Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1859-06-04
NJ | S C'E L l. A n Y.
PAUL JONES' FIRST NAVAL ADVENTURE
A REVOLUTIONARY REMINIS CENCE.
BY JACK BRACE.

Everything connected with that brave and
gallant chcyalier, John Paul Jones, whose he
roic devotion to the cause of the American colo
nies was illustrated by such feats Of daring as
made his name the wonder and admiration of
his times, AMI will carry his reputation as a
warrior Of the ocean, to the latest posterity, is
invested with peculiar interest. The incidents
related in the following story, therefore
founded upon facts-will not fail to interest the
reader.
There is excitement more intense than
that of q sea chase. With the broad and track
less ocean before you, and gallent bark bound
ing beneath you, whether pursuit or flight be
the object, your senses are quickened into life
far more vivid than any stimulus of the "dull,
tame shore" can excite. Upon the qualities of
your vessel, or the skill with which she is man.
aged, turns the question of triumph or defeat
Of life or DEATH With what eagerness, then,
do YOU mark every trihing indication, each shift
of the wind, each effect Of wave or current !
With what assduity do you avail yourself of
favorable, or seek to avoid unfavorable changes !.
The eye grows quicker, the brain more active,
the nerves frmer-and hand and heart con-
tribute to success!
Never, perhaps, was the interest of a sea-
chase more warmly felt than on board an armed
Sloop, which was bowling along one bright
spring morning, in the year l777, in the lat-
tude of the Bermudas The graceful little craft
was in the service of the American colonies,
which we're carrying on their gallant and
finally successful struggle against the gigantic
power of Great Britain, whose fleets swarmed
the ocean, while the little navy Of an embroy
Republic scarce ranked as an organized force.
Notwithstanding disparity, however, which
| put all comparison of strength ridiculously out
nc ouaation tho mn xaooo1o of
slipping quietly out to sea, despite the vigilance
of their foes, occasionally performed deeds Of
almost incredible daring, and scattered terror
and confusion among the commerce of the
! enemy. OF these, none at that early day, had
! played more conspicuous part than the little
craft Just mentioned and no one of those he.
roes, whose deeds of daring on the ocean have
left deathless name, was destined to be wider
known to fame than her commander. He wal
man about the middle height, but of thos,
admirable proportions which denote botf
strength and agility his eagle eye, the haugh
ty curl of his lip, and his free, proud step, be
spoke lofty will, and an unconquerabe deter
minaton.
AS he moved along the deck, OCCASIONAL,
glancing aloft, then casting his eyes on the ia
off distant horizon, and anon losing himself ii
revery, every eye was turned upon him witt
that admiration which sailor always feels 70
superior genius and skill for he was man t.
whom others soon learned to look upon as on
to be relied on in every emergency.
No one had yet ventured to disturb his morn
ing promenade; not even the officer of tn
deck, who was quietly gazing over the bul
warks at the bright sea and the azure sky. Sud
denly the commander paused, bent his gaze o.
the horizon, and, turning to his officer, said
quickly;
How is this, Mr.. Olney, no sail has bee
reported to ?"
The reply of the lieutenant was cut short b
the look. out, at the mast head, who sang ou
in clear shrill voice, that spirit stirring or
at sea:
4 Sail, hov
"Where awayp" shouted the officer Of tn
deck ...-..
Broad on the weather boww was the re
ply.
"The lookout reports a sail broad on III
weather bow" said the officer, touching his ca
formally. at is the first which has been mad
, out this morning" - s .....t..t
"If he had said three sail he would have com
nearer" said the commander, quietly, at Ii
! same time looking through his spy-glass.