America Untold:
Forgotten heroes, Forgotten Stories
Scarlet Ingstad
Christian, Independent Author, Historian
Christian, Independent Author, Historian
Welcome back to Revolutionary Voices, a series aimed at highlighting the lesser-known figures of the American Revolution era. This month, I introduce you to the man the British called a "pirate," and the Americans called a hero...the founder of the U.S. Navy: John Paul Jones. A Violent Beginning John Paul was born on July 6, 1747 in Scotland. At the age of 12, he began his career with the British merchant marine, going to sea for the very first time as a cabin boy. He later served as a first mate on slave ships, but quickly vacated that trade in disgust. In 1769 he was appointed to the rank of master. Four years later, John Paul stopped his crew’s attempted mutiny by killing the ring leader. His actions were deemed “unnecessarily cruel,” but he claimed that they were done in self-defense. Unfortunately for John Paul, the man he killed was not an average sailor, but rather a man born to a very influential family in Scotland. To avoid facing trial for his actions, he fled to the British colony of Virginia. The British deemed him a fugitive, so he added the surname “Jones” in an attempt to evade detection. A Revolutionary Restart When the American Revolution exploded in 1775, Jones journeyed to Philadelphia and joined the early-version of the Continental Navy, thanks to the endorsement of the American patriot Richard Henry Lee. Jones was initially commissioned as a lieutenant on the very first American battleship, a 24-gun frigate called Alfred. It was on this frigate that Jones had the honor of hoisting the very first U.S. ensign over a naval vessel, an act that played a major role in acquiring the title: “Father of the American Navy.” Jones quickly acquired the rank of captain in 1776 and then received command of the ship Providence. During Jones’ first voyage on the Providence, he destroyed British fisheries and managed to capture sixteen British vessels. Soon after, Jones sailed for France under orders to assist with the American cause however necessary. He was placed in command of the Ranger from 1777 through 1778, the first American naval vessel to be formally saluted by the French. Commanding this vessel, Jones operated primarily in British waters and conducted valiant and daring raids on the shores of England. Jones was honored for his exploits and given command of five French and American vessels in 1779. Jones led a small squadron onboard his new flagship, Bonhomme Richard to capture seven merchantmen off the coast of Scotland. On September 23, 1779, Jones led one of the bloodiest battles in naval history. Despite the fact his own ship caught fire and began to sink, Jones refused to acquiesce to the surrender demands. He allegedly shouted a statement to the enemy, a statement that would be associated with Jones long after his death: “I have not yet begun to fight!” Three hours later, the British surrendered and Jones took command of their frigate, Serapis. Legacy After the Revolution, many British publications portrayed Jones as a ruthless pirate, akin to Blackbeard himself, due to Jones’ ruthless and bloody attacks against their ships. However, on the American side, Jones was hailed as a hero. Thomas Jefferson even fondly referred to him as “little Jones” due to his smaller stature. Jones’ personality, coupled with his actions, quickly propelled him to the status of “American favorite.” In addition to his skills as a naval commander, Jones also wrote eloquent letters and poetry, and even spoke some French. In 1788, the Russian Empress Catherine the Great appointed Jones as rear admiral in the Russian Navy. Jones left this position in 1789 and decided to move to Paris, where he died just a couple years later. In 1905, his remains were found and removed from their burial place in Paris to the United States. Then, in 1913, American President Theodore Roosevelt reinterred Jones’ remains in a tomb at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. In 1999, Jones was given an honorary pardon by the Port of Whitehaven for his raid on the town in 1778. Today, many statues and memorials to John Paul Jones are scattered about the country, especially in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. A replica of the ship Providence is currently docked at Alexandria, Virginia’s waterfront and offers cruises and historical tours with a John Paul Jones reenactor. John Paul Jones’ successful campaigns during the American Revolution earned him the title “Father of the American Navy.” His personality, relentless courage, and fighting prowess helped to define what it means to be a sailor in the United States Navy today. Upcoming Heroes and Heroines:
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Scarlet Ingstad
I am an independent author and historian seeking to uplift the stories of the lesser-known heroes and heroines of the American Revolution, alongside modern-day heroes and heroines who have served in the U.S. military and continue their service through their historical work. Archives
March 2022
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