Barry was described as irascible and prickly. Standing only five foot tall, with a high pitched voice, he responded angrily to the frequent taunting that was a part of Army life. In fact he fought at least two duels over insults - shooting an opponent in one and being injured in the other. He was also quite eccentric, travelling with his Jamaican manservant, John, his dog and a goat for milk. He also was always dressed in full regimentals, including cavalry sword and was noted for wearing 3 inch lifts in his shoes.
John Barry, his servant John and his dog, circa 1850
(public domain image sourced from Wikipedia)
