John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones was born in the district of Galloway, Scotland, in 1747. " His original name was John Paul and Jones was added when he came to America in 1775. He had been a mariner from the age of 15 and was master of his profession. He left England in disgust in consequence of improper treatment by the authorities relative to his quelling a mutiny on board his ship, in doing which he was compelled to kill the ringleader, for which he was tried and acquitted and was threatened with a second trial. In the expedition of Com. Hopkins against New Providence he was a lieutenant and exhibited a dauntless spirit that at once placed him on the list of the brave. On his return he was placed in command of a sloop with 12 guns. In a short time he captured a British vessel with 18 guns. He then cruised boldly along the coast of Scotland and made several landings and a few contributions and proceeded to the Irish coast where he found the English armed vessel Drake in the harbor of Waterford and gave her a challenge. She entered the list of combat. He was quickly flogged and hastened back to her old moorings crippled and her commander mortified. In the summer of 1779, he was put in command of the Bon Homme Richard of 40 guns and 415 men with some small craft. After visiting France he sailed from there on the 14th of August of that year, he took several vessels of war and merchantmen and proceeded in search of the Baltic fleet which he discovered on the 22d of September at 2 P. M. off Flamborough Head under convoy of a frigate and sloop of war. He at once prepared for action. Just as the moon was rising, at quarter before 8 P.M. one of the most desperate naval actions commenced that can be found recorded on the pages of history. When the two larger ships came within pistol shot the British frigate opened the ball with a brisk fire from her upper and quarter deck. Jones returned the compliment with the grace of a naval hero. At the onset three of his six 18 pound guns burst and killed those around them. He ordered the other three not to be used. This accident induced him to grapple with the frigate and come to close quarters which he accomplished so completely that the muzzles of the guns of each were in contact. The rage of battle then commenced with all the desperation of gladiators. The Englishman had nailed his flag to the mast. Jones never surrendered. His ship was the most crippled; more of his guns silenced than on the frigate. This preponderance of metal was soon changed by a brave tar advancing over the frigate on the main yard of the American ship with a basket of hand grenades and lighted match. He dropped these messengers of death among the enemy and through the scuttles,killing many and setting the cartridges on fire in every direction. The fight raged on, and the frigate was several times on fire; the Bon Homme Richard was leaking from shots between wind and water, and all her guns silenced but four and not until both ships took fire was the fury of the conflict relinquished for a moment. When the flames were extinguished the carnage was renewed. Jones had taken over 100 prisoners and put them to the pumps under the direction of Lieut. Dale who was severely wounded. The English flag was at last torn down by the captain of the frigate which proved to be the Serapis mounting 50 carriage guns commanded by Capt. Pearson. All hands were removed on board the prize and at 10 the next morning the Bon Homme Richard went to the bottom. Capt. Pearson had 137 men killed and 76 wounded. Capt. Jones had 165 killed, 137 wounded. It is supposed many of his men were killed and wounded by one of his own vessels that fired into him some time by mistake at pistol shot. At the commencement of the action he received the fire of both British vessels until he closed with the frigate. The next morning the Pallas, Capt. Cotineau, attacked the British sloop of war and after a severe battle of over two hours compelled her to surrender. She was the Countess of Scarborough. Capt. Jones then proceeded home with his prizes and prisoners and was hailed with an enthusiasm that none but freemen so ardently feel and so strongly express. On the 14th of April 1781 Congress passed a strong resolution expressive of their high appreciation of his valuable services. A more skilful, daring and resolute man never commanded a ship.After the termination of the Revolution he visited Russia and held a naval commission for a time under the Empress Catharine. From there he went to Paris in France where he died in 1792."