16 AUGUST 1919, Page 16

DR. JAMES BARRY OR BURNS.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I do not know if the following be of sufficient interest to publish. Last summer I was speaking to a lady, Mrs. R., who as a young girl was resident in Corfu when Dr. Barry or Burns was the Senior Medical Officer there. About fifteen years ago I received a letter from an unknown correspondent asking me if I could throw any light on the history of Dr. Burns or Barry. In reply I suggested he should communicate with Mrs. R. I was an officer in H.M.S. Marlborough' when we gave up possession of Corfu. Dr. Barry had, I think, retired a few years previously. But it was current gossip that she was a woman, owing to her figure (hips) and extremely feminine voice; it was also stated that Dr. Barry fought a duel in consequence of the annoyance she received on account of her voice.—I am, Sir, &c., A RETIRED CAPTAIN, ROYAL NAVY.