Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1855-04-12
Misrella,leolls
PAUL JONES,
TIE scouRGE OF THE OCEAN.

The subject Of this sketch, John Paul Jones
occupies q position in the bi. tory Of the
American marine shared by few otheis. His
exploits were always marked by daring con-
6dence in his ultimate success, and he acheiv-
cd ends in many cases with remarkably mad
squate means.
He was born July 6, 1747, al Arbigland, in
the parish Of Kirkbean, Scotland. HIS fathers
meme was John Paul. The name OF Jones
was assumed in addition st later date. His
father was continued during his life, in the
employ OF NJ. CTaik, OF Arbigland.
The early education OF Paul Jones was lin
tied, but thorough as for as il went. At the
early age OF twelve he was apprenticed to fol-
low the sea. His master was Mr.. YoungeE
Q merchant in the American trade. His first
voyage was 10 America. On arriving at his
destination he found his brother W ill.am, who
hac been 4 resident here for number Of years
With this brother he remained during The time
be was in port. Jones manifested great apt
ness for the profession. and made at this pe-
rod several very successful voyages.
lnsi757, while return ing from Scotland in
the Join, as . passenger. the master and mate
died OF yellow fever, and Jones assumed the
direction of The vessel which. he carried saiely
into porl. He received The command Of tho
vessel he had rescued as his reward. Thus
We find Joner st the age Il twenty, or at least
ct twenty one in full command Of a merchant
vessel an instance Of promotion, which, with
the obscure and unpalronized never occurs
without the existence oTgreat merit. In the
employ Of the owners of this vessel, Jones
sail, d two Je3rs, st the end of which time the
fitm dissolved. From this dste up 10 his de-
parture for America, he followed the sea in
various capacities, going .wice TO the cosstof
africa, on saving expeditions.
In 7773. his brother William died in VI.
sinis, leaving him heir 10 bis estate. In Or
der TO attend to his property he came to Amer
ice, and il was shortly after his arrival that he
assumed the anne Of Jones. The reasons for
the adopton,of this name have never been
definitely given.
Jones' connection with the American navy
commenced sometime in December, 1776.-
He was ordered 10 the Alfred, twenty -four
guns, as FIRST lieutenant. On board this ves-
sci, at Philadelphia, on the 10Th ofDecember
l776, he hoisted 70! the first time, the adopted
Dag Of the United Colonies. This flag bore
the representation OF a pine Tree and rattle
snake, with this motto-"I ont Tread on Me-"
While attached 10 the Alfred he came first
under fire in an engagement with the Glas
go,0, lwenty-lour guns, off Newport. The
Alfred was badly eul up in this affair, which
resulted in the escape OF the GhsgoD into
Newport. In variety OF commands which
Jones undertook about this time, he pancu-
larly distinguished himself by his prompness
OF action, and the ability which he displayed
In sc zing a; once on the best modes of exiri.
eating himself from impending danger.
1t was under command Of John Paul Jones
that the American vessel, the Bon HOmme
Richard, fought the English ba;tleship, Sva.
phis,on Flamborough Head. This action was
particularly noted for the fury with which it
Was conducted on both sides. Before noting
sDy OF the incidents Of thisengagement,it vii!
be we'll 10 mention the strength Of the two
vessels e9goged.
Tie Bon Homme Richard was formerly an
Indian n belonging TO the French, and was
calIei the Due de Duras. She was fourteen
yeats old, and although bought for fast sail
er and sound hull, proved 10 be under sail
and rotten in timber. She was long, single
decked ship. Her armament, all told, was
forty Two guns. The Serophis was rev
ship, carrying forty four guns, and about three
hundred and hfty men.
The engagement took place on the 23d of
September, i779. At an early hour the ships
became entangIed with each other and con-
iinued lnshed side by side during the whole
action. They were so close together that the
gunners were obliged 10 pass the Hammers into
the mouths OF the hostile ports 10 get them
into their guns. or course the execution done
/ st this short range was terrific. Everywhere
Iesounded with intermingled cheers and groans
The dead was slremn about in every direction
and The most awful confusion prevailed. The
Richard was frequently on FIRE, and st The
close OF the action was in sinking cocdtion.
Her side was almost destroyed by The guns Of
the Ssraphis, and nothing prevented The GUAR
ter and main deck from literally falling down
upon The lower deck, but few top iimbers
4hnt fortunately remained standing. This
le Jones and his Companions fighting ON a
sort Of stage. upheld by stancIions that we're
liable 81 any moment to give wsy.
The loss on both sides was fesrfully great.
Foil one hundred aud fifty Of the RifSgds
men were killed, and the Sergphis LOST one
hundred and seventeen. The Serapiis final.
ly struck her colors, and upon the beoyinv
wave foated The shattered hulls, freisbled
with The msimed, the dying and the dead
Greet efforts were made 10 keep the Bon
HSmme Richard shos, but alter toiling o
whole day and night; il became evident that
ans bsd "fooght her last bst.le.ps ner men,.