of shallow-draft barges equipped with a large gun each to launch offensive operations against British forces before retreating to the safety of shoal waters abundant in the Chesapeake region. Barney was commissioned as a captain in the United States Flotilla Service on 25 April 1814.

On 1 June 1814, Barney's flotilla, led by his flagship, the 49 ft sloop-rigged, self-propelled floating battery , mounting