I wonder what mode of travel in 1782, these 50 men had had once they boarded this barge, going from one point to another? What kind of transportation would one have suspected they would have had when getting to the barge, and then, once at their destination to leave the barge to travel on to their next destination??? If one was a foot soldier, obviously one would use their feet to travel, but what about those that rode horses? Do you think there would have been a source of transportation waiting for these soldiers on the otherside during war time?? The Navy still uses barges for transport from point A to point B. When I was in the Navy they transported vehicles and interestingly, there was always a small area for animals to be transported... They had to be accommodated. Within Maryland, today these barges are still used for large and cumbersome items such as jeeps and military vehicles that need to get from one point to another. So what do you think?? Rhonda Houston ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Whatever the Barge Fearnought was, it would appear that she was large as she had 50 men initially in 1782 then 36 later on plus three officers two warrants and a steward. She had a 6-pounder bow gun. The following documents may be of interest. The State of Maryland to Edward Spedden, Gentleman, Greeting. Be it known that We reposing especial trust and Confidence in your Patriotism valour Conduct and Fidelity, do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Second Lieutenant of the Barge Fearnought in the Service of this State, fitted out for repelling every hostile invasion thereof, and for the Defence of our Liberties. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Second Lieutenant of the said Barge by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging, according to the rules and Discipline of War, and the usage of the Sea, and the Instructions which may from Time to Time be given you. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers, Seamen, Marines, and others under your Command, to be Obedient to your Orders as Second Lieutenant of the said Barge and you are to observe and follow all such Orders and Directions which you shall receive from the Supreme Executive Power of this State. This Commission to be in force until Lawf! ully revoked. Given at Annapolis in Council this 23rd Day of May, A. D. 1782.