The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-04-17

| 7fsnsisisd fom ~ Jos,vNxi ~ Hssvs, Mrsk ~.
| TIN REMAIss or JoHx PAUL Jouxs.-Ws
lately announced that the u1lts1 States friest3
St Lawrence, which conveyed to Losdon the
articles of American industry. destined for the
universal Exhibition, had also commission Ia
take back to the United States the remains Of
Commodore Paul Jones, now buried in Paris.
On that occasion, is reported an anecdote
about this celebrated man, who Was the Du-
quay Irouin Of the new world.
1t was in l779, during the war of Independ-
ence--thanks TO the skilful temerity OF his
manwuvre, and to the superior sailing OF his
frgate-Paul Jones had happily reached the
port Of Brest. He had escaped the English
cruisers who surveyed llroise, and desired TO be
revenged on an intrepid sailor for the immense
losses that he had inflicted upon their navy and
their commerce.
Paul Jones was received in our first military
port, with the distinction due to his rank, and
above all to his high reputation, justified by cele-
brated actions. When his mission, which was
to agree with the French military authorities,
had been accomplished, he fixed the day of his
departure.
The night before, he went to the coffee-house
OF La Dromedie, where all the marine officers
used to reunite. All admired the brave Ameri
can 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, for second time, superior
forces which expected him as sure prey A
young lieutenant OF the marine, proud Of great
name, seemed to seek to attack him by allu-
sions, first yelled; but which, encouraged by
the cold dignity with which Paul Jones re-
ceived them, degenerated soon into positive
prOvocatOns.
The American hero lost nothing of his self
possession, which was one OF the principal traits
Of his character. Lieutenant" said he, to his
aggressor, calmly but with firmness, my coun
try has not too many arms with all of her chill
dren 1t is for it, and not for a vain quarrel,
that must be prodigal Of my blood. cannot
have the honor of cutting my throat with YOU"
To this unexpected declaration, murmur of
disapprobation spread between the officers pre-.
sent. Paul Jones spoke again, after having
looked around with fiery glance which he fixed
then on his aggressor:
Sir" said he, :" you have provoked me; you
owe me satisfaction"
The lieutenant bowed.
swell. !" pursued Paul JONES'" am to take
leave Of NJ, the Intendent Will you have the
goodness TO follow me-! hope with my credit
to be able to obtain for you the permission of
embarking with me. sail tomorrow, at the
break of the day. | will be attacked by supe-
rior forces that is an indubitable fact, and
swear to you will accept the combat. 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 honorw
All the officers, witnesses of this strange
scene, had passed from dissatisfaction to sur
prise, then to admiration.
The lieutenant, out Of his senses, was going
to try to answer him; but Immediately impulsed
BY generous sentiment, he advanced towards
Paul Jones, with his hand extended
"Captain," said he, with a quick emotion,
acknowledge my errors. Forgive me for my
folly, and honor me with your friendship---be-
lieve."
Enough, enough, my brave young man." in
terrrupted the American hero, Selling the hand
of the lieutenant. which he vigorously shook, ac-
cording to English fashion" let us be friends"