John Paul Jones

Posted by Brian Stephens on Wednesday 7th of May 2014 21:27

The Gentleman's Magazine: and Historical Chronicle
By Sylvanus Urban
John Paul [Jones] was the son of John Paul, a gardener, and was born July 1747, at Abergland in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright in Scotland. He received the rudiments of his education at the parochial school of Kirkbean. The contiguity of his residence to Solway Firth, gave him an early predilection for a seafaring life; and at the age of twelve he was apprenticed to a merchant in the American trade. When his apprenticeship was expired, he made several iradingvoyagcs, and suffered from the ill conduct of 'his partner. In 1773 he was arranging the affairs of a brother who had died intestate in Virginia, and was (probably through pecuniary difficulties) then living in a very retired manner in America. About the time mentioned he adopted the name of Jones. In the 28th year of his age, he offered his services to Congress, and was appointed a first Lieutenant in the American Navy. The Alfred, in which he was employed, proved unsuccessful, but the courtsmartial held in consequence were so advantageous to the reputation of Jones, that he was appointed to the command
pounders. When Congress directed the building of thirteen frigates, he was, however, disappointed in obtaining the command of one. He was not discouraged, but wisely exhibited zeal, by memorializing the American Government concerning the improvement of their Navy, and cruizing very successfully against our trade. He also planned expeditions against the Newfoundland fishery, coast of Africa, &c. Such was American war fighting on, our part, that he escaped in his humble sloop two frigates, after a sharp contest with one of them. In 1779 he commanded a squadron against Isle Royal, made several captures, and soon after was promoted to the rank of a Captain. In his command of the Ranger, he made a descent upon Whitehaven, spiked the cannon in the fort, landed a boat's crew in St. Mary's Isle (which crew without his approbation carried away the Earl of Selkirk's plate), and captured the Drake of twenty guns, off Carrickfergus, the Captain and Lieutenant of the Drake being both killed. Etc...

Posted by Brian Stephens on Thursday 10th of April 2014 13:31

Paris May 13, Captain Paul Jones is very well entertained here, not only by the great people, engaged in the land or sea services but even by bishops and magistrates. M. de Malesherbs , minister of state, has invited him several times to dinner.

Posted by Brian Stephens on Tuesday 8th of April 2014 00:42

Edinburgh Advertiser, May 16, 1780
Extract of letter from Paris, April 24 ... An American officer was yesterday at the opera with Dr. Franklin's grandson's in one of the front boxes: the pit did not seem to take any notice of him; but between the acts the name of Paul Jones being whispered from mouth to mouth, a loud clap instantly ensued. The officer, to whom the compliment was addressed, could not mistake the object of it; he therefore rose, and thanked the audience several different times. It was in reality Commodore Paul Jones, that the pit and boxes received in so distinguished a manner. When he went out he found a prodigious concourse of people waiting to have a fight with him. The plaudits followed him till he got into his carriage.

Posted by Brian Stephens on Sunday 6th of April 2014 01:32

March 21, 1780
We learn from Corunna, that Commodore Paul Jones was still there the 26th of January last, with his frigate and was preparing to sail to America where he is to take command of a squadron consisting of 24 ships French and Americans, destined for an expedition against the British.

Posted by Brian Stephens on Saturday 5th of April 2014 19:59

Edinburgh Advertiser, Feb. 22, 1780
Extract of a letter from Corunna, Jan. 20
The 16th inst., the American ship Alliance of 28 guns, and 250 men, commanded by the famous American John Paul Jones, arrived here. He sailed from the Texel the 17th of last month having eluded the vigilance of the English, who had a squadron looking out for him, and expected him in the Downs. He crossed the channel and came here safe, without meeting any of the enemy's ships. In his cruize for 10 or 12 days off our capes, he took a Dutch ship, laden with ammunition and provisions for Gibralter, which he sent to Boston.