Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-05-01
Anecdote' Of Commodore John
aAtn. Paul Jones.

The following anecdote of Paul Jones
is translated from the Journal du Havre
of March 26. for the New York Herald !;
at was in 1899, during the war of In
dependence-thanks to the skiful tenn.
Gritty of his vancouver, and to the superb
or sailing Of his frigate-Paul Jones had
happily reached the port of Brest. He
had escaped the English cruisers who
surveyed rIroise and desired 10 be re.
venged on an intrepid sailor for the i'm.
mense losses that he had inflicted upon
tLeir navy and their commerce.
Paul Jines was received in our first
military port with the distinction due to
his rank, and above all, to his high rep
utation, justified by celebrated actions
When his mission, which was to agree
with French military authorities, had
been accomplished, he fixed the day OF
his departure.
The night before, he went 10 the cof>
| fee-house of La Domedie, where all the
marine officers used to re-unite. All
admired the brave American captain
some of them were jealous Of him.
"A general conversation followed they
spoke Of the dangers that Paul Jones was
to meet in trying to escape fer second
time, superior forces which expected him
as sure prey. A young lieutenant OF
the marine proud of a great name seemed
TO seek to attack hin-by illusions, frs,
yelled, but which encouraged by the cold
dignity with which Paul Jones received
them, degenerated soon into positive pro.
| vocaiions.
The American here lost nothing of his
self-possession, which was one ofthe prin.
cipal traits Of his character. sLeu,en>
ant said he to his aggressor, calmly bu
with irmness, my country has not toe
many arms with all Of her children 1t
is for it, and not for vain quarrel that
| must be prodigal of my blood. Icanno'
have the honor of cutting my throat with
you
To this unexpected declaration, muir.
muir of disapprobation spread between the
officers present. Paul Jones spoke again
after having looked around with fiery
glance, which he fixed then on his ag-
| gressor:
Sir said he, you have provoked me
| you owe me satisfaction
The lieutenant bowed.
'Well' pursued John Paul Jones, 4
am to take leave Of NJ, the lntendent.-
Will you have the goodness 10 follow mel
hope with my credit to be able 10 Oh.
tain for you the permission of embarkina
with me. sail tomorrow, at the break
of the day. | will be attacked by supe-
rior forces that is an indubitable fact
and swear 10 you will accept the com.
bat. You will be seated near me on the
deck. We shall see who of US both will
turn pale first. Will you do me that hon.
org
All the officers, witnesses oflhis strange
scene, had passed from d>satis facton tc
surprise, then 10 admiration.
The lieutenant, out of his senses, was
going to try to answer him but immedi,
alely impulsed by generous sentiment,
| he advanced towards Paul Jones, with his
hand extended
Captain, said he, with quick motion,
| acknowledge my errors. Forgive me
for my folly, and honor me with your
friendship-believe.'
Enough, enough, my brave young
man., interrupted the American hero,
Selling the hand of the lieutenant, which
he vigorously shook, according to English
fashion-let US be friends"