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Last Naval Battle Dedication
By T. M. Jacobs
It seems almost fitting that the last naval battle of the American Revolution took place off the coast of today's Cape Canaveral, Florida. In 1783, as the American Navy was in its infancy, the last official battle for the newly formed navy took place on March 10. At the same location nearly two hundred years later, NASA was in its infancy during the 1960s and 1970s as America's exploration of space took off.
In the summer of 1775, the General Assembly called on Congress to establish an American Navy. On Friday, October 13, the proposed plan was resolved, "That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted with all possible dispatch for a cruise of three months." Many vessels would follow, including Duc de Lauzun and the Alliance.
Two hundred and twenty four years after the Alliance and Captain John Barry were victorious against the British Captain James Vashon and the Sybil, nearly 350 people gathered at the Cape Canaveral Maritime Center to take part in the unveiling of a permanent marker to honor the navy heroes.
Florida Society president Lindsey Brock and the Brevard Chapter of the Florida Society of the Sons of the American Revolution played host for the ceremony. In attendance were many members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution, seven Color Guard Units, Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Cape Canaveral Council U. S. Navy League, State Senator Mike Haridopolos, State Representative Bob Allen, and specters. Two special guests were John Moore, Sr. and John Moore, Jr. Their ancestor Robert McKnight served aboard the Alliance.
McKnight's widow, Elizabeth (Sears) McKnight filed for a pension (W.18499) in 1843, and a letter attached to the pension states:
"While residing in Washington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, he [Robert McKnight] enlisted June 8, 1778, served as private in Captain Ephraim Cleveland's company, Colonel Michael Jackson's Massachusetts regiment, was in various skirmishes, locations of which were not designated, and was discharged March 8, 1779. The soldier stated that he also served two years on board the frigate, 'Alliance', Captain Barry, dates of service not stated."
After a few words from President Brock and other guests, the markers, a replica cannon and Florida Historical Marker surrounded by 37 wreaths from numerous societies and organizations were unveiled. Ben DuBose, Regional Vice President, FSSAR; Steve Williams, President, Brevard Chapter SAR; Maura McLeod, President, Brevard Space Coast Regents Council, NSDAR; and Kurt E. Ronstrom, President, Cape Canaveral Council U. S. Navy League, had the honor of unveiling the replica cannon.
Captain James A. Watson IV, USCG; Bruce E. Wilcox, Secretary General NSSAR; Tom Goodson, Chairman, Canaveral Port Authority Commission; John E. Moore, Sr., and John E. Moore, Jr., St. Lucie River Chapter SAR, had the privilege of unveiling the State of Florida Historical Marker.