The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1855-05-16
PAUL JONES.
Tile sC6tsrge of the Ocean.

The subject Of this sketch, John Paul
Jones, occupies a position in the history Of
the American arine shared by few others.
His exploits were always marked by dar-
ing confidence in his ultimate success, and
he achieved ends in many cases with re-
markably inadequate means.
He was born July 6, 1747, at Arbigland,
in the parish of Kirkbeau, Scotland. His
fathef's name was John Paul. The name
of Jones was assumed in addition at a later
date. His father was gardiner, and con-
tinued, during his life. in the employ OF
Mr.. Craik, of Arbiglane.
The early education of Paul Jones was
limited, but thorough as far as it went. AT
the early age of twelve he was regularly ap-
prenticed to follow the sea. His master
was Mr.. Younger, merchant in the A
merican trade. His first voyage was to
America. On arriving at his destination he
found his brother William, who had been a
resident here for number Of years. With
this brother he remained during the time he
was in port. Jones manifested great apt.
ness for the profession, and made at this pe-
riod several very successful voyages.
In l767, while returning to Scotland in
the John, as passenger, the master and
mate died of yellow fever, and Jones asstim-
ed the direction of the vessel, which he car
ried safely into port. He received the c9m-
mand of the vessel he had rescued as his re-
ward. Thus we find Jones, at the age of
twenty, or at most twenty-one, in full COM
mand OF a merchant vessel, an instance of
promotion, which, with the obscure and un-
patronized, never occurs without the exist
ence of great merit. In the employ of the
owners of this vessel, Jones sailed two
years, at the end of which time the firm dis
solved. From this date, up to his departure
for America, he followed the sea in various
capacities, going twice to the coast of Afri-
ca, on shaving expeditions. ..esr
In 1873 his brother William died in Vir-
ginia, leaving him heir to his estate. Iii
order to attend to his property lie came to
America, and it was shortly after his arrival
that he assumed the name of Jones. The
reasons for the adoption of this name have
never been definitely given.
Jones' connection with the American ma
w commence sometime in December,
l775. He was ordered to the Alfred, twen-
ty-four guns, as first lieutenant. On board
this vessel, at Philadelphia, on the 10th of
December, 1776, he hoisted, for the fret
time, the adopted flag of the United Colo
nies- This flag bore the representation Of
pine tree and a rattlesnake. with this mot
to-" Don't Tread on Me-" t0
While attached to the Alfred he came
first under fire in an engagement with the
Glasgow, twenty-four guns, off Newport
The Alfred was badly cut up in this affair,
which resulted in the escape of the Glas-
gov into Newport. In a variety of COM
mands which Jones undertook about this
time, he particularly distinguished himself
by his promptness Of action, and the ability
which ne displayed in seizing at once on the
best modes of extricating himself from inn
pending danger l. agA Va 0
It was under command Of John Paul Jones
that the American vessel, the Bon Homme
Richard, fought the French battleship Sera-
pis, on Marlborough Head. This action
was particularly noted for, the fury with
which it was conducted on both sides. Be-
fore noting any Of the incidents Of this en-
gagement, it will be wellto mention the
strength ofthe two vessels engaged. VIII /
ah The Bon Homme Richard was formerly
an Indiaman belonging ID the French. and
was called The Duo de Duras She was four.