Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-07-14
The Last Years of John Paul Jones.

1t is strange where so many writer's
have gotten the idea that the last years
Of John Paul Jones were spent in
wretchedncss. obscurity and poverty.
fact that he died abroad rather than in
this country. which he served SO gal
lantly in the war for independence.
Perhaps it was first advanced by some
writer who wished, for reasons of his
own, to create the impression that
Washington and his associates did not
properly recognize and reward the
services of our first sea fighter, or 1t
may have been suggested by some
English writer. since many English
men to this day declare that John
Paul Jones was simply a pirate and
should be treated as such in history.
However the idea arose, it has
gained currency and often appears in
these times when there is SO much
about Jones in the newspapers and
history show an entirely opposite con-
dition Of things and demonstrate con-
Clusively that in his closing years he
was neither poor. unhappy nor obscure.
Writing from Paris. Editor Watterson
of the Louisville Courier Gazette meets
and cOmbats the many perversions of
he Urn ha los nf
the great naval hero, whose body. after
resting for over a century in foreign
soil, is now crossing the seas to Amer
lea again.
After the war Of the Revolution
Jones was received in London with the
greatest distinction. The Army and
Navy Club delighted to honor him.
Burke and Fox were his familiars.
Horace Walpole was his intimate
friend. To them all he was dear
Paul" The only act of piracy" ever
alleged against him was his descent
upon Selkirk Castle, whence some of
his men. falling to find Lord Selkirk,
carried away the family plate. Learn
ing of the pillage. Jones. Immediately
on getting back to Brest, collected
every piece of this plate, purchased 1t
out Of his own pocket and returned it
to Lady Selkirk with n letter of apOl-
ogy. The Selkirks thenceforward were
among his most ardent admirers.
In his last illness. the King of France
sent daily to ask for his health. Had
he lived a week longer he would have
been Admiral of France. The French
Assembly rose upon its feet and stood
uncovered whilst the resolution of re-
spect was being passed. He left a
large sum of money to his two surviv-
ing sisters. He died the ranking Off
Ger of the American navy. Three
weeks after his death, letters came
from Washington and Jefferson plac-
ing our marine interests in Europe in
his hands and authorizing him to Or
game an expedition to go after the
Barbary pirates. He stood in the rela-
ton of a son to Franklin. of a brother
to Jefferson. possessing the FIJI .st CON-
fidence of the Father of His Country
Whenever he appears upon the written
page. We see not only a naval COM
mander but statesman his writing
in Its calm wisdom and crystal lucid
ity, reminding us of the writing OF
Abraham Lincoln.
Personally, he was the most capti-
waiting Of men, handsome and gentle
When lie came back from his wonder
full sea fight, the Duchess of Orleans
lodged him in the Palais Royal. The
King made him a Chevaler of France
Paris went wild. In the court, in the
highest French society. he was literal
ly "a bowling SWELL" though he him.
self did none Of tn, "howling." There
10 not a blot on his cscutcheon.
The day which witne sses the arrival
OF his remains in American waters
should be celebrated all over the
United States as a holiday.