John Paul Jones personifies the fighting spirit and the never-say-die attitude of the United States Navy. This spirit was never more evident than at the Battle off Flamborough Head, one of the most desperate sea-fights in naval history and the most famous engagement involving an American vessel fought during the American Revolution.
As an officer of the Continental Navy of the American Revolution, John Paul Jones helped establish the traditions of courage and professionalism that the Sailors of the United States Navy today proudly maintain. John Paul was born in a humble gardener's cottage in Kirkbean, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, went to sea as a youth, and was a merchant shipmaster by the age of twenty-one. Having taken up residence in Virginia, he volunteered early in the War of Independence to serve in his adopted country's infant navy and raised with his own hands the Continental ensign on board the flagship of the Navy's first fleet. He took the war to the enemy's homeland with daring raids along the British coast and the famous victory of the Bonhomme Richard over HMS Serapis. After the Bonhomme Richard began taking on water and fires broke out on board, the British commander asked Jones if he had struck his flag. Jones replied, "I have not yet begun to fight!" In the end, it was the British commander who surrendered. Jones is remembered for his indomitable will, his unwillingness to consider surrender when the slightest hope of victory still burned. Throughout his naval career Jones promoted professional standards and training. Sailors of the United States Navy can do no better than to emulate the spirit behind John Paul Jones's stirring declaration: "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way."
Although he made enemies among America's political elites, his actions in British waters during the Revolution earned him an international reputation which persists to this day. As such he is sometimes referred to as the "Father of the United States Navy" (an epithet he shares with John Barry). He later served in the Imperial Russian Navy.
Few names connected with the American marine have so much claim to celebrity as that of John Paul Jones. His character was bold and romantic. His means so inadequate to the ends he had in view and his successes so very brilliant.
This book contain three different histories of the Captain. Contents hyperlinked for easy navigation.
Contents include:
Preface
History of Paul Jones, the Pirate
Life of Paul Jones
"Pallas frigate, in Congress service, Texel, October 6, 1779.
Black Hole of Calcutta.
John Paul Jones by Dennis M. Conrad
Making his Way: Jones' Youth
Jones Joins the Continental Navy
Independent Command
Taking the War to the Enemy's Shores
The Cruise of Ranger
Heroism and Fame
The Final Years
John Paul Jones by James Fenimore Cooper
Chronology of Service
Did Jones Actually Say, "I have not yet begun to fight"?
