Bisbee daily review., 1906-06-15
BIRTH OF FLAG.
CContinued from age 5.)

hands the flag of my freedom the first time it was displayed on the Delaware, and I have attended it with veneraton ever since on the ocean,"
 John Paul Jones was much honored. Louis XIV created him knight Of the Order of Merit. Catherine of Russia conferred on him the riband of St. Anne, and Denmark gave him pension. About a week after the action Of Congress a number of patriotic ladies of Philadelphia met in the old Swede church in that city and, under the di- rection of John Brown, secretary of the new board of marine, arranged and made a flag in accordance with the act of Congress. with the exception that only twelve stars were placed upon it in a group of four threes. It never was made quite clear why only twelve stars were placed there instead of thir- teen. Some historians have aSsertd that the women were superstitious, and left of the odd star purposely. Others contend that the flag makers, being unskilled in the business. could not arrange the thirteen stars sym metrically, and so left of the odd one. not realizing the significance of the symbolized union that had been set forth by act of Congress.
 Has But Twelve Stars.
 At any rate, the historic flag has only twelve stars, and is in existence today. It is in the national museum where 1t was deposited a few years ago by the heirs of James Stafford.
 The flag is of English bunting, SA feet long and l yard inches wide Small as it is, it probably cost an i'm mense sum, as bunting had to be i'm ported from England and was very high at that time. This flag was pre- sented to Commander Paul Jones oi the Ranger as soon as it was complet ed by Misses Mary and Sarah Austin in behalf of the patriotic womn oi Philadelphia. Captain Jones was Sc delighted and enthusiastic that after the presentation he procured small boat and, unfurling the, flag. sailed uI and down the river before Philadel phia. showing it to thousands on the shore:r Besides being the first to un flIrl the new star spangled banner al sea over the Ranger, few months later, Jones wrote in l77S to the naVal committee:
 "'I am happy to congratulate my country on having the American flag for the first time received in the com pletest and fullest manner by the French"
 This was in the French harbor. Qui beron Bay, and was enough to make glad the soul of any patriot, as it was an acknowledgement of American in dependence.
 Commander Makes History.
 In September of 1779 Commander Jones and his now famous stars ana stripes made bit of history He haC been given command of the Bor Homme Eichard, and sailed under hi! priceles emblem. About ten days be fore the battle between the Bon Hom me Richard and the Serapis, Pau Jones capturd a British vessel of wal and his prize, an armed ship called the Kitty. was commanded by Captair Philip Stafford. The Englishman flaC put the Kitty's crew in irons. Thii crew was transferred to the Bor Homme Richard, and all yolunteereC to serve. Among these volunteer was James Bayard Stafford, a nephew of the captain of the Kitty. whose de scendants deposited the flag in th, museum. Being educated, he wa made an officer on board the Richard
 During the battle between the Bol sHomme Richard and the Serapis which occurred September g. ITS the historic nag was shot away an fell, dragging in the sea. Young Stai ford jumped overheard and was CT gagged in replacing it when he was GU down by an officer of the Serapis.
 When the Bon Homme Richard wa sinking the flag was seized by sal or and transferred by Jones to tn Serapis, and accompanied him to th Alliance when. he took command c that frigate.
 Flag Sent to Stafford.
 After the sale of the Alliance thi flag was sent to young Stafford wit the following letter, which is in goo state of preservation:
 Philadelphia, Monday, Devember l;
 1784.
 James Bayard Stafford-Sir: I an directed by the marine committee | inform you that on last Thursday. tn sth, they decided to bestcw upon you for your meritorious services thro' tn late war, Paul Jones starry flag O the Bon Homme Richard, which wa
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