Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-13

Order Of Merit. Catharine Of Russia con--
ferred on him the rfband Of st. Anne and
Denmark gave him a pension.
About week after the action of Con-
gress number of patriotic ladies OF Phila-
delphia met in the old Swede Church in
that city. and under the direction of John
Brown secretary OF the new board Of
marine, arranged and made flag In ac-
cordance with the act of Congress- with
the exception that only twelve stars were
placed upon 1t, in group Of four threes.
1t never was made quite clear why only
twelve stars were placed there instead OF
thirteen. Some historians have asserted
that the women were superstitious and left
OF the odd star purposely. Others
tend that the fagmakers, being unskilled
in the business. could not arrange the thir-
teen stars symmetrically and SO left of the
odd one, not realizing the significance of
the symbolized Union that had been set
forth in the act of Congress.
Has But Twelve Stars.
At any rate the historic flag has only
twelve stars, and Is in existence today. II
is In the National Museum, where 1t was
deposited a few years ago by the heirs OF
James Stafford. A half-tone illustration OF
the flag appeared In The Star last Sunday.
The flag is of English bunting, Sh feet
long and / yard 5 inches wide. Small as 1t
Is, 1t probably cost an immense sum. as
bunting had to be imported from Engiano
and was very high at that time. This flag
was presented to Commander Paul Jones
Of the Ranger as soon as 1t was completed
by Misses Mary and Sarah Austin In be-
half of the patriotic women of Phiiadel-
phia. Capt. Jones was so delighted and en-
thusiastic that after the presentation he
procured small boat and, unfurling the
flag sailed up and down the river before
Philadelphia showing it to thousands on
shore. Besides being the first to unfurl the
new star spangled banner at sea over the
Ranger a few months later. Jones wrote
in ITS to the naval committee: Il am
ba congratulate my country on nav
ing the American flag for the first time re-
ceived in the completest and fullest man
ner by the French
This was in the French harbor, Quiberon
bay, and was enough to make glad the soul
of any patriot as 1t was acknowledge
ment of American independence.
Commander Makes History.
In September of 1910 Commander Jones
and his now famous stars and stripes made
a big bit of history. He had been given
command of the Bon Homme Richard. and
sailed under his priceless emblem About
ten days before the battle between the Bon
Homme Richard and the Scraps Paul Jones
captured a British vessel of war, and his
prize. armed ship called the kitty, was
commanded by Capt. Philip Stafford. The
EngliShman had put the k1tty'S crew IN
irons. This crew was transferred to the
Bon Momme Richard, and all volunteered
to Among these volunteers was
James Bayard Stafford, a nephew of the
captain of the Kitty, whose descendants
here deposited the flag in the museum. Be
ing educated, he made an officer on
board the Richard.
During the battle between the Bon Homme
Richard and the Scraps, which occurred
September %, 1873, the historic flag was
shot away, and fell, dragging In the sea-
Young Stafford jumped overheard, and was
engaged in replacing 1t when he was cut
down by officer of the Scraps. When
the Bon Homme Richard was sinking the
flag seized by sailor and transferred
by Jones to the Scraps, and accompanied
him to the Alliance when he assumed COM
mand of that frigate.
Flag Sent to Stafford
After the sale of the Alliance this flag
was sent to young Stafford, with the follow
ing letter. which is in good state of pres
ervaton:
philadelphia, Monday. December ID, 1884.
James Bayard Stafford-Sir: 1 am d.
rected by the marine committee to inform
you that on last Thursday, the 9th, they
decided to bestow upon you for your meri-
torious services thro the late war, Paul
Jones' starry flag of the Bon Homme Rich
ard which was transferred to the Alliance,
and a boarding sword of said ship and d
musquet captured from the Scraps.
IF you write to Capt. John Brown at the
yard, what ship you wish them sent by TO
N Y. they will be forwarded to you. Your
humble servt, JAMES MYLER,
Secretary Pro Tenn.
This letter and the relics were preserved
by Lieut. Stafford and by his widow. The
authenticity of these relics has been doubt
ed, but there is every reason to believe them
genuine. The letter was written only I'VE
years after the stirring incidents, and. If
not genuine, storm of protest would have
gone up about that time.