The Autograph of the Father of the American Navy - John Paul Jones

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2006

JONES, John Paul (1747-1792) Father of the American Navy, and probably the first to fly the new American flag while aboard the ship Ranger in 1777. He was a slave trader but quit the slave traffic in disgust calling it an 'abominable trade'. Having taken up residence in Virginia, he volunteered early in the War of Independence to serve in his adopted country's infant navy and raised with his own hands the Continental ensign on board the flagship of the Navy's first fleet. He took the war to the enemy's homeland with daring raids along the British coast and the famous victory of the Bonhomme Richard over HMS Serapis. After the Bonhomme Richard began taking on water and fires broke out on board, the British commander asked Jones if he had struck his flag. Jones replied, "I have not yet begun to fight!" In the end, it was the British commander who surrendered. Jones is remembered for his indomitable will, his unwillingness to consider surrender when the slightest hope of victory still burned. Throughout his naval career Jones promoted professional standards and training. Sailors of the United States Navy can do no better than to emulate the spirit behind John Paul Jones's stirring declaration: "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way."Autograph removed from a letter "Jno. P. Jones" on 3-1/2"x1", slip of paper. Mounted with elaborate frame. Fine.

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