, 1783, The USS Alliance, commanded by Captain John Barry, and the USS Duc de Lauzun, commanded by Captain John Green, were sailing off of Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying 72,000 Spanish Silver Dollars to finance the Continental Army.  They were set upon by three British men of war.  Captain John Barry, though out-gunned, surprisingly took on the HMS Sybil, and in a 40-minute fight subdued the British frigate. This, along with the arrival of a French man of war, caused the British to withdraw.  The Spanish silver was then successfully delivered.
     This victory was celebrated this weekend at Merritt Island, FL.  The Virginia SAR was represented by Charles Jameson of the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter, who also marched in the Color Guard.

Captain John Barry of the USS Alliance.

Charles Jameson, of the Virginia SAR.