The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-07-25

CHARAcTtR OF JOHN fAUL JoNEs--br' topper, III
the las, number Of Graham's Magazine, thus delin-
Gates the character of John Paul Jones
''There can be no question that Paul Jones was
great man. BY this mean far more than en-
terprising and dasbng seaman. The success which
attended exploits effected by very insufficient means,
forms the least portion Of his claims TO the oharac-
ter. His mind aimed at high objects, and kept an
even pace " It'll his elevated views. We have only
to fancy such man at the bead Of force like that
with which Nelson achieved The victory OF the Nile
twelve as perfect aud well commanded two-decked
ships as probably ever sailed in company-in order
to get some idea what lie would have done with
them, with a peersge or Westminster Abbey in the
perspective. No sea captain, Of whom the world
possesses any well authenticated account, ever at
tempted projects bold as those Of Jones, or which
discovered more of the distinctive qualities OF a
great mind, If the quality Of his enemy be kept III
view as well his limited and imperfect
means. The battle between the Scraps and Rich
ard had some extraordinary peculiarliies, beyond
question, and yet, victory, II has been often sur
passed. The pecullartes belong strictly to Jones
but think his offering battle to the Drake alone IN
his sloop in the ntre of the Irish channel with
mics before, behind, and each side Of him, an act
Of higher naval courage than the attack the Sera
ps. Landas' extraordinary conduct could not have
been foreseen, ami it is only when Jones fourd him
self reduced 10 emergency, IN this affair." that he
came out in his character Of lndomltaele resolution.
But all the cruises Of the indicated lorethought,
intrepdty and intelligence Certainly, no sea cap
tain, under the American flag, has ever yet equaed
him in these particulars.
"That Jones had many defects of character is GER
tain They arose in part from temperament, and in
part from education. His constant declarations of
the delcacy Of his sentiments, and OF the dslnte est
edn, of his vices though true in the MAN,
taste that higher associations in youth would pro-
baby have corrected. There holiness OF
feeling about him, that dsinclned him equally 10
meanness and ,ulgary; and as for the coarseness oi
language and department that too much character
lzed the habits of the sea- in his time, he appears
yer to have yielded 10 them All this was well IN IT,
self, and did him credit but II would have been bet
ter had he spoken less frequently of his exemption
from such iangs, and not have alluded 10 them so
often in has remarks on Others.
There something in the personal character
OF Jones that weakened his hold bis cote mporares,
though ii does not appear TO have ever produced a
want Of confidence in his services probity. Com.
Dale used to mention him with peel, and even with
| attachment; often calling him Paul with degree
Of affection that spoke well for both parties Still,
IL is not to be concealed that a species of indefinite
distrust clouded h reputation even IN America,
til the industry OF his bographers, by means OF ndis-
putabe documents and his voluminous cores
pondence, succeeded in placing him before the pub
lie in light too uneqnv,9Se s resne',asii 10 'ease
s,lsntly done him injustice. The power of England,
IN me way opirion has always been great in this
country, and it is probable the dscredt that nation
threw The reputation of Jones produced in1u-
| enCt, more Nlsblt IN us results uaH IN Workings,
on ms standing with those he had well served
" In person, Jones Of the middle stature, with
compile xion that was colorless and with skin that
showed the exposure Of the lie was well form
ed and active. His contemporaries have described
him as quiet and unpresumlng in his manners and OF
rather retiring department. The enthusiasm which
ran in so deep current in his heart was not OF the
obtrusye sort was il apt TO appear until crcum-
stances 10 call into action then II seemed Ia
absorb all the other properties Of his beirg. Glory
he constantly sVowed, was his aim and there is res
son to think he did not mistake his own motives in
this particular. 1t perhaps TO be regretted that his
love Of glory closely connected with his per
sonal vanity; but even this is better than the glory
which is sought instrument Of ruthless power
az an author may be permitted to quote from him
self we shall conclude this sketch by adding what we
have already said, by way Of summary, Of this re.
matkable man. in a note 10 the first edition OF the
| History Of the United States Navy-yiz; In battle
Paul Jones brave in enterprise hardy and orgi-
nal in victory mild and generous in motives much
disposed TO dsinerestedness though ambitious Of re-
nown and covetous Of distinction in his pecunary
relations liberal; in his affections natural and sincere
and IN his temper, except in those which assail-
ed his re- utatiou, just and forgiying' That these
good qualities without alloy 1t would be pre-
sump,uous to assert but 1t appears certain that hi,
defects relieved by high proofs Of greatness and
that his deeds more than the proper results
Of the impulses, talents and inrepidIty Of the man