John Paul Jones
July 11, 1749 - July 18, 1792
John Paul Jones
Nickname	"Father of the American Navy"
Place of birth	Kirkcudbright, Scotland
Place of death	Paris, France
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	Continental Navy Imperial Russian Navy
Years of service	1775–1788
Rank	Captain (USA) Rear Admiral (Russia)
Awards	Chevalier Order of Military Merit Congressional Gold Medal Order of St. Anne Légion d'honneur

John Paul Jones (July 11, 1747–July 18, 1792) was America's first well-known naval hero in the American Revolutionary War. Download high resolution version (610x846, 492 KB) This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Location within the British Isles. ... This article is about the country. ... This article is about the capital of France. ... Continental Navy Jack The Continental Navy was authorized by the Continental Congress on October 13, 1775. ... Russian Navy Jack Russian Navy Ensign The Imperial Russian Navy refers to the Navy of Imperial Russia, before the Soviet Union. ... Please see Captain (military) for other versions of this rank Captain is a rank in the United States armed forces that ranks between a First Lieutenant and Major (O-3 in the United States Army, U.S. Air Force, and United States Marines), or a rank between a Commander and... The term Rear Admiral originated from the days of Naval Sailing Squadrons, and can trace its origins to the British Royal Navy. ... Chevalier can be: French for knight, a rank in the Légion dhonneur. ... The Order of Military Merit is an Order (decoration) issued by Canada to members of the Canadian Forces whom have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty. ... Congressional Gold Medal presented to Navajo Code talkers in 2000 The Congressional Gold Medal should not be confused with the Medal of Honor (commonly called the Congressional Medal of Honor), which is also awarded by Congress, but only to military members as the highest military decoration of the United States. ... The Order of St. ... Chiang Kai-sheks Légion dhonneur. ... is the 192nd day of the year (193rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1747 (MDCCXLVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 199th day of the year (200th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1792 was a leap year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Motto: (traditional) In God We Trust (official, 1956–present) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City Official language(s) None at the federal level; English de facto Government Federal Republic  - President George W. Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence - Declared - Recognized... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... This article is about military actions only. ...

John Paul Jones was born John Paul in 1747, on the estate of Arbigland in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright on the southern coast of Scotland. John Paul's father was a gardener at Arbigland, and his mother was a member of Clan MacDuff. Estate: The term applies to land under ownership and as such is a generic term for a parcel of land held by an individual or family, common in early British Gentry. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Kirkcudbrightshire (pronounced Kir-COO-bri-shir, also known as the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright or as East Galloway, and Siorrachd Chille Chuithbheirt in Gaelic) is a traditional county of south-western Scotland, bounded on the north and north-west by Ayrshire, on the west and southwest by Wigtownshire, on the south... This article is about the country. ... Clan MacDuff Crest: Deus juvat (God assists) The Clan MacDuff (Gaelic, MacDhuibh) is an Armigerous Scottish clan descended from the early 11th century Scottish king, Cináed mac Duib, hence Mac Duib (anglicized: MacDuff). ...

John Paul adopted the alias John Jones when he fled to his brother's home in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1773 to avoid the hangman's noose in Tobago after an incident when he was accused of murdering a sailor under his command. He began using the name John Paul Jones as his brother suggested during the start of the American Revolution. Location in Virginia Coordinates: Country United States State Virginia County Independent City* Founded 1728 Incorporated 1781 Government  - Mayor Thomas Tomzak Area  - City  10. ... Castara village beach looking south, Tobago Tobago is the smaller of the two main islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. ... John Trumbulls Declaration of Independence, showing the five-man committee in charge of drafting the Declaration in 1776 as it presents its work to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia The American Revolution refers to the period during the last half of the 18th century in which the Thirteen...

Though his naval career never rose above the rank of Captain in the Continental Navy after his victory over the Serapis with the frigate Bonhomme Richard, John Paul Jones remains the first genuine American Naval hero, and a highly regarded battle commander. His later service in the Russian Navy as an admiral showed the mark of genius that enabled him to defeat the Serapis. Continental Navy Jack The Continental Navy was authorized by the Continental Congress on October 13, 1775. ... 169. ... For the bird, see Frigatebird. ... The first USS Bonhomme Richard, formerly Duc de Durae, was a east indiaman, a merchant ship built in France for the French East India Company in 1765, for service between France and the Orient. ...

Jones simply was not as good a politician as he was a naval commander, in an era where politics determined promotion, both in America and abroad. Though he was originally buried in Paris, after spending his last years abroad, he was ultimately reinterred at the United States Naval Academy, a fitting homecoming for the "Father of the American Navy." The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is an institution for the undergraduate education of officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and is in Annapolis, Maryland . ...

During his engagement with Serapis, Jones uttered, according to the later recollection of his First Lieutenant, the legendary reply to a British officer's surrender request, "I have not yet begun to fight!" 169. ...

Maritime career

John Paul started his maritime career at the age of 13, sailing out of Whitehaven in the northern English county of Cumberland, as apprentice aboard the Friendship. During his numerous journeys to Fredericksburg, Virginia, aboard this ship, Jones was likely able to visit his brother who had settled in the area. For the next several years he sailed aboard several different British merchant and slaver ships, including the King George in 1764 as third mate and the Two Friends as first mate in 1766. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Cumberland is one of the 39 traditional counties of England. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... The British Red Ensign. ... Slave redirects here. ... The third officer of a merchant vessel. ... Disambiguation: The rank First Mate also refers to a executive officer The First Mate portrayed in Raiders of the Lost Ark The First Mate (????) is known as Simone Katangas closest companion in the Katanga Anthologies. ...

After a short time in this business, Jones became disgusted with the cruelty in the slave trade; during the voyage, Paul abandoned his prestigious position on the profitable Two Friends in 1768 while docked at Jamaica. Jones found passage back to Scotland, and eventually he obtained another position. During his next voyage aboard the brig John, which sailed from port in 1768, young John Paul’s career was quickly and unexpectedly advanced. When both the captain and a ranking mate suddenly died of yellow fever, John Paul managed to successfully navigate the ship back to a safe port. In reward for this impressive feat, the vessel’s grateful Scottish owners made him master of the ship, gave him 10 percent of the cargo, and the ship's crew.^[1] It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Brigantine. ...

John Paul Jones then led two voyages to the West Indies before running into difficulty. During his second voyage in 1770, John Paul viciously flogged one of his sailors, leading to accusations of his discipline being 'unnecessarily cruel'. While these claims were initially dismissed, John Paul’s favorable reputation was destroyed when the disciplined sailor died a few weeks later. Sources disagree on whether he was arrested for his involvement in the man’s death, but the devastating effect on his reputation is indisputable.^[1] The Caribbean or the West Indies is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. ... Whipping on a post Flagellation is the act of whipping (Latin flagellum, whip) the human body. ...

Leaving Scotland, John Paul commanded a London-registered vessel, the Betsy, for a period of about 18 months, engaging in commercial speculation in Tobago. However this came to end when Jones killed a member of his crew with a sword in a dispute over wages.^[2] Years later, in a letter to Benjamin Franklin describing this incident, Jones claimed it was in self defense, but because he was not to be tried in an Admiral's Court, he felt compelled to flee to Fredericksburg, Province of Virginia, leaving his fortune behind. In Fredericksburg, he took charge of his recently-deceased brother’s estate. At some point during this time he appended Jones to his name, probably in an attempt to escape his troubled reputation.^[3] This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... Castara village beach looking south, Tobago Tobago is the smaller of the two main islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. ... The 1609 charter for the Virginia colony from sea to sea The Virginia Colony refers to the English colony in North America that existed during the 17th and 18th centuries before the American Revolution. ...

In America

Sources struggle with this period of Jones' life, especially the specifics of his family situation, making it difficult to pinpoint historically accurate motivations. Whether his plans for the plantation were not developing, or he was inspired by a revolutionary spirit is unknown. Fundamentally, a plantation is usually a large farm or estate, especially in a tropical or semitropical country, on which cotton, tobacco, coffee, sugar cane, or trees and the like is cultivated, usually by resident laborers. ...

However, it is decisively known that Jones left for Philadelphia shortly after settling in America to volunteer his services to the newly-founded Continental Navy, which later became the United States Navy. During this time, around 1775, the Navy and Marines were being formally established, and suitable ships officers and captains were in great demand. Were it not for the endorsement of Richard Henry Lee who knew of his abilities, Jones' potential would likely have gone unrecognized. With help from influential members of the Continental Congress however, Jones was the first man to be assigned to the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Continental Navy on December 22, 1775, on board the Colbert. Nickname: City of Brotherly Love, Philly, the Quaker City Motto: Philadelphia maneto (Let brotherly love continue) Location in Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Philadelphia Founded October 27, 1682 Incorporated October 25, 1701 Mayor John F. Street (D) Area    - City 369. ... Continental Navy Jack The Continental Navy was authorized by the Continental Congress on October 13, 1775. ... USN redirects here. ... The Continental Marines were the Marine force of the American Colonies during American Revolutionary War. ... Richard Henry Lee (January 20, 1732–June 19, 1794) was an American who served as the sixth President of the United States in Congress assembled under the Articles of Confederation, holding office from November 30, 1784 to November 22, 1785. ... The Continental Congress was the first national government of the United States. ... (Redirected from 1st Lieutenant) First Lieutenant is a military rank. ... is the 356th day of the year (357th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1775 (MDCCLXXV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ...

Revolutionary War command

Early command

Jones’ first assignment was aboard the frigate USS Alfred (30 guns, 300 men) sailing from the Delaware River in February 1776 to attack British merchant vessels in New Providence. The Alfred was one of six vessels, the frigate herself commanded by Commodore Esek Hopkins, the Navy’s Commander-in-Chief. It was aboard this vessel that Jones took the honor of hoisting the first U.S. ensign over a naval vessel (note: Jones actually raised the Grand Union Flag, not the later and more familiar Stars and Stripes design).^[4] USS Alfred was a man-of-war in the Continental Navy of the United States. ... For the Delaware River in Kansas, see Delaware River (Kansas) The Delaware River is a river on the Atlantic coast of the United States. ... (This article is about the island in the Bahamas. ... Commodore is a rank of the United States Navy with a somewhat complicated history. ... French portrait of Commodore Esek Hopkins Esek Hopkins (26 April 1718 – 26 February 1802), was Commander in Chief of the Fleet throughout the American Revolutionary War. ... National flag and ensign of the United States, 1960–Present. ... Grand Union flag North Carolina Currency, 1776 Painting of flag of East India Company, 1732 The Grand Union Flag, also known as the Congress flag, the First Navy Ensign, The Cambridge Flag, and The Continental Colors is the first true Flag of the United States. ... Union Jack. ...

After returning from this successful voyage in April aboard the Alfred, Jones was assigned command on the sloop Providence (12 guns, 70 men). Congress had recently ordered the construction of 13 frigates for the American Navy, one of which was to be commanded by Jones. In exchange for this prestigious command, Jones accepted his commission aboard the smaller Providence. During this six week voyage, Jones captured sixteen prizes and created significant damage along the coast of Nova Scotia. Jones’ next command came as a result of his proposed plan to the Marine Committee to destroy the British coal fleet at Isle Royale, and liberate the American prisoners being held there. On November 2, 1776 Jones set sail in command of Alfred to carry out this mission. This northern mission was successful, highlighted by his capture of the British Mellish, a vessel carrying a vital supply of winter clothing intended for Burgoyne’s troops in Canada. In his autobiography, Jones claims, “this unexpected relief contributed not insignificantly to the success of the army at the Battle of Trenton (against the Hessians) that occurred immediately after my arrival in Boston.” ^[5] A sloop-rigged J-24 sailboat A sloop (From Dutch sloep) in sailing, is a vessel with a fore-and-aft rig. ... Originally chartered by the Rhode Island General Assembly as Katy, USS Providence was a sloop in the Continental Navy. ... For the bird, see Frigatebird. ... Motto: Munit Haec et Altera Vincit(Latin) One defends and the other conquers Capital Halifax Largest city Halifax Regional Municipality Official languages English, Canadian Gaelic Government - Lieutenant-Governor Mayann E. Francis - Premier Rodney MacDonald (PC) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 11 - Senate seats 10 Confederation July 1, 1867... Isle Royale is an island of the Great Lakes, located in the northwest of Lake Superior. ... is the 306th day of the year (307th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1776 (MDCCLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... General John Burgoyne (February 24, 1722 – August 4, 1792) was a British army officer, politician and dramatist. ... Combatants Continental Army a Hessian Brigade Commanders George Washington Johann Rall† Strength 2,400 1,400 Casualties 2 dead,On the march 2 wounded 23 dead, 92 wounded, 913 captured The Battle of Trenton was a battle which took place on December 26, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War after... In mathematics, the Hessian matrix of a function of several real variables is the (symmetric) matrix of all second partial derivatives. ... “Boston” redirects here. ...

Command of USS Ranger

Despite his successes at sea, upon arrival in Boston on December 16, 1776, Jones’ disagreements with those in authority reached a new level. While in port, the accomplished commander began feuding with Commodore Hopkins, whom Jones believed was hindering his advancement and talking down his campaign plans. As a result of this and other frustrations, Jones was assigned the smaller command, the newly constructed Ranger (18 gun frigate), on June 14, 1777 (the same day the new Stars and Stripes flag was adopted). is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1776 (MDCCLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... The first USS Ranger was a sloop-of-war in the Continental Navy and received the first official salute at sea by a foreign power. ... For the bird, see Frigatebird. ... is the 165th day of the year (166th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1777 (MDCCLXXVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ...

Jones meets with the American commissioners in France

After making the necessary preparations, Jones sailed for France November 1, 1777, with orders to assist the American cause however possible. The American commissioners in France (Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Arthur Lee) listened to Jones’ strategic recommendations. They assured him the command of L'Indien, a new vessel being constructed for America in Amsterdam. Britain, however, was able to divert the L'Indien away from American hands, by exerting pressure to ensure its sale to France instead (who had not yet allied with America). Jones was again left without a command, an unpleasant reminder of his stagnation in Boston from late 1776 until early 1777. It is thought that it was during this time Jones developed his close friendship with Benjamin Franklin, whom he greatly admired. In 1778 he was accepted, together with Benjamin Franklin, to the Masonic Lodge "Les Neuf Sœurs". Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1777 (MDCCLXXVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Benjamin Franklin (January 17 [O.S. January 6] 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the most well known Founding Fathers of the United States. ... For other persons named John Adams, see John Adams (disambiguation). ... Arthur Lee (1740-1792), was an American diplomat during the American Revolutionary War. ... LIndien, 12, a frigate built for the U.S. Commissioners in France — Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee — was laid down early in 1777 by a private shipyard in Amsterdam. ... For other uses, see Amsterdam (disambiguation). ... Les Neuf SÅ“urs was a prominent French Masonic Lodge that was particularly influential in organising French support for the American Revolution. ...

On February 6, 1778, France signed their Treaty of Alliance with America, formally recognizing the independence of the new American republic. Eight days later, Captain Jones' Ranger became the first American Navy vessel to be saluted by the French, with a nine gun salvo fired from Admiral Piquet’s flagship. Jones wrote of the event, "I accepted his offer all the more for after all it was a recognition of our independence." is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1778 (MDCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... The Treaty of Alliance of (1778) resulted from the success of American forces in the Battle of Saratoga. ... A salvo is the simultaneous discharge of artillery or firearms including the firing of guns either to hit a target or to perform a salute. ... This article is about the lead ship, store, or product of a group. ...

Finally, on April 10, 1778, Jones set sail from Brest, France for the western coasts of Britain. is the 100th day of the year (101st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1778 (MDCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Brest is a city in Brittany, or the Bretagne région, north-west France, sous-préfecture of the Finistère département. ...

Ranger attacks Britain

After some early successes against British merchant shipping in the Irish Sea, on April 17 Jones convinced his crew to participate in an assault on Whitehaven, the same town where his maritime career began. Jones was scathing in his later memoirs about the reluctance of his senior officers (having tactfully avoided such matters in his official report): “their aim, they said, was gain not honor. They were poor: instead of encouraging the morale of the crew, they excited them to disobedience; they persuaded them that they had the right to judge whether a measure that was proposed to them was good or bad.”^[5] As it happened, contrary winds forced the abandonment of the attempt, and drove Ranger towards Ireland, causing more trouble for British shipping on the way.^[6] On April 20 Jones learned from captured sailors that the Royal Navy sloop-of-war Drake was anchored off Carrickfergus, Ireland. According to the diary of Ranger's surgeon^[7], Jones' first intention was to attack the vessel in broad daylight, but his sailors were "unwilling to undertake it" (another incident omitted from the official report). Therefore, the attack took place just after midnight- but in the dark (or perhaps because, as Jones claimed in his memoirs, the man was drunk) the mate responsible for dropping the anchor to halt Ranger right alongside Drake misjudged the timing, so Jones had to cut his anchor cable and run.^[6] is the 107th day of the year (108th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... HMS Drake was a twenty-gun sloop-of-war of the Royal Navy. ... WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates: , Statistics Province: Ulster County: District: Carrickfergus Borough UK Parliament: East Antrim European Parliament: Northern Ireland Dialling Code: 028, +44 28 Post Town: Carrickfergus Postal District(s): BT38 Population (2005) 32,668 Carrickfergus (from the Irish: Carraig Fhearghais meaning Rock of Fergus) is a large town in...

The wind having shifted, Ranger recrossed the Irish Sea to make another attempt at raiding Whitehaven. Jones led the assault with two boats of fifteen men on April 23, just after midnight, hoping to set fire to and sink all Whitehaven’s ships anchored in harbor (numbered between 200–400 wooden vessels), which consisted of a full merchant fleet and many coal transporters. They also hoped to terrorize the townspeople by lighting further fires. In the event, the journey to shore was slowed by the still-shifting wind, and a strong ebb tide. The spiking of the town's big defensive guns to prevent them being fired was accomplished successfully, but lighting fires proved difficult, as the lanterns in both boats had run out of fuel. To remedy this, some of the party were therefore sent to raid a public house on the quayside- but the temptation to stop for a quick drink led to a further delay. By the time they returned, and the arson attacks began, dawn was fast approaching, so efforts were concentrated on a single ship, the coal ship Thompson, in the hope that the flames would spread to adjacent vessels- all grounded by the low tide.^[6] Unfortunately, in the twilight, one of the crew slipped away, and alerted residents on a harbourside street. A fire alert was sounded, and large numbers of people came running to the quay, forcing the Americans to retreat, and extinguishing the flames with the town's two fire-engines. However, hopes of sinking Jones's boats with cannon fire were dashed by the prudent spiking.^[8] is the 113th day of the year (114th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Crossing the Solway Firth from Whitehaven to Scotland, Jones hoped to hold for ransom the Earl of Selkirk, who lived on St Mary's Isle near Kirkcudbright. The Earl, Jones reasoned, could be exchanged for American sailors impressed into the Royal Navy. When the Earl was discovered to be absent from his estate, Jones claims he intended to return directly to his ship and continue seeking prizes elsewhere, but his crew wished to “pillage, burn and plunder all they could”.^[5] Ultimately, Jones allowed the crew to seize a silver plate set adorned with the family’s emblem to placate their desires, but nothing else. Jones bought the plate himself when it was later sold off in France, and returned it to the Earl of Selkirk after the War. Map of Solway Firth. ... Earl of Selkirk is a title in the Peerage of Scotland, created in 1646. ... Location within the British Isles. ... Look up Impressment in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article is about the chemical element. ...

Although their effect on British morale and allocation of defence resources was massive, the attacks on St. Mary’s Isle and Whitehaven resulted in no prizes or profits which under normal circumstances would be shared with the crew. Throughout the mission, the crew, led by Jones's second-in-command Lieutenant Thomas Simpson, acted as if they were aboard a privateer, not a warship. For other uses, see Privateer (disambiguation). ...

Return to Brest

John Paul Jones on a postage stamp.

Nevertheless, Jones now led Ranger back across the Irish Sea, hoping to make another attempt at the Drake still anchored off Carrickfergus. This time, late in the afternoon of April 24, the ships, roughly equal in firepower, engaged in combat. Earlier in the day, the Americans had captured the crew of a reconnaissance boat, and learned that Drake had taken on dozens of soldiers, with the intention of grappling and boarding Ranger, so Jones made sure that did not happen, capturing the Drake after an hour-long gun battle which cost the British captain his life. Lieutenant Simpson was given command of Drake for the return journey to Brest. The ships separated during the return journey as Ranger chased another prize, leading to a conflict between Simpson and Jones. Both ships arrived at port safely, but Jones filed for a court-martial of Simpson, keeping him detained on the ship. US postage stamp of 1936 honoring John Paul Jones & John Barry File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... US postage stamp of 1936 honoring John Paul Jones & John Barry File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates: , Statistics Province: Ulster County: District: Carrickfergus Borough UK Parliament: East Antrim European Parliament: Northern Ireland Dialling Code: 028, +44 28 Post Town: Carrickfergus Postal District(s): BT38 Population (2005) 32,668 Carrickfergus (from the Irish: Carraig Fhearghais meaning Rock of Fergus) is a large town in... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A court-martial (plural courts-martial) is a military court that determines punishments for members of the military subject to military law. ...

Partly through the influence of John Adams, who was still serving as a commissioner in France, Simpson was released from Jones' accusation. Adams implies in his memoirs that the overwhelming majority of the evidence supported Simpson’s claims. Adams seemed to believe Jones was hoping to monopolize the mission's glory, especially by detaining Simpson on board while he celebrated the capture with numerous important European dignitaries.^[9] For other persons named John Adams, see John Adams (disambiguation). ...

Even with the wealth of perspectives, including the commander's,^[5] it is difficult if not impossible to tell exactly what occurred. It is clear however, that the crew felt alienated by their commander, who may well have been motivated by his pride. Jones believed his intentions were honorable, and his actions were strategically essential to the Revolution. Regardless of any controversy surrounding the mission, Ranger’s capture of Drake was one of the American Navy’s few significant military victories during the Revolution, and was of immense symbolic importance, demonstrating as it did that the Royal Navy was far from invincible. By overcoming such odds, Ranger’s victory became an important symbol of the American spirit and served as an inspiration for the permanent establishment of the American Navy after the Revolution.

In 1779, Captain Jones took command of the 42 gun USS Bonhomme Richard (or as he preferred it, Bon Homme Richard)^[10], a merchant ship rebuilt and given to America by the French shipping magnate, Jacques-Donatien Le Ray. Once again, he headed for Britain's western coasts, at the head of a five ship squadron also including the 36 gun Alliance, 32 gun Pallas, 12 gun Vengeance and Le Cerf, causing several Royal Navy warships to be sent in pursuit- but on this occasion, he continued right round the north of Scotland, into the North Sea, creating near-panic all along Britain's east coast as far south as the Humber estuary. Jones's main problems, as on his previous voyage, resulted from insubordination, particularly by Pierre Landais, captain of the Alliance^[11]. On September 23, 1779, the squadron met a large merchant convoy off the coast of Flamborough Head, east Yorkshire. The 44 gun British frigate HMS Serapis and the 20 gun hired escort Countess of Scarborough placed themselves between the convoy and Jones's squadron, allowing the merchants to escape. The first USS Bonhomme Richard, formerly Duc de Durae, was a east indiaman, a merchant ship built in France for the French East India Company in 1765, for service between France and the Orient. ... Jacques-Donatien Le Ray (1726-1803) was a French Father of the American Revolution, but later an opponent of the French Revolution. ... The first USS Alliance of the United States Navy was a 36 gun sailing frigate of the American Revolutionary War, notable for having fired the last shot of the war. ... The North Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between the coasts of Norway and Denmark in the east, the coast of the British Isles in the west, and the German, Dutch, Belgian and French coasts in the south. ... River Hull tidal barrier. ... is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1779 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... The chalk tower near Flamborough Head. ... Look up Yorkshire in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... 169. ...

Shortly after 7pm, the Serapis engaged the Bonhomme Richard, and soon afterwards, the Alliance fired, from a considerable distance, at the Countess. Serapis twice raked Bonhomme Richard with broadsides which cut her mainmast and holed her below the waterline, taking individual hits in return. Recognising that he could not win a battle of big guns, Jones made every effort to lock Richard and Serapis together, finally succeeding after about an hour, following which his deck guns and marksmen in the rigging began clearing the British decks. Alliance sailed past and fired a broadside, doing at least as much damage to the Richard as to the Serapis. Meanwhile the Countess of Scarborough had enticed the Pallas downwind of the main battle, beginning a separate engagement. When Alliance approached this contest, rather over an hour after it had begun, the badly damaged Countess surrendered.

Engraving based on the painting "Action Between the Serapis and Bonhomme Richard" by Richard Paton, published 1780.

With Bonhomme Richard burning and sinking, it seems that her ensign was shot away; when one of the officers, apparently believing his captain to be dead, shouted a surrender^[12], the British commander asked if they had struck their colors. Jones's reply “I have not yet begun to fight” appeared in later biographies, but the words heard by crew-members and reported in newspapers a few days later were something like "I may sink, but I’ll be d----d if I strike"^[13]. Image File history File links Serapis_and_Bonhomme_Richard. ... Image File history File links Serapis_and_Bonhomme_Richard. ... Patons depiction of the Battle of Cape Passaro (11 August 1718) (oil on canvas, painted 1767 - half a century after the event) Richard Paton (1717–1791) was a British marine painter. ... Ensign of the Imperial Japanese Navy. ... Striking the colors was and is the universally recognized indication of surrender. ...

An attempt by the British to board Bonhomme Richard was thwarted and a grenade dropped from Richard’s rigging down one of Serapis’ hatches caused the explosion of a large quantity of gunpowder^[14]. Alliance then returned to the main battle, firing two broadsides. Again, these did at least as much damage to Richard as to Serapis, but the tactic worked to the extent that, unable to move, and with Alliance keeping well out of the line of his own great guns, Captain Pearson of Serapis accepted that prolonging the battle could achieve nothing, so he surrendered. Most of Bonhomme Richard's crew immediately transferred to other vessels, and after a day and a half of frantic repair efforts, it was decided that the ship could not be saved, so it was allowed to sink, and Jones took command of Serapis for the trip to neutral (but American-sympathising) Holland.^[12]

In the following year, the King of France honoured him with the title "Chevalier". Jones accepted the honor, and desired the title to be used thereafter: when the Continental Congress in 1787 resolved that a medal of gold be struck in commemoration of his "valor and brilliant services" it was to be presented to "Chevalier John Paul Jones". He also received from Louis a decoration of "Ordre du Mérite militaire" and a sword. By contrast, in Britain at this time, he was usually referred to as a pirate. Chevalier can be: French for knight, a rank in the Légion dhonneur. ... The Continental Congress was the first national government of the United States. ... GOLD refers to one of the following: GOLD (IEEE) is an IEEE program designed to garner more student members at the university level (Graduates of the Last Decade). ... The Order of Military Merit is an Order (decoration) issued by Canada to members of the Canadian Forces whom have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty. ... Look up pirate and piracy in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Russian service

In June 1782, Jones was appointed to command the 74-gun America, but his command fell through when Congress decided to give the America to the French as replacement for the wrecked Le Magnifique. As a result, he was given assignment in Europe in 1783 to collect prize money due his former hands. At length, this too expired and Jones was left without prospects for active employment, leading him in 1788 to enter into the service of the Empress Catherine II of Russia who placed great confidence in Jones, saying, "He will get to Constantinople". He took the name Pavel Dzhones. Emperor is also a Norwegian black metal band; see Emperor (band). ... Catherine II of Russia, called the Great (Russian: Екатерина II Великая, Yekaterina II Velikaya; 2 May [O.S. 21 April] 1729 – 17 November [O.S. 6 November] 1796) reigned as Empress of Russia for 34 years, from June 28, 1762 until her death. ... This article is about the city before the Fall of Constantinople (1453). ...

Jones avowed his intention, however, to preserve the condition of an American citizen and officer. As a rear admiral aboard the 24-gun flagship Vladimir, he took part in the naval campaign in the Liman (an arm of the Black Sea, into which flow the Southern Bug and Dnieper rivers) against the Turks. Jones successfully repulsed Ottoman forces from the area, but the jealous intrigues of Russian officer Prince Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin and his cohort Prince of Nassau-Siegen caused him to be recalled to St. Petersburg for the pretended purpose of being transferred to a command in the North Sea. Here he was compelled to remain in idleness, (although in that period he did author his Narrative of the Campaign of the Liman) while rival officers plotted against him and even maliciously assailed his private character through accusations of sexual misconduct. The word citizen may refer to: A person with a citizenship Citizen Watch Co. ... An officer is a member of a military, naval, or if applicable, other uniformed services who holds a position of responsibility. ... The term Rear Admiral originated from the days of Naval Sailing Squadrons, and can trace its origins to the British Royal Navy. ... For other uses, see Black Sea (disambiguation). ... The Southern Buh, Bug, or Boh River (Південний Буг, Pivdennyi Buh in Ukrainian; Hipanis in ancient Greek) is entirely located in Ukraine. ... This article is about the river. ... Prince Grigori Aleksandrovich Potemkin (Russian: Григорий Александрович Потемкин) (September 13, 1739 (NS: September 24) – October 5, 1791 (NS: October 16)) was a Russian... Saint Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербу́рг, English transliteration: Sankt-Peterburg), colloquially known as Питер (transliterated Piter), formerly known as Leningrad (Ленингра́д, 1924–1991) and... The North Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between the coasts of Norway and Denmark in the east, the coast of the British Isles in the west, and the German, Dutch, Belgian and French coasts in the south. ...

On June 8, 1788 he was awarded the Order of St. Anne, but he left the following month, an embittered man. is the 159th day of the year (160th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1788 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Order of St. ...

Final years

In May 1790, Jones arrived in Paris, where he remained in retirement during the rest of his life, although he made several attempts to re-enter the Russian service. This article is about the capital of France. ...

John Paul Jones' marble and bronze sarcophagus at the United States Naval Academy

In June of 1792, Jones was appointed U.S. Consul to treat with the Bey of Algiers for the release of American captives. Before Jones was able to fulfill his appointment he died face down on his bed in his third-floor Paris apartment, No. 42 Rue de Tournon on July 18. A small procession of servants, friends and loyal soldiers walked his body the four miles for the burial. He was buried in Paris at the Saint Louis Cemetery which belonged to the French royal family. Four years later, France's revolutionary government sold the property and the cemetery was forgotten. The area was later used as a garden, a place to dispose of dead animals, and a place where gamblers bet on animal fights. Image File history File links 050527-N-6077T-007 Annapolis, Maryland. ... Image File history File links 050527-N-6077T-007 Annapolis, Maryland. ... The Etruscan Sarcophagus of the Spouses, at the National Etruscan Museum. ... The United States Naval Academy (USNA) is an institution for the undergraduate education of officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and is in Annapolis, Maryland . ... This article is about the Roman rank. ... “Alger” redirects here. ...

In 1905, Jones' remains were optimistically identified by US Ambassador to France Gen. Horace Porter (Goodheart 2006). He had searched for six years to track down Jones' body despite using faulty copies of Jones' burial record. Thanks to the kind donation of a French admirer, Pierrot Francois Simmoneau, who donated over 460 francs for an alcohol lead coffin for Jones, Porter knew what to look for in his search. Porter's team, which included anthropologist Louis Capitan, identified an abandoned site in northeastern Paris as the former St. Louis Cemetery for Alien Protestants. Sounding probes were used to search for lead coffins, and ultimately, 5 coffins were exhumed. The third, unearthed on April 7th, 1905, was later identified by a meticulous post-mortem examination by Doctors Capitan and Georges Papillault as being that of Jones, and the face was later compared to a bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Horace Porter, (1837-1921), American soldier and diplomat, was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania and educated at Harvard University. ... Jean-Antoine Houdon (March 20, 1741 - July 15, 1828) was a French sculptor. ...

Jones' body was ceremonially removed from his interment in a Parisian charnel house and brought to the United States aboard the USS Brooklyn, escorted by three other cruisers. On approaching the US coast, seven US battleships joined the procession escorting Jones' body back to the US. In 1913, his remains were finally re-interred in a magnificent bronze and marble sarcophagus at The United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland. The ceremony was presided over by President Theodore Roosevelt who gave a lengthy tributary speech. A charnel house (Med. ... The second USS Brooklyn (CA-3) (originally ACR-3) was a United States Navy armored cruiser. ... The Etruscan Sarcophagus of the Spouses, at the National Etruscan Museum. ... Naval Academy Chapel The United States Naval Academy Chapel is one of two houses of worship on the grounds of the Navys service academy. ... “Annapolis” redirects here. ... Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. ...

Trivia

Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines. The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.

• Jones was a Freemason and a member of the Society of the Cincinnati
• The University of Virginia's basketball arena is named the John Paul Jones Arena; however the arena actually is named for a 1948 graduate of the University's Law School by the same name. However, the quote "I have not yet begun to fight," said by the admiral Jones, is inscribed in concrete on the eastern wall of the arena.
• John Paul Jones is thought to be the inspiration for the title character in James Fenimore Cooper's 1823 novel, The Pilot.

Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... American Square & Compasses Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternal organization. ... Seal of the Society of the Cincinnati The General Society of the Cincinnati is a historic association in the United States and France with limited and strict membership requirements. ... Cooper portrait by John Wesley Jarvis, 1822 James Fenimore Cooper (September 15, 1789 – September 14, 1851) was a prolific and popular American writer of the early 19th century. ...

References

This entry incorporates public domain text originally from the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica. Supporters contend that the Eleventh Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica (1910-1911) represents the sum of human knowledge at the beginning of the 20th century; indeed, it was advertised as such. ...

• Boudriot, Jean (1987) John Paul Jones and the Bonhomme Richard , Collection archeologie navale française, ISBN 2-903178-20-8 {a technical study of the ship}
• De Koven, Reginald (Mrs) (1913) The Life and Letters of John Paul Jones, 2 vols, London : Werner Laurie
• Gilkerson, William (1987) The Ships of John Paul Jones, Annapolis, MD : Naval Institute Press, ISBN 0-87021-619-8 {technical study}
• Goodheart, Adam (2006) Home is the sailor, Smithsonian Magazine, April 2006, p. 32-46
• Harper's Magazine (1855) John Paul Jones, no. 62, v. 11, p. 145-170, New York, NY : Harper and Bros
• Morison, Samuel Eliot (1959) John Paul Jones : a sailor's biography, Boston, MA : Little, Brown {Pulitzer prize winning historian}
• Purcell, L. Edward (1993) Who was Who in the American Revolution, New York : Facts on File, ISBN 0-81602-107-4
• Thomas, Evan (2003) John Paul Jones: Sailor, Hero, Father of the American Navy, Waterville, ME : Thorndike Press, ISBN 0-7862-5875-6 {popular biography}

“Harpers” redirects here. ... The Pulitzer Prize is an American award regarded as the highest national honor in print journalism, literary achievements, and musical composition. ...

External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

John Paul Jones

• John Paul Jones and Whitehaven
• Virtual American Biographies
• SeaCoastNH.com – JPJ
• U.S. Navy - John Paul Jones - FAQ
• Excerpts form the Journals of my Campaign – John Paul Jones
• John Paul Jones Museum
• John Paul Jones
• Unfurling the Flags of John Paul Jones
• Official report by Jones from aboard Serapis in Holland (1779)
• The Best Quote Jones Never Wrote
• Adams Electronic Archive – Memoirs while commissioner (excerpts relating to the Ranger's historic missions)
• John Paul Jones at Find-A-Grave
• John Paul Jones and Asymmetric Warfare
• Battle of Flamborough Head
• John Paul Jones Memorial in Washington, D.C.