The Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution
in American Waters
March 9, 2019

• ​Local SAR Chapter Members Celebrate Revolution Last Naval Battle
  

Recently, compatriot members of the Withlacoochee Chapter of the Florida Society of the Sons of the American Revolution joined in the annual celebration of the "Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution" at Merritt Island, Florida. This marked the 236th anniversary of this historic naval battle fought in American waters south of Cape Canaveral. The battle strategy began on March 9, 1783, when the Alliance, led by Capt. John Barry, and the Due de Lauzun, under command of Capt. John Green, divided their precious cargo of $72,000 Spanish silver dollars and other specie that were badly needed by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. British ships were spotted by Barry on the morning of March 10, 1783. Barry decided to head southwest for the protection of the Spanish fleet, which he knew was sailing for a raid on Jamaica. Barry decided to make a daring move to engage the one British ship, Sybil, which was closing in, and thus buy enough time for the Due de Lauzun to escape to safety. Barry deliberately placed his ship between the Due de Lauzun and the oncoming Sybil. The Sybil continued firing her cannon and the Alliance took several shots. At the last moment, Barry ordered the main topsail raised to mast to position the Alliance directly abreast of the Sybil. At the order from Barry the full fury of a broadside from his ship was unleashed upon the Sybil. The British guns went silent after 40 minutes of close fighting. Thanks to the courage and skill of Barry, both American ships completed their mission and on March 20, 1783, the Alliance sailed into New Port, R. I., abandoning the plan to return to Philadelphia because of the strong presence of a British patrol. Thus, the last naval battle of the Revolutionary War was fought and won off the coast of Florida just south of Cape Canaveral, sealing another American naval victory. Representing the Withlacoochee chapter in the color guard during the celebration were, pictured from left to right, Russell Gibson, chapter color guard commander of Hernando, Charles Day, past president FLSSAR color guard of Brooksville, and William Teater chapter past president of Ocala. Also attending the celebration were three members of the Withlacoochee Ladies Auxiliary, Becky Gibson, Dorothy Day and Maryann Teater.

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​Color Guard 2018
​235th Anniversary
The Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution
in American Waters
March 10, 2018

Robert Humker (Brevard) MC for Last Naval Battle John H Wood. VP General South Atlantic District Michael Tomme - President General (2016-2017) Mrs. Cilla Tomme Charlie Day Dot day Billy Brock (Mrs. Brock) Lindsey Brock - Past FLSSAR State President and President General (2014 - 2015)

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John H Wood.  VP General South Atlantic District , Robert Folk Sr. FLSSAR State President, Lindsey Brock - Past State & National President, Russ Gibson - Withlacoochee Commander, and Charlie day - Past State Commander.

Front and Second Row - L - R: Charlie Day and Russell Gibson leading - next is Chuck Farmer and Hall Riediger. (State Color Guard Commander) 

​Visiting Contingent.

​Charlie Day and Russell Gibson leading the SAR Contingent.

Commodore John Barry Chapter NSDAR.

Withlacoochee Auxiliary Becky Gibson and Dot Day with Chapter Wreath that was presented at the ceremony.

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Events 2018