Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1848-01-29
PAUL JONES.
By J. T. EEADLEY,

lish coast, Jones crnised abou, for while
and at last fell in with the Alliance, which
had parted company with him shor.
time previous. With this vessel, the Pal
pals and Vengeance. making with the
| Bon Homme Richard four vessels, he
stood for The north. when on the afternoon
Of September 22d. 1879, he saw fleet
under convoy Of the Scraps Of 4 guns,
and Countess Of Scarborough of Il guns.
Jones Immediately issued his orders 10
/ form line of ballie. while with bis ship
he gave chase. The convoy scattered
/ like pigeons and run for the shore TO
| place themselves under the protection Of a
fort. while the two ships advanced 10 Tie
| contest |, was a beautiful day, the wind
was light, so ;ha. not a wave broke the
surface Of the sea, and all was smiling
| and tranquil on land, and as the hostile
fleets approached each other. The pier
OF Scarborough was crowded with spec
tators, while The old promontory Of Fam
| borough. over three miles distant, was
black with the multitude assembled to
witness the engagement.
| The breeze was so light that the yes
sels approached each other slowly. as if
| reluctant 10 come 10 mortal struggle and
mar that placid scene, and that beautiful
evening with the sound Of battle II was
thrilling spectacle. those bold ships with
their sails set, bearing sternIy up 10 each
other.
At length he cloudless sun sank be-
bind the hills, and twilight deepened over
the waves. The next moment the full,
round moon pushed lis broad disc above
tbs horizon and shed food Of light owe.
the tranquil waters. bathing in her soft
beams the white sails that seemed like
gentle moving clouds. The PaIpais stood
for the Countess Of Scarborough, while
the Alliance, after having come within
range withdrew and took position where
she could saf.Iy contemplate the fight.
Jones, now IN his element. paced the
deck 10 and fro, impatient for the conflict;
and al length approached within shot Of
the Scraps. The latter . new ship. with
an excelIen, crew and throwing al every
broatlside, seventy-Gve pounds more than
the Richard. Jones however, rated This
tightly, and 50 with his old l,af worn ont
merchantmen. closed feariessIy with his
powerful antagonist. As he approached
The latter, CaPlain Pearson hailed him
with
What ship is that!'
| can't hear what you say, was the
reply.
~ hat ship i ,hat!' rang back, IAN
swer Immediately or shall FIRE into you
a shot from Inc Richard was ,he signf-
lcanl answer and Immediately 10th YES
sells opened their broadsides. Two Of
! lie old eighteen Founders Of The Richard
burst At The first ERE, and he was compell-
ed TO close The lower ports, which were
not opened again during the action. This
was IN ominous beginning. The broad
sides now became rapid, presenting
strange spectacle to the people on shore.
The flashes Of guns amid the clouds Of
smoke that hung around the vessels, fol-
lowed by the roar ha, shook the coast,
serving apt half 10 reveal the struggling
vessels, comprised 10 make i, one of terror
and dread
The vessels kept moving alongside Of
each Others track; now passing the bow
and now passing he stern; pouring in at
each turn terrible broadside, that made
both friend and foe stagger.
Thus fighting and manmvring they
kept onward, until a. length The Richard
got 'afoul Of the Scraps. and Jones gave
orders 10 board. His men were repulsed.
and Captain Pearson hailed 10 know if he
had struck
/ have not yet begun 10 fghi,' was The
short and stern reply of JONES' backing
his topsails, while the Scraps KEEP, full
tie vessels parted and came alongside,
and broadside answered broadside with
fearful effect.
But Jones saw that this mode of fight.
ing would not answer. The superiority
OF The enemy in weight Of metal, gave him
great advantage in this broadside firing,
especially as his vessel was old and rotten
while every timber Of his antagonist was
new and staunch and he determined to
throw himself aboard of the enemy. In
doing this he fell off farther than he in
tended and his vessel, catching a moment
by the jibboon Of the Scraps, carried it
away, and the two ships swung broadside
10 broadslde, the muzzles Of the guns
touching each other. Jones Immediately
ordered hem TO be IasheG together. and
in his eagerness TO secure them, helped
with his own hands 10 lie the lashings.-
Captain Pearson did no, like this fighting.
for it destroyed all Tie advantage his SUI
perior sailing and heavier guns gave him.
so Let dron an anchor 10 swing bis shin