John Paul Jones Part 2

 

By Louis Petrone

 

In last week’s Part 1, I shared that which is popularly known regarding one of America’s greatest naval heroes, John Paul Jones. This week, Part 2 introduces the less well known John Paul Jones.

 

 

John Paul Jones was born John Paul in 1747 in Scotland. Jones would not become his last name for many years. He went to sea as an apprentice when 13.

 

 

Several years later, he served as a crew member on three slave ships to Africa and back. His services were well paid. However, he came to hate trafficking in human cargo and stopped after the third trip.

 

 

His first command was the brig John. He initially served as second mate. After the Captain and first mate died from fever, he assumed command.

 

 

On a voyage to the West Indies in 1770, he flogged one of his sailors for disciplinary reasons. The sailor died a few weeks after the flogging. The discipline was considered as unnecessarily cruel by authorities and Jones was arrested. He was imprisoned and then released on bail. Fearful of an adverse result at trial, he jumped bail and left the place of trial.

 

 

Another incident involving a crew member occurred in 1773. The place, the island of Tobago. Certain of his crew mutinied. It was over advance pay. In  the fight which ensued, Jones killed one of the sailors with his sword. Again his fear of not getting a fair trial came into play. He escaped to Fredericksburg, Va. He changed his name from John Paul to John Paul Jones to avoid capture and return to Tobago for trial.

 

 

His brother had died earlier while residing there. Jones’ reasons for picking Fredericksburg as his destination were twofold. There was a need to settle his brother’s affairs. Additionally, Jones had a great dislike for Great Britain which he believed had mistreated the Scottish people.

 

 

When war between the Colonies and Great Britain broke out, he volunteered his service in the new Continental Navy. He was awarded a lieutenant’s rank. His naval talent was soon recognized and he was elevated to Captain and received his first command. The sloop Providence. He distinguished himself in that command by capturing 16 British vessels on his first cruise.

 

 

Jones accomplished a previously thought not possible act. He attacked the Town of Westhaven on the west coast of England. Actually landed his men and himself on land. Invaded the Town. Little damage was done. However he gave the British concern that a Colonial ship could actually invade England.

 

 

Jones was a proud egotistical man. He knew better than others. He was of the opinion his record proved it. He found it difficult to get along with his superiors, those in authority.

 

 

He feuded with Commodore Hopkins. His boss, in effect. Jones publicly complained that Hopkins was hindering his advancement and talking down his campaign plans. Hopkins retaliated by giving Jones command of a smaller ship and sending him off to France.

 

 

Paris was the perfect place for Jones. He enjoyed partying and frolicking with the ladies. He became immediate and best friends with Benjamin Franklin. Paris was their play pen. Jones was extremely proud that he and Franklin became members of a Masonic Lodge at the same time while in Paris.

 

 

In 1779, Jones took command of the Bonhomme Richard where he won his greatest battle and spoke words which resound to this day… I have not yet begun to fight.

 

 

At all times while in the service of the Continental Navy, Jones had trouble not only with his superiors but also with his officers and men. His officers and crew felt Jones fought for his own glory and nothing more. He took them in harm’s way for his personal benefit.

 

 

On the first trip with the Bonhomme Richard, Jones commanded a seven ship squadron. Five Naval ships and two privateers. Rank insubordination occurred. Two captains took their ships and left the squadron before battle.

 

 

One year after Bohomme Richard’s glorious victory, the King of France honored Jones with the title Chevalier. France loved Jones! It was the biggest recognition it could give him.

 

 

In 1787, the Continental Congress was to give Jones a medal for his valor and brilliant services. He rankled many by insisting that the award include the title Chevalier prior to his name.

 

 

Interestingly, while France and the United States were honoring Jones, Great Britain viewed him as nothing more than a common pirate.

 

 

After the war, the Continental Navy was disbanded. Over Jones’ objection. Congress felt it did not have sufficient monies to maintain a navy.

 

 

A Captain without a ship. A warrior without a war. Somehow he and Catherine the Great of Russia got together. She was also known  as Catherine II. Russia was at war with Turkey. Russia was in need of a stronger and apparently better naval leader. Catherine said she wanted… One more bulldog for the Black Sea. Jones was her bulldog.

 

 

In his acceptance, Jones wrote Catherine that he hoped his efforts on behalf of Russia would bring him great fame. He wrote her he loved glory and was perhaps too attached to honors.

 

 

Jones was designated a Rear Admiral and beat the hell out of the Turks.

 

 

Jones became a Russian hero. He did not enjoy the position too long. He had made enemies. Certain Russian elite disliked him. The reason was simple. He again was the braggart, the man who could get things done. Glory and credit were not shared by him with anyone.

 

 

Intrigue came into play. Russian intrigue. Two Russian princes who were not fond of Jones had him recalled to St. Petersburg. They maliciously assaulted his private character.

 

 

Jones was accused of sexual assault with a 12-year-old girl. He was charged with rape. He was arrested.

 

 

Jones’ mouth got him into deeper trouble. He admitted he had often “frolicked with the girl” for a small cash payment. He denied, however, taking her virginity.

 

 

Fortunately, he had one friend in Russia. The French Count de Segur who convinced authorities that Jones had been falsely accused.

 

 

Jones departed Russia a bitter man.

 

 

Jones died in a third floor Paris apartment in 1792. He was 45 years old.

 

 

His burial procession was small. Nowhere near what a man of his distinction/accomplishments might be entitled to. A small group of servants and friends walked with his coffin four miles to his place of burial. St. Louis Cemetery. The place of repose of the French royal family. A placed of dignity and respect.

 

 

Not for long, however. Four years later came the French Revolution. Louis lost his head and the cemetery its dignity. The beautiful cemetery became a place for the disposal of dead animals and gamblers who had bet on animal fights. The bodies were merely thrown on the ground.

 

 

Years later in 1905, the United States desired the return of the body of their revered Naval hero. His body was difficult to locate and identify. After scientific investigation, his body was located. Jones was then returned with appropriate glory to the United States. His home since, the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.

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