Profile of John Paul Jones on Famous Like Me

Alternative meaning: John Paul Jones (musician)

John Paul Jones (July 6, 1747 - July 18, 1792) was America's first well-known naval hero in the American Revolutionary War.

Background

Captain John Paul Jones was born John Paul in 1747 in Kirkcudbrightshire on the southern coast of Scotland. John Paul’s father was a gardener in Arbigland and his mother was a member of the MacDuff clan.

Maritime Career

John Paul began his maritime career at a young age, sailing out of Whitehaven as apprentice aboard the Friendship at only twelve years of age. During his numerous journeys to Fredericksburg, Virginia, aboard this ship, John Paul was likely able to visit his brother who had settled in the area. For the next several years, the young sailor traveled aboard several different English merchant and slaver ships, including the King George in 1764 as third mate and the Two Friends as first mate in 1766.

After a short time in this business, John Paul 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. John Paul 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 Scottish owners made him master of the ship.

John Paul 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 sailor disciplined 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.

Leaving Scotland, John Paul commanded a London registered vessel for a period of about 18 months, engaging in commercial speculation in Tobago. Facing increasing scrutiny for his questionable past, John Paul left his fortune behind and moved to Fredericksburg in 1773, taking charge of his recently deceased brother’s estate there. Sometime during this time, he appended Jones to his name, probably in an attempt to escape his troubled reputation.

John Paul Jones in America

Sources struggle with this period of John Paul Jones’ life, especially the specifics of his family situation, making it difficult to pinpoint historically accurate motivations. Whether his plans for the plantation weren’t developing or he was inspired by a revolutionary spirit is unknown, 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 commanders were in great demand. Were it not for the endorsement of Richard Henry Lee who knew of his abilities, Jones' potential would likely have been 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.

Revolutionary 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 English 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 American flag over an American Naval vessel (note: Jones actually raised the Grand Union Flag, not the later and more familiar Stars and Stripes design).

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 enemy’s 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 extremely 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.”

Command of USS Ranger

After arriving back in Boston, Massachusetts on December 16, 1776 Jones’ disagreements with those in authority reach 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, of the newly constructed Ranger (18 gun frigate), on June 14, 1777 (the same day the new Stars and Stripes flag was adopted).

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, and assured him the command of L'Indien, a new vessel being constructed for America in Amsterdam. England, however, was able to divert the L'Indien away from American hands, by exerting pressure to ensure its sale to France instead (who hadn’t 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 Franklin, whom he greatly admired.

On February 6, 1778 France signed their treaty with America, formally recognizing the independence of the new American republic. Eight days later aboard Ranger, Captain Jones became the first American Navy vessel to be saluted by the French, with a nine gun salvo fired from Admiral Piquet’s flag ship. Finally on April 17, 1778 Jones set sail from Brest, France for coastal England. Strong winds forced Jones to head towards Ireland instead, leading to his famous encounter with HMS Drake, a 20 gun British Navy sloop.

Controversy Aboard Ranger

Conflicting sources and the haze of history have obscured the truth of Ranger’s famous capture of HMS Drake. While history has looked favorably upon Jones’ mission, some sources suggest his pride nearly led to an embarrassing defeat, not to mention mutiny. After learning of Drake's location from captured sailors, sources claim Jones' first intention was to attack the vessel in broad daylight, resting at dock in Carrickfergus, Ireland. His sailors, represented by the ship’s first lieutenant Thomas Simpson, refused to follow the captain’s order. No mention of this initial attack is made by Jones is his autobiography, but he does seem to agree with the details of the second attempt, botched by a drunken mate who ruined the midnight assault by dropping anchor at the wrong time. After this failed attack, Jones was forced away from Drake by foul weather, also miraculously managing to avoid detection.

With Ranger’s main objective frustrated for the time being, Jones convinced his crew to participate in a daring assault on Whitehaven, the same town where his maritime career began. Jones notes the crew’s reluctance in, stating “their aim, they said, was gain not honor… 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.” Jones led the assault with two boats of fifteen men at midnight, hoping to sink all Whitehaven’s ships anchored in harbor (numbered between 200-400), before setting the town itself ablaze. Jones managed to terrorize the town, though it is difficult to tell objectively how much damage was really done.

Continuing on from Whitehaven, Jones hoped to hold for ransom the Earl of Selkirk on St. Mary’s Isle, off his birthplace, Kirkcudbrightshire. The Earl, Jones reasoned, could be exchanged for American sailors impressed into the British 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. Jones also claims his crew, led by Lt. Simpson, intended to “pillage, burn and plunder all they could,” instead of leaving peacefully. Ultimately, Jones allowed the crew to seize a silver plate adorned with the family’s emblem to placate their desires, but nothing else.

The St. Mary’s Isle assault and the earlier attack on Whitehaven had little strategic significance, and resulted in no prizes or profits which under normal circumstances would be shared with the crew. The crew’s reluctance throughout the mission, especially to Jones’ more personal assaults, reveals growing hostility between Lieutenant Simpson, his followers, and their Commander.

Return to Brest

Nevertheless, Jones now led Ranger from these shores, hoping to make another attempt at the Drake still anchored in Carrickfergus. This time, Ranger engaged the enemy, capturing the vessel after an hour long battle which cost the enemy 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 contained on the ship.

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. Even with the wealth of perspectives, including the commander’s, 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 on the other hand believed his intentions were honorable, and his actions were strategically and symbolically essential to the Revolution. Jones’ attacks along the coast and capture of Drake in fact did have significant symbolic importance, creating widespread panic among a people accustomed to naval dominance and protection.

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. Jones was the first American commander to ever claim victory over a military combatant. By overcoming such incredible 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.

After the Ranger

In 1779 Captain Jones took command of USS Bonhomme Richard, a merchant ship rebuilt and gifted to America by the French shipping magnate, Jacques-Donatien Le Ray. On September 23 1779, the five ship squadron included the 42 gun Bonhomme Richard, 32 gun Pallas, 32 gun Alliance, 12 Gun Vengeance and Le Cerf engaged a merchant convoy off the coast of Flamborough Head East Yorkshire on 23 September 1779. The 44 gun British frigate HMS Serapis and the 22 gun Countess of Scarborough counter-engaged, scattering the attacking squadron and allowing the merchants to disengage and attempt escape. Vengeance and Le Cerf unsuccessfully pursued the convoy.

Bonhomme Richard, Pallas and Alliance engaged the British warships. The 44 gun Serapis engaged the smaller 42 gun Bonhomme Richard. The 32 gun Alliance counter-engaged Serapis. Serapis twice raked Bonhomme Richard with broadsides which cut her mainmast and holed her below the waterline, taking individual hits in return.

With Bonhomme Richard burning and sinking, it is believed her ensign was shot away. The British commander asked if she had struck her colors. Jones has been quoted as saying, “I have not yet begun to fight.” He then rammed Serapis and tied up to her, his marksmen in the rigging clearing the decks of Serapis' so a boarding party was able to cross to Serapis and effect its capture.

Meanwhile the 22 gun Countess of Scarborough engaged the 32 gun Pallas and was eventually captured, both ships taking extensive damage.

In the following year, the King of France honoured him with the title "Chevalier." Jones the ardent Republican accepted the honour, 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 "valour and brilliant services" it was to be presented to "Chevalier John Paul Jones". By contrast, in England at this time he was usually refered to as a pirate.

Russia

In 1788, Jones entered the service of the Empress Catherine II of Russia, avowing his intention, however, to preserve the condition of an American citizen and officer. As a Rear Admiral, 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, but the jealous intrigues of Russian officers 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, while rival officers plotted against him and even maliciously assailed his private character. In August 1789, he left St.Petersburg a bitterly disappointed man. In May 1790 he 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.

In 1792 Jones was appointed U.S. Consul to Algiers, but on July 18 he died before the commission arrived. He was buried in Paris, France, but in 1905 his remains were removed from his long-forgotten grave and brought to the United States where, in 1913, he was interred in the Chapel of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

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