Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-11-30
an 9at.rssting Storp.
PAUL JONES,
THE sC0uRaE OF THE SEA,

Jones. occupies a position in the histo-
ry Of the American marine shared by
few others. His exploits were always
marked by daring confidence in his
ultimate success, and he achieved ends
in many cases, with remarkably mad
equate means.
He was born July 9th, i747. at Ar
bingland, in the parish of kirkbeau
Scotland. His fathers name was
John Paul. The name Of Jones was
assumed at a late date. His father
wac n gardener. and continued during
his life in the employ Of Mr.. Craik,
Arbingland.
The early education Of Paul Jones
was limited, but thorough, as far as il
went. At the early age Of twelve,
he was regularly apprenticed to follow
the sea. His paster was Mr..
Younger. a merchant in the American
trade. On arriving at his destIna-
ton. he found his brother William,
who had been n resident here for a
a number of years. With his brother
he remained. during the time he was
in port. Jones manifested great apt
ness for the profession. and made at
this period several successful voyages.
In 1867, while returning to Scot
land. In the John. AS q passenger. the
master and mate died Of yellow fever,
and Jones assumed the direction oI
the vessel. and carried il safely into
port. He received the command ol
the vessel he had rescued, as a part ol
his reward. Thus we find him at the
age Of twenty, or, at least, twenty
one. in full command Of merchant
vessel, an instance Of promotion,
which with the obscure and unpat'
ionixed, never occurs without great
merit. In the employ Of the owners
Of the vessel, Jones sailed two years,
at tho end of which time the firm dis
solved. From this date up to the
time Of bis departure for America,
he followed the sea in various capaci'
ties going twice 10 the coast Of Africa
on slavery expeditions.
In 1878. his brother William died
in Virginia. leaving him heir to the
estate. In order to attend to, hi
property, he came to America. and /
was shortly after his arrival tina. h,
assumed the name Of Jones. The
reason for the adoption Of this name
has never been definitely given.
Jones connexion with the Ameri
can navy commenced sometime ID
December, l775. He was ordered
to the Alfred, "a guns, as first lieu
tenant. On board this vessel at Phil.
adelphia. Oh the Goth Of December
1776, he hoisted, for the first time
the adopted flag OF the United Colo
nies. The flag bore the representa-
ton ola pine Tree and and a rattle
snake. with the motto-"Don't Trea,
ON Me-"
While attached to the Alfred. HI
came first under fire in an engagement
with the Glasgow, "a guns. of New
port. The Alfred was badly cut u!
in this affair. which resulted in th'
escape Of the Glasgow. into New
port. In variety Of command
which Jones undertook about this tins
he particularly distinguished himsel
by his promptness in action, and tn
ability which be displayed in scizinl
at once on the best modes of extrica
ting himself.
1t was under the command Of Johl
Paul Jones, that the American vessel
the Bon Homme Richard, fought tn
English ship Seraphis. off Flambor
ough Head. This action was particu
larry noted for the fury with whicl
il was conducted on both sides. Be
fore noting any Of the incidents Of tn
engagement, il will be well to mention
the strength Of the two vessels en-
gagged.
The Bon Homme Richard wa
formerly an Indiaman. belonging /
the French. and was called Due d
Duras. She was II years old, an,
although bought for the fast sailo
and sound hull. she proved to b
dull under sail and rotten in timber
She was a long single decked ship
Her armature. all told. was forty-tw
guns. The Seraphis was a new yes
sci. carrying A guns and about 35
men.
The engagement took place on !h
Esd Of September. 1879. At an eal
ly hour the ships became entangle
with each other and continued lashe
side by side during the whole action
They were so close together that CUR
ners were obliged TO pass their ram
mer's into hostile ports to get ther
into their guns. 0fcourse the execu
ton done at this short range was Tel
rife. Everywhere resounded mingle
cheers and groans. The dead wei
strewn about in every direction. an
the most awful confusion prevailed :
The Richard was often on iire. and {
the close of the engagement was in
sinking condition. Her side was a
most entirely destroyed by the guns ,
the Srraphis. and nothing preventc
the quarter and main deck from lilel
ally falling down upon the lower dec
but a few top timbers that fortunatel
ro,.a,,ol et.cJ,r,. Vk,s loff Iona