Those were the days when all Ireland groaned under the oppressors heel and the lot of the genuine sons of the solt was foredoomed from birth. There was but one hope for the enterprising: to quit their native land and seek their fortunes under more clement skies. under kindlier governments. More than half a million Irish are said to have emigrated during the first half of the 18th century alone. the greater part to take service as foreign mercenaries. There was plenty of fighting going on in those days. and battle is a milieu in which an Irishman always feels quite at home. To young Barry the sea. lapping at his door on Wexford Harbor. sent an imperative call. the lad heard and answered. and thenceforth. to the end of his long life. the sea remained his first. last. and enduring love.