Page:A Compendium of Irish Biography.djvu/37

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ject." 24 An ardent Catholic, he formed one of the brilliant circle that gathered around Johnson and Burke. The former remarked of one of his paintings, "Whatever the hand may have done, the mind has done its part. There is a grasp of mind there which you will find nowhere else." Instances are given in H. Crabbe Robinson's Diary of his being subject at times to strong mental delusions. He published several works, all now collected in one series, and appended to his Life. Some notes on his portraits will be found in Notes and Queries, 4th Series. There is an interesting likeness in Walker's Magazine for 1806. 24 196 254 296 338

Barry, John, Commodore, was born near Tacumshin, County of Wexford, in 1745. He went to sea at fourteen; the colony of Pennsylvania became his adopted country, and when twenty-five he had risen to be the commander of the Black Prince, one of the finest traders between Philadelphia and London. Early in the War of Independence, he was given a naval command by Congress, and was one of the first to fly the United States flag at sea. In 1777, he was publicly thanked by Washington for his naval services. It is stated that Lord Howe vainly endeavoured to tempt him from his allegiance by the offer of the command of a British ship-of-the-line. In 1778 and '79, he commanded the Relief, and was accorded the rank of Commodore. In 1781, he carried the United States' agent to France in his new vessel, the Alliance, and on his way back captured two British cruisers—the Atalanta and Trespasa, in an engagement in which he was badly wounded. Later on the same year, he had the honour of conveying Lafayette and Count Noailles to France. From the conclusion of the war until his death, he was constantly occupied in superintending the progress of the United States navy; indeed he has been called by some naval writers the father of the American navy. He died in September 1803, and was buried in Philadelphia. 192*

Barry, Spranger, a distinguished actor, born in Skinner-row, Dublin, 20th November 1719. His father was a silversmith, and young Barry followed that business until he went on the stage at Smock-alley, about 1744. His success was decided; and in London he for a time divided the public favour with Garrick. In 1757 he built Crow-street theatre, and ruined himself; but afterwards, returning to London, he repaired his fortunes, and stood high with the public until his death in 1777, when he found a tomb in Westminster Abbey. He was remarkable for habits of magnificence and profuse hospitality, and for mean cleverness in putting off creditors. He is described as of a noble, commanding person; his actions were graceful; his features were regular, expressive, and rather handsome; his countenance was open, placid, and benevolent, but mobile, and easily wrought to expressions of haughtiness and contempt. Dibdin describes him as "an actor of most extraordinary merit, which was confined, however, to tragedy and serious parts in comedy. In some respects it is questionable whether he did not excel every actor on the stage. These were in scenes and situations full of tender woe and domestic softness, in which his voice, which was mellifluous to wonder, lent astonishing assistance … but certainly, beyond these requisites, Barry's acting did not extend in any eminent degree." 3 Leigh Hunt says: "Barry was one of the old artificial school, who made his way more by person than by genius." 3 43 127 338(1775)

Barter, Richard, M.D., a distinguished hydropathic physician, was born at Cooldaniel, County of Cork, in 1802. He entered on the duties of his profession as a dispensary physician at Inniscarra, where he was elected Honorary Secretary of the County of Cork Agricultural Society, and contributed materially to improve the husbandry of the south of Ireland. About the year 1842, Cork was visited by Captain Claridge, an advocate of hydropathy. Dr. Barter had been for some time inclining towards the new system, he now advocated it, and despite the opposition of his professional brethren, devoted his talents and energy to its practice. He opened the now celebrated water-cure establishment at Blarney. It was mainly through his exertions that Turkish baths were introduced into the United Kingdom. He died at Blarney, 3rd October 1870. 25

Bathe, William, born in Dublin about 1564. He became a Catholic, and in 1596 went to Flanders, where he entered the Society of Jesus. Travelling in Italy and Spain, he was ultimately appointed Director of the Irish College in Salamanca. He wrote some treatises on music, and others on the study of Latin, the Mysteries of the Faith, etc. He died in Madrid, 17th June 1614. 250

Beaufort, Daniel Augustus, Rev., LL.D., son of a French Protestant refugee, was born at Barnet, 1st October 1 739. As curate to his father, and afterwards as rector of Collon, County of Louth (to which living he was presented by his

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