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margin-right:auto; max-width:25em; } - - dl.undent dd { max-width:23em; } - dl.int { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:25em; } - dl.int dt {margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } - dl.int dd {margin-left:2em; } -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Paul Jones, by Molly Elliott Seawell - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Paul Jones - -Author: Molly Elliott Seawell - -Release Date: April 8, 2020 [EBook #61784] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAUL JONES *** - - - - -Produced by D A Alexander, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="img"> -<img class="cover" id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Paul Jones" width="500" height="715" /> -</div> -<h3><span class="u">By MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL</span></h3> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">DECATUR AND SOMERS</p> -<p class="t0">LITTLE JARVIS</p> -<p class="t0">PAUL JONES</p> -</div> -<div class="img" id="pic1"> -<img src="images/p_000.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="792" /> -<p class="caption"><i>The guns broke loose.</i></p> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<h1>PAUL JONES</h1> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="small">BY</span> -<br />MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL</p> -<p class="center smaller">AUTHOR OF -<br />LITTLE JARVIS, MIDSHIPMAN PAULDING, CHILDREN OF DESTINY, MAID MARIAN, THROCKMORTON, ETC.</p> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_001.jpg" alt="Publisher Logo" width="132" height="151" /> -</div> -<p class="center">D. APPLETON-CENTURY COMPANY -<br /><span class="small">INCORPORATED</span> -<br />NEW YORK <span class="hst">LONDON</span> -<br />1936</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_iv">iv</div> -<p class="center smaller"><span class="sc">Copyright</span>, 1893, -<br /><span class="sc">By</span> D. APPLETON AND COMPANY.</p> -<p class="center smaller"><i>All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.</i></p> -<p class="center smaller">Printed in the United States of America.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_v">v</div> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="h2line1">INTRODUCTION.</span></h2> -<blockquote> -<p>“The fame of the brave outlives him; his portion is immortality.” -<span class="jr"><i>From the funeral discourse pronounced over Paul Jones.</i></span></p> -</blockquote> -<p>The writer feels the most sincere diffidence in making -use of the mighty name and personality of Paul Jones, -who, as Cooper justly says, was not only a great seaman -but a great man. An excuse, however, is not wanting. -It is justifiable and profitable to bring before the eyes of -American youth this heroic figure, and if it be done inadequately, -the fault is not in the intention. It is not -too much to say that the achievements of Paul Jones, the -ranking officer in the Continental marine, had much to -do with placing the American navy upon that lofty -plane of skill and intrepidity which can only be matched -by England, the Mistress of the Seas.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_vi">vi</div> -<p>Strangely enough, Paul Jones is but little known to -the multitude, and the misrepresentations concerning him -that occasionally appear in print to this day are the more -inexcusable because few public men ever left a more complete -record. This record has been carefully studied by -the writer, and, although this story is professedly and confessedly -a romance, history has been consulted at every -point. Log books, journals, and biographies have been -searched, especially the logs, journals, and letters of Paul -Jones himself. Much relating to him has been left out, -but nothing of consequence has been put in that is not -historically true. The language ascribed to him is, whenever -possible, that used by him at the time, or afterward, -in his letters and journals. When it is wholly imaginary -it is made consistent, as far as lies in the writer’s power, -with what is known of his mode of expression. The -mere recital of Paul Jones’s actual adventures is a thrilling -romance, and his character was so powerfully romantic -and imaginative that it lends itself readily to idealization. -But he is more than the type of mere daring. Technical -authors write of him with the most profound admiration, -and among naval men of all nations he stands as the -model of resource as well as boldness. His plans were -far-reaching, and his most hazardous undertakings were -inspired by a sublime common sense. John Adams said -of him: “If I could see a prospect of half a dozen line-of-battle -ships under the American flag and commanded by -Commodore Paul Jones engaged with an equal British -force, I apprehend the result would be so glorious for -the United States, and lay so sure a foundation for their -prosperity, that it would be a rich compensation for the -continuance of the war.” And Franklin, his steadfast -friend, in one noble sentence described him: “<i>For Captain -Paul Jones ever loved close fighting.</i>” Washington, -Lafayette, Jefferson, and Morris esteemed him, and left -evidence of it. Nor did his enemies fail to pay him -the compliment of wishing to ruin him, for at one time -there were forty-two British frigates and line-of-battle -ships scouring the seas for him. He was the first to -raise the American flag on the ocean, and so well did -he maintain its honor that he kept it flying in the Texel, -with thirteen double-decked Dutch frigates menacing him -in the harbor, while twelve British ships lay in wait for him -outside. He was offered comparative security if he would -hoist the French ensign and accept a commission in the -French navy. More than that, he was told that unless he -agreed to this he must give up the splendid trophy of -his valor, the captured British frigate Serapis—“the -finest ship of her class I ever saw,” he wrote. But cruel -as this last alternative was, Paul Jones unhesitatingly -transferred his flag from the beautiful Serapis to the inferior -Alliance and got to sea in the face of the British -fleet, with his “best American ensign flying,” as he himself -wrote at the moment. Well might Paul Jones say -proudly to the American Congress: “I have never borne -arms under any but the American flag, nor have I ever -borne or acted under any commission except that of the -Congress of America.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_vii">vii</div> -<p>He served without pay or allowance, and made advances -out of his private fortune to the cause of independence. -He was wounded many times in his “twenty-three -battles and solemn rencounters by sea,” as he expressed -it. Yet there is not one word of his wounds in -any line of his official correspondence, although the -wounds of others are frequently called to the attention of -the Congress. He fought whenever he had a chance, and -he was never defeated. The two British war-ships he -captured were taken in the face of enormous odds and -within sight of the three kingdoms, when both seas and -shores were swarming with his enemies. The captain -who surrendered to him was made a baronet for the defense -of the British ship. What, then, must have been -the splendor of the attack! Truly, Paul Jones deserved -well of his country, and he was not without proof of its -gratitude. He was unanimously elected the ranking officer -of the American navy by the Continental Congress, -which also gave him a gold medal and the thanks of Congress. -France showed her appreciation of his services by -awarding him the cross of the order of Military Merit, -never before given a foreigner, and a gold sword. Thus -was the splendid roll of American sea officers made -lustrous from the beginning by the name of Paul Jones.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_viii">viii</div> -<p>The words of Lamartine about the great profession in -which Paul Jones served gloriously, and the language of -Cooper regarding Paul Jones himself, may be quoted. -Lamartine says: “Among the illustrious men who have -filled the foremost ranks in great contests, men have always -been most dazzled and interested by the heroes of -the sea.... The variety and extent of natural and acquired -faculties which must of necessity be united in one -individual to constitute a great seaman, astonish the mind -and raise the perfect sailor beyond all comparison above -all other warriors.”</p> -<p>Cooper says: “In battle, Paul Jones was brave; in -enterprise, hardy and original; in victory, mild and generous; -in motives, much disposed to disinterestedness, although -ambitious of renown and covetous of distinction; -in his pecuniary relations, liberal; in his affections, natural -and sincere; and in his temper, except in those cases -which assailed his reputation, just and forgiving.” Moreover, -he was a true and patriotic American, and, except -Columbus, the Admiral of the Ocean Seas, Paul Jones -was the very boldest man who ever sailed blue water.</p> -<p><span class="jr"><span class="sc">Molly Elliot Seawell.</span></span></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_ix">ix</div> -<h2><span class="h2line1">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</span></h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt class="jr"><span class="smallest">FACING PAGE</span></dt> -<dt><a href="#pic1">The guns broke loose</a><i class="norm">Frontispiece</i></dt> -<dt><a href="#pic2">“Hooray for Cap’n Paul Jones!”</a>23</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic3">The Ranger and the Drake</a>43</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic4">“Haul away! Yo ho, boys!”</a>50</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic5">At the first discharge two of the guns burst</a>93</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic6">Battle of the Bonhomme Richard and the Serapis</a>102</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic7">Paul Jones and Franklin at the Court of Louis XVI</a>147</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic8">Paul Jones</a>162</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_1">1</div> -<h1 title="">PAUL JONES.</h1> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_010.jpg" alt="Squadron under sail" width="500" height="227" /> -</div> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER I.</span></h2> -<p>On a bright day in January, 1776, a lithe, handsome -young man, wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the -Continental navy, stood on the dock at Philadelphia -gazing keenly down the river. His eyes were peculiarly -black and beautiful, and had an expression of command -in them that is seldom absent from those of a man born to -lead other men. His figure was slight, and he was not -above medium height; but he was both graceful and -muscular.</p> -<p>The river was frozen, except a tortuous channel cut -through the ice and kept open with difficulty. Innumerable -masts and spars made a network against the -dull blue of the winter sky, and fringed the docks and -wharves; while far down the glittering sea of ice lay a -small squadron of five armed vessels, which was the beginning -of the glorious navy of the United States.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_2">2</div> -<p>This young lieutenant, Paul Jones by name, looked -about for a boat to take him down the river to the squadron; -and seeing a ragged, bright-eyed boy about twelve -years old sitting in a rickety skiff from which a passenger -had just been landed, he called the boy, and, jumping -lightly into the boat, said:</p> -<p>“Take me to that ship over yonder with ‘Alfred’ -painted on her stern.”</p> -<p>The boy pulled away with a will, but kept his eyes -fixed on Paul Jones’s uniform and the sword which lay -across his knee.</p> -<p>“Them ships is to fight the British, ain’t they?” he -asked presently, jerking his head toward the ships then -just collected in the river, whose crews and armaments -were yet to be provided.</p> -<p>“Yes,” answered Paul Jones, smiling. “If you were -a man I would enlist you.”</p> -<p>The boy said nothing more, but pulled steadily toward -the Alfred. When they reached the side of the ship her -decks were heaped with coils of rope, piles of shot, some -unmounted guns, and all the litter of a merchant vessel -being converted into a man-of-war. But the Alfred, although -not built for fighting, was yet a stanch little ship, -and when armed and manned had no cause to run away -from any vessel of her class.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_3">3</div> -<p>Paul Jones studied her with the eye of a seaman, as -they approached. Meanwhile a crowd of strange thoughts -rushed upon him. “At last,” he thought to himself, “I -am at the beginning of my career. A poor Scotch gardener’s -son, shipping as a common sailor boy because -there were so many mouths to feed at home—coming, at -thirteen, to this new country that I have learned to love -so well—left a modest fortune, and rising to the command -of a ship before I was twenty, I determined to cast my fate -with these people, to whom I owe all the kindness I ever -knew, and I was proud to be among the first to raise my -arm in the defense of these colonies against tyranny. All -those I loved as a child in Scotland are dead, and all that -is now dear to me is in my adopted country. The cause -of these colonies is a just one, and I could no more refuse -to fight for that cause than any man born here. The -chances for success and promotion are all with the army; -our few small vessels can hope for but little in contests -with England, the Mistress of the Seas; but I think I was -born a sailor, and my heart turns ever toward blue water. -The day that I received my commission as a lieutenant in -the Continental navy was surely the most blessed and -fortunate of my life, and my adopted country shall never -have cause to regret giving it me.” Deep in his heart -Paul Jones had a strange feeling that glory awaited him; -for those destined to immortality have mysterious foreknowledge -of it.</p> -<p>Occupied with these thoughts, Paul Jones did not -come out of his daydream until the boat’s nose touched -the accommodation ladder over the Alfred’s side. He -rose with a start, and held out a piece of money to the -boy, who blushed, and shook his head.</p> -<p>“I don’t want no money,” he said diffidently, “for -helpin’ my country.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones paused and looked steadily at the ragged -lad, who looked back steadfastly at him.</p> -<p>“You seem to be rather an odd sort of boy—and, by my -life, I like such boys,” said he. The quartermaster had -then come down the ladder, and stood ready to salute as -soon as he caught the young lieutenant’s eye. This man, -Bill Green, was a remarkably handsome, bluff sailor of -about forty-five, with a fine figure, and was dressed with -as much care and neatness as if he were a quarter-deck -officer. Paul Jones was instantly struck by his admirable -appearance, and more so when he spoke. His voice was -full and musical, and his manner extremely polite and -respectful, without being in the least cringing. The lad, -too, seemed taken by the quartermaster’s pleasant looks, -and spoke again, after a moment, looking alternately from -him to Paul Jones:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_4">4</div> -<p>“I’m a very strong boy—and I allus thought I’d like -to be a sailor. Won’t you take me now, sir, and let me -fight the British?”</p> -<p>The quartermaster grinned broadly at this, but Paul -Jones did not smile.</p> -<p>“What is your name, my lad?—and have you parents?”</p> -<p>“My name’s Danny Dixon, sir, and I ain’t got any -father or mother or brothers or sisters; and I’d ruther be -a sailor, sir, nor anything.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones looked hard at the boy, and then turned to -the quartermaster.</p> -<p>“We’ll see if his story is true, and if it is—why, we -shall have use for powder boys on this ship, and we -might do worse than take this lad.”</p> -<p>“In course, sir,” responded Green. “I’ll find out -something about him, and I’m thinkin’ he’d make a good, -strong powder monkey and maybe he’s old enough to be -helper to the jack-o’-the-dust.”</p> -<p>Danny’s eyes gleamed.</p> -<p>“I’ll go ashore now, sir, and bring you back some one -to prove who I am,” he cried eagerly; and Paul Jones -had to step hurriedly out of the boat to keep from being -carried back to the dock, so keen was the boy to put off. -And in two hours he was back again on the Alfred, and -regularly entered on the ship’s books.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_5">5</div> -<p>“Because,” said Bill Green, who was a foks’l wag, -“when we comes to fightin’ the British, most likely the -cap’n will call you up and make you a quarter gunner, or -sumpin’ on the spot, boy; and you can’t git your share of -the prize money if you ain’t entered on the ship’s books, -reg’lar.”</p> -<p>Danny luckily did not mention his expectation of -becoming a quarter gunner to Paul Jones, who, as first -lieutenant, had charge of the ship in the absence of her -captain. But he did ask that he might be put on the -books so he could get his prize money; which the young -lieutenant promised to do, laughing in spite of himself -at Danny’s serious expectation of a considerable fortune -in prize money.</p> -<p>Captain Saltonstall was to command the Alfred, but -he had not yet arrived, and upon Paul Jones rested -the duty of preparing the ship for sea. From the day -his foot first touched the deck his active spirit pervaded -everything, and the officers under him, as well as the -men, felt the force of his commanding energy. Besides -working all day, he and the other officers stood watch -and watch on deck throughout the wintry nights, to -prevent desertions; and although every other ship in -the squadron had her crew lessened by desertion, not a -single man was lost from the Alfred.</p> -<p>“And I’m a-thinkin’, mates,” remarked Bill Green, in -the confidence of the foks’l, “as how we’ve got a -leftenant as is a seaman; I seen it by the cut o’ his jib; -and if he was the cap’n o’ this ’ere ship, he’d lock yardarms -with a Britisher if he had half a chance.”</p> -<p>One day, in the midst of the bustle of fitting the ship -out, Commodore Hopkins, who was to command the little -squadron, came on board the Alfred. He was formally -received at the gangway by Paul Jones and shown over -the ship by him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_6">6</div> -<p>The commodore was a big, burly man, who had spent -the best part of his life at sea. He examined the ship -carefully, and his silence, as Paul Jones explained what he -had done and was doing with the means at his command, -made the young lieutenant fear that it had not met with -the commodore’s approval. But, secure in the consciousness -that he had done his duty, Paul Jones could afford to -do without the praise of his superiors. He was not, -however, destined to this mortification. Standing on the -quarter-deck, surrounded by the officers, Commodore -Hopkins turned to Paul Jones, and said:</p> -<p>“Your activity has pleased me extremely, and my -confidence in you is such, that if Captain Saltonstall -should be unable to reach here by the time the ships can -get away, I shall hoist my flag on this ship, and give you -the command of her.”</p> -<p>A flush rose in Paul Jones’s dark face, and he bowed -with the graceful courtesy that always distinguished -him.</p> -<p>“Thank you, commodore,” he said, “and may I be -pardoned for hoping that Captain Saltonstall may not -arrive in time? And when your flag is hoisted on the -Alfred, there will be, I trust, a flag of the United Colonies -to fly at the peak, and I aspire to be the first man to raise -that flag upon the ocean.”</p> -<p>Commodore Hopkins smiled.</p> -<p>“If the Congress is as slow as I expect it to be, it will -be some time yet in adopting a flag; and there will not be -time to have one made for the ship before we sail.”</p> -<p>“I think there will, sir,” replied Paul Jones.</p> -<p>The young lieutenant had good reason for his expectation. -The Congress had practically decided upon the -flag, and Paul Jones, out of his own pocket, had bought -the materials to make one. Bill Green was an expert -with the needle, boasting that he could “hand, reef, and -steer a needle like the best o’ them tailor men,” and was -fully capable of making a flag.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_7">7</div> -<p>On a stormy February day, when the channel had -been freed from ice enough for the little squadron to get -out, the Alfred was made ready to receive her flag officer. -Captain Saltonstall had arrived some days before, to Paul -Jones’s intense disappointment. But he was as ready to -do his duty as first lieutenant as he had been that hoped-for -duty as acting captain.</p> -<p>The commodore’s boat was seen approaching on the -wind tossed water. The horizon was overcast, and dun -clouds scurried wildly across the troubled sky, with which -the pale and wintry sun struggled vainly. The boatswain’s -call, “All hands to muster!” sounded through the -ship, and in a wonderfully short time, owing to the careful -drilling of Paul Jones, the three hundred men and one -hundred marines were drawn up on deck. The sailors, a -fine-looking body of American seamen, were formed in -ranks on the port side of the quarter-deck, while abaft of -them stood the marine guard, under arms. On the starboard -side were the petty officers, and on the quarter-deck -proper were the commissioned officers in full uniform -with their swords, and Paul Jones headed the line.</p> -<p>When it was reported, “All hands up and aft!” Captain -Saltonstall appeared out of the cabin. Paul Jones, having -previously arranged it, called out, “Quartermaster!” and -Bill Green, neat, handsome and sailorlike, stepped from -the ranks of the petty officers.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_8">8</div> -<p>From some unknown regions about his clothes Bill -produced a flag, rolled up, and, following Paul Jones, -stepped briskly aft to the flagstaff. He affixed the flag to -the halyards, along with the broad pennant of a commodore, -saw that they worked properly, and then stood by. -The commodore’s boat was then at the ladder, and the -commodore came over the side. Just as his foot touched -the quarter-deck the flag with the pennant flew up on the -staff like magic, under Paul Jones’s hands, the breeze -caught it and flung it wide to the free air, and the sun, -suddenly bursting out, bathed it in glory. Every officer, -from the commodore down, instantly removed his cap, -the drummer boys beat a double ruffle on the drums, and -a tremendous cheer burst from the sailors and marines. -As Paul Jones advanced, Commodore Hopkins said to -him:</p> -<p>“I congratulate you upon your enterprise. The flag -was only adopted in Congress yesterday, and this one is -the very first to fly.”<a class="fn" id="fr_1" href="#fn_1">[1]</a></p> -<p>“Such was my hope, sir,” answered Paul Jones, modestly. -“I wished the honor of hoisting the flag of freedom -the first time it was ever displayed; and this man,” pointing -to Bill Green, who stood smiling behind him, “sat up -all last night in order to make this ensign for the ship—an -ensign which will ever be attended with veneration upon -the ocean.”</p> -<p>Bill Green came in for his share of congratulation -too; and as if the appearance of the flag had bewitched -the wind, it suddenly shifted to fair, the sun came out -brilliantly, and within half an hour the squadron of five -ships—the Columbus, the Andrew Doria, the Sebastian -Cabot, and the Providence, led by the Alfred—had spread -all their canvas, and were winging swiftly toward the free -and open sea.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div> -<h2 id="c3"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER II.</span></h2> -<p>The first enterprise determined upon was an expedition -to the island of New Providence, in the West Indies. On -the 17th of February the squadron had set sail from the -Delaware, and on the morning of the 1st of March it -appeared off the harbor of New Providence. There were -two forts to protect the town, but at that moment there -was not a soldier on the island. When the American -squadron was sighted, though, an alarm gun was fired, -and the inhabitants manned the forts and turned the guns -on the American vessels just outside the bar. The little -American squadron carried only two hundred marines, -and it was determined to land them under the fire of the -ships; but owing to the bar at the mouth of the harbor -the Alfred and the Columbus could not pass in; only the -smaller vessels could get in with any prospect of coming -out at low tide. From the lack of charts, the Americans -had to take great risks in finding safe anchorages. -But the pilot taken on board the Alfred declared that he -knew of an anchorage, under a key three leagues to windward -of the harbor, where the larger vessels might safely -await the result of the attack on the town. This news -was carried to Commodore Hopkins as he restlessly -paced the Alfred’s deck, looking at the white-walled -town lying before him in the warm March sunshine.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_10">10</div> -<p>“But, Mr. Jones,” said he to Paul Jones, who had -brought the pilot aboard, “how can we answer for the -faithfulness of these pilots? They may cheerfully take -the risk of being lost along with us rather than put us -in a position to take the town.”</p> -<p>“Quite true, sir,” answered Paul Jones, “but if you -will give me leave, I will undertake, with this pilot, to -carry the ship to a safe anchorage, and I will answer for -it with my commission if I do not take her safely.”</p> -<p>“Very well, then,” replied the commodore; “if you -will assume the responsibility, I will trust the ship.”</p> -<p>It had then fallen dead calm, and all through the long -spring day they waited for a puff of wind. The short -twilight of the tropics was upon them before the wind -sprang up again. At the first breeze the Alfred set every -sail that would draw, and, followed by the Columbus, -headed for the key. The sky was a deep rose-red in the -west, and overhead of a pale and luminous green. The -full moon was rising, round and yellow, over the town, -and a few solitary stars twinkled in the vast expanse of -the sky. Paul Jones, followed by the pilot, went aloft to -the foretopmast head, where a clear view of everything -was to be had. In the deep and breathless silence every -occasional sound could be heard, and scarcely a word was -uttered except the orders, as the ship ran down the chain -of islands, with a fair wind, in the moonlit night. Bill -Green was at the wheel, while three or four officers, -stationed at various points along the deck, repeated the -orders called out in Paul Jones’s clear and penetrating -voice, so that no mistake might be made. A man on the -port side and another on the starboard kept the lead -going constantly. Commodore Hopkins and Captain -Saltonstall paced the deck together.</p> -<p>At intervals Paul Jones’s voice would be heard calling -out:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div> -<p>“Port a little—hard aport—steady!” While the man -with the lead on the starboard side would sing musically, -in the peculiar cadence used in sounding:</p> -<p>“And a quarter—less—six.”</p> -<p>This meant they were in five and three quarter fathoms—plenty -of water for the ship. The sailor sounding -on the port side would sing in the same key:</p> -<p>“And a quarter—less—six.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones, with every nerve strained, listened to the -soundings, the sweet call ringing softly in the half darkness -as the ship glided through the purple night. Sometimes -she was in the full light of the moon, and then a -shadow would descend upon the sea, and she would slip -through it like a phantom ship. Two cables’ length off, -the Columbus followed in her wake. Once the man -sang out:</p> -<p>“And a quarter—past—<i>three</i>!”</p> -<p>Every soul on board gave a gasp—the water was -getting shoal; and Paul Jones shouted quickly from the -fore-topmast, “Starboard—starboard your helm!” The -next sounding was four and a half fathoms, and at last, -just as the moon emerged in splendor from a thin white -cloud, the Alfred rounded the key, and the cable rattled -out noisily as the anchor was dropped in six fathoms of -water. Paul Jones felt as if a hand clutching his heart -had been suddenly loosed. He had piloted the ship -safely, and had anchored her; his commission was safe; -and he was from that moment the best known junior -officer in the squadron.</p> -<p>Next morning the marines were landed, a large quantity -of arms and stores were captured and embarked, and -the squadron set sail for home.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div> -<h2 id="c4"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER III.</span></h2> -<p>The morning of the 9th of April dawned clear and -lovely. The American squadron, on its return from New -Providence, was making its way cautiously along the -New England coast, and although every part of it was -swarming with British vessels, it was determined to take -the squadron into Long Island Sound by the way of Narragansett -Bay.</p> -<p>Paul Jones went about his arduous duties as first lieutenant -with his usual steady determination, but at heart -he cherished a secret dissatisfaction. His bold and enterprising -spirit was not adapted to submission. He could -obey, but his destiny was to command. Commodore -Hopkins was a brave man, but he was not above the -average in either enterprise or intelligence. Several -strategic mistakes that he made during the affair at New -Providence had not escaped the searching eye of Paul -Jones, and he felt a dread of encountering the British -then, for fear that the American commodore would not -be equal to so great an occasion. He knew that they -would have to run the gauntlet of Commodore Wallace’s -fleet off Newport, and his brave heart trembled at the -idea that all of glory possible would not be reaped.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div> -<p>The day passed, though, without any adventures. -Numerous white sails were seen, but the squadron, sailing -well together, was not molested. Although not disposed -to decline a fight, the value of the arms and ammunition -on board to the Continental army made Commodore -Hopkins quite willing to “let sleeping dogs lie.” But -this was contrary to the temperament of Paul Jones. -He realized instinctively his capacity for meeting extraordinary -dangers with extraordinary resources of mind -and courage, and he could not but despise the risks that -other men shunned.</p> -<p>Toward night they entered the blue waters of Narragansett -Bay. A young moon hung trembling in the -heavens, the sky was cloudless, and the stars shone brilliantly.</p> -<p>Although Paul Jones, being first lieutenant, had no -watch on deck, he remained above. About midnight -the lookout on the quarter made out Block Island, and -almost at the same moment a cry was heard from the -Cabot, known as “the black brig,” of “Sail, ho!”</p> -<p>“What do you think it is, Mr. Jones?” asked Commodore -Hopkins, with night glass in hand, examining the -shadowy form of a ship under light canvas about half a -mile off.</p> -<p>“I think it is a British frigate, sir,” replied Paul Jones, -after looking intently at her. “She is too small for a ship -of the line, and she does not carry sail enough for a merchant -vessel with a good wind. She is simply cruising -about, and probably looking for us.”</p> -<p>The Cabot being in the lead, night signals were made -to her to engage the attention of the stranger, which had -tacked, and was now making straight for the American -squadron. Paul Jones then, as first lieutenant, saw the -captain’s orders carried out to clear the Alfred for action -as quietly as possible. No drums were beat, and the men -went silently to their quarters. The batteries were lighted -up, but by keeping the ports closed as little was shown as -possible. A string of battle lanterns was laid in a row on -the gun deck by little Danny Dixon, who wagged his head -knowingly at Bill Green, who happened to be passing, -and remarked:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div> -<p>“I say, Mr. Green, there will be some prize money for -we arter this.”</p> -<p>“No, there won’t,” answered Bill, gruffly. “This ’ere -commodore, he ain’t got a very good appetite for fightin’. -Now, if Mr. Jones was commandin’—”</p> -<p>Just as the words were out of his mouth the quartermaster -turned suddenly and saw Paul Jones’s stern eyes -fixed on him. The first lieutenant, on making his last -round, had come unexpectedly upon Bill, who knew better -than to express such opinions about the commodore.</p> -<p>A dead silence followed. Paul Jones did not speak, -but the look in his eye commanded discretion to Bill, who -immediately began fumbling about the lanterns and -instructing Danny in his duty.</p> -<p>The incident, though, made a deep impression upon -Paul Jones. “If that is the feeling among the men, there -is little hope of capturing the British ship,” he thought -bitterly to himself.</p> -<p>He then went above, and just as his foot touched the -deck he heard the frigate, which was now close upon -them, hail the black brig.</p> -<p>“Who are you, and where are you bound?”</p> -<p>The black brig answered: “This is the Betsy, from -Plymouth. Who are you?”</p> -<p>Every ear was strained to catch the answer. It came -ringing over the smooth water:</p> -<p>“This is His Majesty’s ship Glasgow, of twenty-four -guns.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div> -<p>It was now about half past two o’clock in the morning. -The moon had gone down, and in the darkness the Glasgow -evidently was ignorant of the character of the five -vessels strung out together. The Cabot had now got -very close on the lee bow of the Glasgow, and suddenly -poured a broadside into her. Instantly the British ship -seemed to wake up to her danger. She bore up and ran -off to clear for action, but within a quarter of an hour she -came up gallantly to engage the whole American squadron.</p> -<p>Paul Jones was in command of the gun deck. The -Alfred was so heavily laden that she was down in the -water almost to her portsills; the sea, however, being -smooth, he was enabled to work his batteries whenever -the manœuvres of the ship made it possible. The two -ships finally got into such a position that they kept up a -furious cannonade until daybreak. The Glasgow was -hulled a number of times, her mainmast was crippled, and -her sails and rigging almost destroyed; she had fifty-two -shot through her mizzen staysail, one hundred and ten -through her mainsail, and eighty-eight through her foresail, -besides having her royal yards carried away. But -she had disabled the Cabot at the second broadside, and -then, concentrating her fire on the Alfred, the wheel -block and ropes of the American ship were carried away, -and she came up into the wind, giving the Glasgow a -chance to pour in several raking broadsides before the -ship could be brought on the wind again. Daylight -coming, the Glasgow made signals to the rest of the -British fleet, then plainly in sight, and the American -drew off.</p> -<p>The action might be considered a draw, taking into -account the damage done the British ship, and that she -evidently had had enough of it. To the impetuous soul -of Paul Jones though it seemed from the first to be what -he afterward pronounced it—“the disgraceful affair with -the Glasgow.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<p>From that hour there was no longer any confidence -possible between him and Commodore Hopkins. The -commodore had acted according to his best judgment; -but he was not a Paul Jones. As Bill Green expressed it -in the foks’l: “When the Glasgow went off howlin’ like -a broken-legged dog, there oughter been somebody to -stop her; and, mates, if Mr. Paul Jones had ’a’ been in -command, we’d ’a’ had some prize money sure, as well as -savin’ our credit.” Although there was a subtile estrangement -between Commodore Hopkins and Paul Jones, each -respected the other’s character. But it was more agreeable -to the commodore to have Paul Jones anywhere than -on the Alfred, so that in a very short while he was -placed in command of the sloop of war Providence.</p> -<p>In manning the sloop, Commodore Hopkins gave Paul -Jones the privilege of taking his petty officers from the -crew of the Alfred. As soon as this was known Bill -Green begged hard to be of the number, and so he was -permitted to go.</p> -<p>In the bustle and excitement of the change Paul Jones -had quite forgotten Danny Dixon. While making his -final preparations in his cabin to change his quarters to -the Providence, Danny appeared at the door with his best -clothes on and a bundle in his hand.</p> -<p>“What is it, Danny?” asked Paul Jones kindly.</p> -<p>“Nothin’, sir,” answered Danny, “’cep’ I’m ready to -go, sir, whenever you are.”</p> -<p>“What do you mean?” said Paul Jones, looking -closely at the boy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_17">17</div> -<p>“Why, sir, ain’t I a-goin’ with you on the Providence?” -replied Danny, in a surprised voice. “When I heard you -had done got your orders, I went and made up my kit. -Mr. Green, the quartermaster, come along, sir, and he -says you axed for him to go with you, and that you had -said you was goin’ to make me a boatswain’s mate, and -for me to git my kit. I wanted to go with you anyhow, -sir, though I didn’t expect to be nothin’ but a ship’s boy; -but when you axed for me—”</p> -<p>The boy’s simplicity was so genuine that Paul Jones -could not laugh at him. He only said, smiling a little:</p> -<p>“Very well. Green is to be my quartermaster, and -I’ll see the captain, and perhaps he may let me have you.”</p> -<p>“Thankee, sir,” replied Danny gratefully, and sitting -down outside the cabin door he kept his earnest eyes fixed -on Paul Jones, like a dog on his master. Presently Paul -Jones came out, and after a few words with the captain, -Danny was told that he might go along with the new -commander of the Providence. Paul Jones was touched -by the boy’s devotion, and took him for the captain’s -cabin boy.</p> -<p>Paul Jones had good reason to be satisfied with all the -people he had brought from the Alfred. Bill Green, -besides being a first-class quartermaster, was such a pleasant, -cheery, waggish fellow that he kept everything forward -in a good humor. Moreover, he had a very valuable -talent—he could sing beautifully, and had a store of -sea songs, some of which he had picked up in the British -navy, where he had served some time, and others were -patriotic songs which were often composed and much -sung in those days. But Bill had a weakness—he always -professed to have composed all his songs himself, and to -have written them out, when it was a well-known fact that -he could not write a word. He had signed the ship’s -books with a cross instead of his name, which he explained -by saying: “The officer, he was in a hurry, and it was -gittin’ on toward my watch, and I didn’t have no half -hour to spend writin’ ‘Bill Green,’ so I jest made a cross -mark, not thinkin’ as how nobody would suspicion I -couldn’t write; and then, it takes so much o’ my time to -write my songs, I ain’t got none for to write my name.” -All this was received with many sly winks by the men, but -they were willing to humor the handsome quartermaster -in anything, he was such a favorite with them. Bill, also, -like other artists, liked to be urged. This, too, was fully -understood, and he always yielded to pressure.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div> -<p>The Providence was a good sailer, but she carried -only twelve small guns and seventy men. She was employed -in transporting men and stores along the shores at -the eastern entrance of Long Island Sound, and as this -was done in the face of overwhelming British fleets, the -address and seamanship of young Captain Jones was fully -proved. So great was his success in eluding the British, -that the Cerberus frigate made it an especial object to -capture the little sloop. She got the Providence under -her guns several times, but the sloop always managed to -edge away. Once, while the Providence was convoying -a brig loaded with military supplies for General Washington, -the Cerberus caught sight of her and crowded on -sail to overhaul her. Captain Jones signaled to the brig -to get out of the way as fast as possible, while he manœuvred -with studied awkwardness in sight of the Cerberus. -On came the powerful frigate to crush the little sloop, -but as soon as Paul Jones saw the brig safe, he made for -shoal water, where the frigate dared not follow him, and -escaped as night came on.</p> -<p>Early in August he was regularly commissioned as -captain, and sailed for the Bermudas, on his first independent -cruise. By that time the officers and men under -him had come to know what manner of man he was, and -looked forward to a glorious cruise with him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div> -<p>It was characteristic of Paul Jones to make the best of -all his opportunities, and he managed out of a feeble sloop -to make an efficient and fast-sailing cruiser. He trimmed -the ship so that she sailed well both on and off the wind, -and he was thus in condition either to fight or run away, -whichever he chose.</p> -<p>The officers and men were in fine spirits, and the very -first evening out, as they sailed along with a spanking -breeze, Bill Green piped up an inspiring song to his mates -on the foks’l, which echoed even to the quarter-deck. -The officers listened with pleasure, while Bill sung in his -full, round, and musical baritone the following song:<a class="fn" id="fr_2" href="#fn_2">[2]</a></p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“When the anchor’s weighed and the ship’s unmoored,</p> -<p class="t">And landsmen lag behind, sir,</p> -<p class="t0">The sailor joyfully skips on board,</p> -<p class="t">And, swearing, prays for wind, sir.</p> -<p class="t5">Towing here,</p> -<p class="t5">Yeoing there,</p> -<p class="t5">Steadily, readily,</p> -<p class="t5">Cheerily, merrily,</p> -<p class="t">Still from care and thinking free.</p> -<p class="t">Is a sailor’s life at sea.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“When we sail with a freshening breeze,</p> -<p class="t">And landsmen all grow sick, sir,</p> -<p class="t0">The sailor lolls with his mind at ease,</p> -<p class="t">And the song and the glass go quick, sir.</p> -<p class="t5">Laughing here,</p> -<p class="t5">Quaffing there,</p> -<p class="t5">Steadily, readily,</p> -<p class="t5">Cheerily, merrily,</p> -<p class="t">Still from care and thinking free,</p> -<p class="t">Is a sailor’s life at sea.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_20">20</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“When the wind at night whistles over the deep,</p> -<p class="t">And sings to landsmen dreary,</p> -<p class="t0">The sailor, fearless, goes to sleep,</p> -<p class="t">Or takes his watch most cheery.</p> -<p class="t5">Boozing here,</p> -<p class="t5">Snoozing there,</p> -<p class="t5">Steadily, readily,</p> -<p class="t5">Cheerily, merrily,</p> -<p class="t">Still from care and thinking free,</p> -<p class="t">Is a sailor’s life at sea.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“When the sky grows black and the winds blow hard,</p> -<p class="t">And landsmen skulk below, sir,</p> -<p class="t0">Jack mounts up to the topsail yard,</p> -<p class="t">And turns his quid as he goes, sir.</p> -<p class="t5">Hauling here,</p> -<p class="t5">Bawling there,</p> -<p class="t5">Steadily, readily,</p> -<p class="t5">Cheerily, merrily,</p> -<p class="t">Still from care and thinking free,</p> -<p class="t">Is a sailor’s life at sea.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“When the foaming waves run mountain high,</p> -<p class="t">And landsmen cry, ‘All’s gone!’ sir,</p> -<p class="t0">The sailor hangs ’twixt sea and sky,</p> -<p class="t">And jokes with Davy Jones, sir.</p> -<p class="t5">Dashing here,</p> -<p class="t5">Splashing there,</p> -<p class="t5">Steadily, readily,</p> -<p class="t5">Cheerily, merrily,</p> -<p class="t">Still from care and thinking free,</p> -<p class="t">Is a sailor’s life at sea.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“When the ship, d’ye see, becomes a wreck,</p> -<p class="t">And landsmen hoist the boat, sir,</p> -<p class="t0">The sailor scorns to quit the deck</p> -<p class="t">While there’s a single plank afloat, sir.</p> -<p class="t5">Swearing here,</p> -<p class="t5">Tearing there,</p> -<p class="t5">Steadily, readily,</p> -<p class="t5">Cheerily, merrily,</p> -<p class="t">Still from care and thinking free,</p> -<p class="t">Is a sailor’s life at sea.”</p> -</div> -<p>A loud chorus of cheers greeted the song, and Bill -retired, covered with glory and embarrassment.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div> -<h2 id="c5"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER IV.</span></h2> -<p>It was on the first day of September that the Providence -sighted a large ship, which was mistaken for an Indiaman, -homeward bound. She proved to be the Solebay, -frigate, with twenty guns mounted on one deck. On -seeing the Providence, the Solebay made for her, and the -sloop had to take to her heels. But the Solebay proved -to be a magnificent sailer on the wind, and the Providence -had evidently more than her match in speed. The Providence, -small as she was, had cleared for action, for, as -Paul Jones declared, “I will give her one round, if I go -to the bottom for it.” The men highly approved of this -sentiment, and the little four-pounders were run out to -salute the flag the Providence carried—because her fire -was little more than a salute.</p> -<p>The day was warm and clear, and the breeze fresh. -The little Providence was legging it briskly over the -water, but the Solebay gained upon her every hour. -The chase had begun about noon, and by four o’clock -the frigate was within pistol shot. Paul Jones was on the -horse block of his little vessel, and Bill Green was at the -wheel. Danny Dixon had gravely prepared for action -upon the sly hints given by his friend and patron, Bill. -The boy had stripped to the waist, and, wrapping a handkerchief -about his head, instead of his hat, was all ready -to take his place at the head of the line of powder boys.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div> -<p>As the frigate gained more and more on the little -Providence, every heart sank except that of the dauntless -captain. Paul Jones, however, remained calm, and even -confident.</p> -<p>“Look,” said he, “their guns in broadside are fast. -They think they can take us by firing a bow chaser, but -they are mistaken. What would be easier than to bear -away before the wind under their broadside?”</p> -<p>The Providence had all her light canvas set, and was -flying like a bird from her pursuer; but the pursuer was -nevertheless perceptibly gaining.</p> -<p>“We will show our ensign as well as give her a volley,” -cried Paul Jones gayly, and the next moment the American -colors fluttered out.</p> -<p>To their surprise, the Solebay now hoisted American -colors too.</p> -<p>“Lying, lying,” said Paul Jones, turning to his officers. -“Would that we had such a vessel in our little navy! -She is British, depend upon it. Her lines tell it too -plainly.”</p> -<p>The Solebay though imagining that she was weathering -on the chase and sure to capture the saucy American, -soon hauled down her American colors and ran up the -Union Jack.</p> -<p>The officers saw by the light in Paul Jones’s eyes that -he still had a trump card to play. All this time he was -walking the quarter-deck with his light and springy step, -his face wearing a smile. Presently he called out himself -to Bill Green, at the wheel:</p> -<p>“Give her a good full, quartermaster.”</p> -<p>“A good full, sir,” replied Bill in a sailor’s musical -singsong.</p> -<p>Paul Jones then ordered the square sails and then the -studding sails set.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic2"> -<img src="images/p_033.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="808" /> -<p class="caption">“<i>Hooray for Cap’n Paul Jones!</i>”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_23">23</div> -<p>The next moment the helm was put up, and before -the astonished people on the Solebay knew what was -happening, the American sloop of war ran directly under -her enemy’s broadside and went off dead before the wind. -The keen eyes of Paul Jones had noticed that in the -Solebay’s fancied certainty of capturing the American -she had not even cast loose and manned her batteries in -broadside, thinking a shot or two from her bow guns -would bring the Providence to when she was overhauled. -But the Providence had a captain the like of -which the Solebay had never met before, and he could -dare and do unlooked-for things.</p> -<p>In vain the frigate came about in haste and confusion. -Her prey was gone, and the Americans were cheering -and jeering.</p> -<p>“Boy,” said Bill Green in a hoarse whisper to Danny -Dixon, who was passing near him: “I can’t do no cheerin’ -at the wheel, so you cheer for me; and if you don’t -pipe up as loud as the best of ’em I’ll tan your hide for -you the wust you ever see, jest as soon as my relief -comes.”</p> -<p>Danny was disposed to cheer anyhow, but Bill -Green’s promise of a licking in case he did not do his full -duty in the matter, tended to encourage him. He took -his stand by the foremast and a series of diabolical -whoops and yells resounded. “Hooray!” bawled Danny. -“Hooray for Cap’n Paul Jones! Hooray for the Providence! -Hooray for Mr. Bill Green! Hooray for the -powder monkeys on this ’ere ship!” and so on indefinitely.</p> -<p>“What is that youngster yelling?” asked Paul Jones, -laughing at the gravity and persistence with which Danny -kept up his performance.</p> -<p>One of the officers went up to him, and returned -laughing too:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_24">24</div> -<p>“He says, sir, that Green, the quartermaster, told him -to hurrah, and if he doesn’t keep it up he is afraid Green -will give him the cat.”</p> -<p>Everybody laughed, and they agreed the best plan -was to let Danny and the quartermaster settle it between -them. Danny hurrahed for a solid half hour, until Green’s -relief came. The old sailor then went up to him, grinning.</p> -<p>“You can shet that potato-trap o’ yourn now,” he -said, “and I’ll take a turn myself,” whereupon Bill, inflating -his lungs, roared out solemnly:</p> -<p>“Three cheers for Cap’n Paul Jones!”</p> -<p>“Hooray! hooray! hooray!” piped Danny Dixon’s -shrill treble.</p> -<p>Paul Jones’s daring exploit still further increased the -respect that his officers and men felt, and they showed it -in a hundred ways.</p> -<p>Three weeks now passed, and the Providence steered -to the northern seas. One day, off Cape Sable, in Nova -Scotia, the weather being brilliantly clear, Bill Green and -others of the men asked permission to catch for their mess -some of the fish that abounded. As they had been on -salt provisions for a long time, Paul Jones readily gave -the desired permission, and the ship was hove to. A -sharp lookout was kept, however, but nothing occurred -to disturb the men in their amusement, until toward afternoon, -when a sail was made out to windward of them. -Instantly the fishing came to a stop, and the Providence, -setting some of her light sails, waited for the stranger on -an easy bowline.</p> -<p>As the ship approached, Paul Jones plainly saw that -she was no such sailer as the Solebay, and thought he -could amuse himself with her.</p> -<p>“That vessel, I take it,” he remarked to his first lieutenant, -“is the Milford frigate. I have expected to fall -in with her, and we can outfoot her, that is clear.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_25">25</div> -<p>The Milford, however, began to chase. When she -got within cannon shot Paul Jones doubled on her -quarter; when, seeing he had the advantage of her in -speed, he began to lead her a wild-goose chase. For -eight hours the pursuit continued, the Providence keeping -just out of range of the cannonade which the Milford -kept up unceasingly, wasting in it enormous quantities of -powder and shot. Paul Jones was much too astute to -throw away any of his ammunition in a perfectly useless -cannonade, but as he said, “I can not be so rude as to -receive a salute without returning it.” Turning to his -marine officer, he said:</p> -<p>“Direct one of your men to load his musket, and as -often as the Milford salutes our flag with her great guns, -we will reply with a musket shot at least.”</p> -<p>The officer, smiling, went after his man, and stationed -him on the quarter-deck. The next time the slow-sailing -frigate thundered out a tremendous volley, the marine, -with his musket at his shoulder, stood ready for the word. -The officer called out, “Fire!” and the marine banged -away at the frigate amid the uproarious laughter and -cheering of the American sailors. This was kept up for -an hour or two, when, a good breeze springing up, the -Providence set all her canvas and ran off, leaving the Milford -completely in the lurch.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_26">26</div> -<p>They had another brush with the Milford before the -cruise was up. Captain Jones had captured a fine ship, -the Mellish, loaded with clothing, which was badly -needed by the army of Washington. While convoying -her, and with his ship filled with prisoners taken from -other prizes, he ran across the Milford. The frigate immediately -gave chase. As it was night, Captain Jones -set lights at his topmast, and everywhere a light could -be put, while the Mellish, with her valuable cargo, carried -no lights at all, and slipped off in the darkness. -When day broke, Captain Jones found that the Mellish -was not in sight, while the Milford was crowding on sail -to overhaul him. But the little Providence again showed -a clean pair of heels, and some days afterward the Mellish -was brought in, to the great rejoicing of the patriotic -army.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_27">27</div> -<h2 id="c6"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER V.</span></h2> -<p>The repute of Paul Jones was now great, and the -American Congress intended sending him abroad to take -command of a splendid frigate, then building in Holland. -But owing to the representations of the British Government -to Holland, and also to France, which had not then -openly joined the American cause, the frigate was handed -over to the French Government instead of to the American -commissioners at Paris. These commissioners were -Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee. The -next best thing to be done for Captain Jones was to give -him command of the Ranger, sloop of war. She was then -fitting out at Portsmouth, New Hampshire.</p> -<p>The Congress had adopted, on the 14th of July, 1777, -the present national ensign of the stars and stripes, and -on the same day Paul Jones received his orders to command -the Ranger. He at once started for Portsmouth, -carrying with him one of the new flags, and as he had before -hoisted for the first time the original flag of the colonies, -so he had the honor of raising the new ensign upon -the Ranger the first time the Stars and Stripes ever floated -over an American man-of-war.</p> -<p>There never was any trouble about manning Paul -Jones’s ships, and neither Bill Green nor little Danny -Dixon could have been kept off with a stick. Therefore, -on the fair, bright summer day that Paul Jones arrived at -Portsmouth the very first creature he put his eyes on -was Danny.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div> -<p>“Why, how are you, my lad?” cried Paul Jones, as he -sprang out of the lumbering stagecoach, and saw Danny -standing by the door of the inn where it stopped.</p> -<p>“Quite well, sir,” answered Danny with shining eyes, -and stepping up to take Paul Jones’s luggage. He shouldered -two portmanteaus manfully, but Paul Jones held on -to a large parcel that he carried under his arm.</p> -<p>“No, no,” he cried, “this is too precious to be trusted -out of my own hand. And how did you know I would -be here to-day?”</p> -<p>“I didn’t know it for certain, sir, but Mr. Green and -me, we has stood watch and watch for two days lookin’ -for you, and Mr. Green says, if he ain’t the fust man -aboard the Ranger to know you has come as how he’ll -take it out on my hide, certain. But that’s only Mr. -Green’s way o’ jokin’, sir.”</p> -<p>Danny went through with this very respectfully, and -Paul Jones’s smiling eyes showed that he knew perfectly -well the relations between the devoted little cabin boy, -and the sturdy quartermaster. “Come on, then,” cried he, -“and I have something here to decorate my ship with, -that will make her shine indeed.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div> -<p>In a little while they reached the ship, Danny red -and proud with the honor of carrying the captain’s luggage. -Sure enough, there stood Bill Green at the gangway, -and he took his hat off as soon as he caught sight -of Paul Jones. For his part, Paul Jones was delighted -to know that he could count upon such a reliable petty -officer as Bill, and greeted him warmly. Bill immediately -snatched the luggage from Danny, who was left -disconsolate, without even the Captain’s portmanteau to -comfort him. The first lieutenant was on deck, and as -soon as Paul Jones had greeted his officers he went aft, -and, unrolling his parcel, shook out a large and handsome -silk flag, the “Uncle Sam’s gridiron,” which he was destined, -as he himself expressed it, “to attend with veneration -on the ocean.” Bill Green fastened the flag to the halyards, -but Paul Jones himself drew it up to the peak, -amid the cheers of officers and men. Thus had he hoisted -with his own hands the Stars and Stripes for the first time -on an American ship of war, as he had been the first man -to hoist the original flag of freedom.</p> -<p>From the day he stepped on board the Ranger, matters -went on as they only can under the direction of a perfect -sailor. The officers were enthusiastic and the crew -made up of excellent material. Bill Green had long ago -proved himself a very valuable man. He continued, however, -to harass Danny Dixon with foks’l wit. But Danny -had discovered that Bill’s magnificent promises of promotion -and assurances of Captain Jones’s favor, were -merely “pullin’ a leg,” in sailor language. Danny was -now a tall, stout boy of fourteen, and very active aloft. -Therefore, a day or two after Paul Jones got on board he -said to the boy:</p> -<p>“Dixon, I think you can be classed as a seaman apprentice, -and thereby raise your rating.”</p> -<p>“I’d ruther wait on you, sir,” promptly answered -Danny.</p> -<p>“But your share of prize money would be larger if you -were rated as a seaman apprentice, instead of merely a -ship’s boy.”</p> -<p>“I’d ruther wait on you, sir—”</p> -<p>“And then you’d stand a chance of being rated as an -able seaman in two or three years.”</p> -<p>“I’d ruther wait on you, sir,” doggedly answered -Danny.</p> -<p>Paul Jones smiled, and said no more.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div> -<p>This all occurred in July, but it was not until November -that the ship was ready to sail. She was by that time -well manned, but owing to the poverty and lack of resource -of the struggling Government she was poorly -equipped. She had only one suit of sails, and those very -indifferent, and not a single spare sail in case any mishap -should befall her canvas in a wintry passage across the -stormy Atlantic. There was likewise another deficiency, -which gave the men much disquietude, especially Bill -Green—there was only a single barrel of rum on board.</p> -<p>“I tell you what it is, youngster,” said Bill solemnly to -Danny, it being a favorite amusement of his to tell the -most grewsome yarns he could invent to the boy, “this -’ere’s a ornlucky ship—mark my words.”</p> -<p>“Why, Mr. Green,” answered Danny earnestly, “ain’t -Cap’n Paul Jones commandin’ of her?”</p> -<p>“W’y, yes, boy, but you know there’s lucky ships and -ornlucky ships. There ain’t nothin’ goin’ to happen to <i>we</i>—’cause -Cap’n Paul Jones is commandin’, as you say—but -we ain’t goin’ to git no prize money to speak of. Likely -as not, we won’t capture nothin’ wuth havin’. We ain’t -got but one barrel o’ rum aboard, and that’s the ornluckiest -thing that ever was. It’s worse nor a black cat aboard -ship. I’d ruther have ten black cats and sail on a Friday, -and meet all the pirates afloat, than to start on a short -’lowance o’ rum. It’s dreadful ornlucky, boy, and it’s -dreadful tryin’ besides.”</p> -<p>Danny fully believed him, as Bill, with a huge sigh, -cut a quid of tobacco and began to chew dolefully.</p> -<p>Bill’s prediction was carried out to the letter, for from -the cheerless day the Ranger sailed out of Portsmouth -harbor until she made the coast of France no prize was -taken.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_31">31</div> -<p>This was partly due to Captain Jones’s desire to get -to the other side as quickly as possible. The weather -was rough and the Ranger proved very crank, and it was -not until the 2d of December that the port of Nantes was -made. The guns were covered up, the portlids lowered, -and everything as far as possible done to conceal the warlike -character of the ship.</p> -<p>Paul Jones immediately set out for Paris, and on the -third day he knocked at the door of a charming house at -Passy, one of the most beautiful suburbs of Paris. This -was a house belonging to M. Ray de Chaumont, a rich -French gentleman whose sympathies with the American -cause were so strong that he offered the American commissioners -the use of his house until they could make permanent -arrangements. Some instinct had told Paul Jones -that he should find a friend in Benjamin Franklin, then at -the zenith of his fame, and the most influential of the three -American commissioners at Paris. The first meeting of -these two great men, destined to be lifelong friends, was -an event in history. Without the confidence and support -of Franklin, Paul Jones would probably never had the -means of achieving greatness, and this support and confidence -never wavered from the moment these two immortal -men stood face to face and looked through their eyes into -each other’s souls. Franklin’s venerable figure and grave, -concentrated glance contrasted strongly with Paul Jones’s -lithe and active form and the piercing expression of his -clear-cut features. The two men grasped hands and so -stood for a moment, each fascinated by something in the -aspect of the other.</p> -<p>“Welcome to France,” said Franklin. “I have heard -of you, and every such man as you is a mighty help to our -cause.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_32">32</div> -<p>Paul Jones murmured some words expressive of the -admiration he felt for a man so truly eminent as Franklin, -but his bold spirit was abashed in the presence of so much -greatness in this patriarchal old man. They spent the -whole of the short winter day in converse, each more and -more dazzled and charmed by the other. At twilight -they said farewell at the open door. As they clasped -hands in parting, Paul Jones said:</p> -<p>“I had the honor of hoisting the flag of our country -for the first time upon the ocean, and I intend to claim -for it all the honors that it deserves. As soon as I am in -the presence of the French fleet I shall demand a salute; -and I shall get it, mark my words.”</p> -<p>“I believe <i>you</i>, if any man can, will get it,” answered -Franklin. “And remember—if we can not secure you a -ship worthy of you, and you are still compelled to keep -the Ranger, you shall at least have <i>carte blanche</i> for your -cruise, for I do not believe in hampering spirits so bold -and enterprising as yours.”</p> -<p>As Paul Jones walked away in the dusk of twilight he -glanced back and saw Franklin still standing in the doorway, -with the light from an overhead lantern falling on -his silvery hair. Paul Jones felt that the day of his meeting -with Franklin was a great, a memorable day for him.</p> -<p>The American commissioners were indeed unable to -obtain a better ship for him than the Ranger, and Paul -Jones returned to his little vessel sore-hearted from his -disappointment, but with the authority to rank all officers -of American ships in European waters, and with perfect -freedom to make his cruise as he liked. He determined, -as he always did, to make the best of what he had. His -first duty was to convoy a number of American merchant -vessels from Nantes into Quiberon Bay, where a large -French fleet, under Admiral La Motte Picquet, was to -sail for America. There was now no need for disguising -the character of the Ranger, and she sailed openly as a -man-of-war. Paul Jones, with resistless energy, had -worked at his ship until he had remedied many of her -defects. Her lower masts were shortened; she was -ballasted with lead; and she was much improved, as -every ship that he commanded was improved by him. -He also had, as a tender, the brig Independence.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div> -<p>It was on the 13th of February, 1778, that Paul Jones, -flying the Stars and Stripes for the first time in the presence -of a foreign fleet, anchored off the bay at Quiberon. -He had a motive in not coming in the bay, and this was, -as he had told Franklin, to have the flag of the United -States saluted in open day by the French admiral. The -treaty of alliance between the United States and France -was not then published, and it required much address to -obtain a salute.</p> -<p>As soon as the Ranger dropped her anchor Paul Jones -sent his boat off to the French admiral, desiring to know, -if he saluted the admiral’s ship, if the salute would be returned.</p> -<p>Paul Jones remained walking the quarter-deck of the -Ranger until the boat was seen pulling back. A letter -was handed him from the French admiral, which he -eagerly opened.</p> -<p>The letter stated courteously that the salute would be -returned, but with four guns less than the American ship -fired, as it was the custom in the French navy to fire four -guns less to a republic than the salute offered.</p> -<p>Paul Jones immediately went below, where he wrote -the following spirited letter to the American agent at the -port:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div> -<p>“I think the admiral’s answer requires some explanation. -The haughty English return gun for gun to foreign -officers of equal rank, and two less only by captains to -flag officers. It is true my command is not important, -yet, as the senior American officer at present in Europe -it is my duty to claim an equal return of respect to the -flag of the United States <i>that would be shown to any other -flag whatever</i>.</p> -<p>“I therefore take the liberty of inclosing an -appointment<a class="fn" id="fr_3" href="#fn_3">[3]</a> as respectable as any the French admiral can produce. -If, however, he persists in refusing to return an -equal salute, I will accept of two guns less, as I have not -the rank of an admiral.”</p> -<p>To this he added, that unless his flag should be properly -saluted he would certainly depart without coming -into the bay.</p> -<p>Next day, however, he discovered that the French -admiral was acting in good faith, and could not, according -to his regulations, return gun for gun to the flag of a -republic; and therefore Paul Jones determined to accept -of the salute offered.</p> -<p>The wind was blowing hard, and the sea very high, so -that it was after sunset before the Ranger could get near -enough to the admiral’s ship to salute. The brig Independence -had been ordered to lay off the bay for a -particular purpose. Paul Jones was afraid that some advantage -might be taken of the salute being fired in semi-darkness—such -as saying the flag was mistaken for another—and -he determined to have a salute also in broad -daylight.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_35">35</div> -<p>The short February twilight was fast going, and the -wind drove the lowering clouds furiously across the sky, -when the Ranger, under close-reefed topsails, entered the -bay and sailed close under the lee of the admiral’s ship, -where she hove to. Instantly her guns thundered out -thirteen times. The report echoed over the dark water, -where the great French fleet, looming up grandly in the -half-darkness, lay majestically at anchor. As soon as the -last gun had been fired the admiral’s ship promptly gave -back nine guns. The Ranger then returned to the mouth -of the bay, where she anchored alongside of the Independence, -the wind having abated.</p> -<p>Next morning—a beautiful, bright day—Paul Jones -sent word to the French admiral that he intended sailing -through the French fleet in the brig and again saluting -him, to which the admiral returned a courteous reply.</p> -<p>About ten o’clock in the morning Paul Jones went on -board the Independence, which then stood boldly in the -harbor. She was a beautiful, clipper-built brig, and as -clean and fresh as hands could make her. A splendid -new American flag floated proudly from her mizzen peak.</p> -<p>The French fleet was anchored in two great lines, -rather wide apart, with the flagship in the middle of the -outer line. The Independence, with all her canvas set, -entered between the two rows of ships. Her guns were -manned, and Paul Jones, in full uniform, stood on the -quarter-deck. As the Independence came abreast of the -flagship the brig fired thirteen guns with the most beautiful -precision and with exactly the same interval between -each report. The admiral paid the American the -compliment of having his guns already manned, and as -the little Independence passed gracefully down the line, -enveloped like a veil in the white smoke from her own -guns, the flagship roared out nine guns from her great -thirty-six-pounders. Paul Jones’s satisfaction was seen -on his face, although he said no word; but as soon as he -returned on board the Ranger he wrote to Franklin a joyous -letter, telling him of the honor paid the American -flag.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_36">36</div> -<p>From this on the relations between the officers of the -French fleet and the two American vessels were most -cordial. The Frenchmen had heard of Paul Jones as an -enterprising and promising officer, and his running under -the guns of the Solebay had become generally known in -Europe, much to the chagrin of the Solebay’s officers. The -Count d’Orvilliers, one of the highest officers in the service -of France, thought that, as France and America were -bound to be shortly allied, that it would be well for Paul -Jones to hold a captain’s commission in the French navy as -well as an American commission. But this he declined. -An American commission was good enough for Paul -Jones.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div> -<h2 id="c7"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER VI.</span></h2> -<p>It was upon the 10th of April, 1778, that Paul Jones -sailed from Brest upon the first of his two immortal -cruises.</p> -<p>The respect with which he had been treated, and the -dignity he maintained, had had great effect upon the officers -and men under him. They knew neither the time -nor the place of the enterprise they were entering upon; -but that it was bold and venturesome they were well -assured. The seas were swarming with British cruisers, -and alone among this multitude of enemies the little -Ranger sailed gallantly. As she passed out of the harbor -of Brest the sailors on the French ships gave her a ringing -cheer, to which the Americans responded.</p> -<p>Paul Jones then called his officers around him, and his -daring words were plainly audible to many of the men.</p> -<p>“Gentlemen,” he said, “I propose to steer straight for -the Irish Sea. What my plans are I shall tell you when -we are in sight of the three kingdoms. I know every -foot of the narrow seas, and every bay, inlet, and headland -on the shores of Scotland and Ireland. Give me -your full support, and we shall return covered with -glory.”</p> -<p>A shout of applause greeted these brave words.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_38">38</div> -<p>As soon as the Ranger was out of sight of land every -effort was made to disguise her as a merchantman. Her -guns were hid, and her white sails were daubed with lamp-black, -to give the idea of being old and patched. The -crew was kept below as much as possible, to be out of -sight, and in this guise she made boldly for St. George’s -Channel.</p> -<p>On the night of the 14th of April, while standing in -between Cape Clear and the Scilly Isles, the lookout on -the quarter sang out, “Sail, ho!”</p> -<p>The sail was a fine, large brigantine, which allowed -the strange ship, which she took for a merchantman, to -approach quite near her, as if to pass on the opposite -tack. Suddenly the strange ship doubled on her quarter -and came bearing down upon her, and at the same moment -a blank cartridge was fired across her bows. The -brigantine hove to in obedience to this peremptory command, -and hailed the approaching Ranger. To this hail -the sailing master of the Ranger replied:</p> -<p>“This is the United States ship Ranger, and you are -her prize.”</p> -<p>Resistance was useless. The ship contained a valuable -cargo, but no attempt was made to take anything except -what could be easily transferred to the Ranger. Paul -Jones had determined not to fire the ship, lest her burning -should attract other vessels that swarmed the narrow -seas, and thereby raise an alarm on land. Therefore he -sent the carpenter and all his mates on board to scuttle -her. The captain and crew of the brigantine were -brought off, and the carpenters went to work with a will. -In two hours from the time that she had been sailing -confidently along, unsuspicious of an enemy, the brigantine -had disappeared from the face of the ocean.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_39">39</div> -<p>Three days now passed in cruising about St. George’s -Channel. So great was the number of ships, both men-of-war -and merchantmen, in sight and passing at all times, -that Captain Jones did not consider it prudent to attack, -because no man excelled Paul Jones in the prudence of -the valiant. Several times during those three days and -nights vessels that would have been valuable prizes -were close under the guns of the little Ranger, but the -presence of a frigate or two or other ship of war in the -distance made an attack impracticable. Back and forth -for three days and nights Paul Jones sailed dauntlessly -among a multitude of enemies, thus venturing boldly into -the very nest of the hornets. On the evening of the third -day, the 17th of April, a large merchant vessel was seen off -the coast of Ireland. No ship of war was in sight, and the -Ranger therefore gave chase. Within an hour or two the -vessel was overhauled, almost at the mouth of the Liffey. -A blank cartridge fired across her bows and the Ranger’s -hoisting the American ensign brought her to. She proved -to be the Lord Chatham, fast and new, bound for Dublin.</p> -<p>“We can not sink so good a ship as this,” said Paul -Jones to his first lieutenant. “And, besides, the scheme I -have in view does not permit us to encumber ourselves -with prisoners. She will answer excellently to carry our -prisoners back to Brest.”</p> -<p>A prize crew and an officer were therefore thrown on -board the Lord Chatham, the prisoners transferred, and -she was carried off when almost within sight of her port. -Paul Jones then put out to the open sea again, and -steered straight for the coast of Scotland.</p> -<p>On the 18th of April, a beautiful, mild evening, he entered -the Frith of Solway. It was the first time his eyes -had rested on it, except for one brief and unhappy visit, -since his childhood. He was now an American officer, -of the highest rank possible to give him in the infant -navy of the colonies, and it was his plain duty to use -the knowledge he had of the Scotch coast in the service -of his country.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_40">40</div> -<p>The port of Whitehaven, on the opposite side of the -Solway, was the point Paul Jones meant to attack. Here -was collected a great company of shipping, estimated at -between two and three hundred sail. The Ranger was, -as usual, closely disguised, and excited no suspicion as -she entered the Solway. The evening was beautiful and -bright, but as the sun went down the indications of a -hard squall became evident. The furious tides rushed in, -driven by a rising gale from the Irish Sea, and the wind -blew directly on shore.</p> -<p>Paul Jones determined to wait for night to complete -his design, and when it grew too dark for the Ranger to -be distinguished from another ship he ordered the men -mustered on deck. Then, in a few decisive words, he -announced his plan to them.</p> -<p>“We shall have a chance,” he said, “to avenge some -of the dreadful burnings practiced uselessly upon our own -coasts; but this will not be useless. The fleet now collected -at Whitehaven is the coal fleet for Ireland. To destroy -it would be to embarrass the enemy greatly. I call for -thirty volunteers to assist me in this patriotic work. No -man need go unless he wants to. But those who share -with me the danger of this enterprise will also share with -me the glory.”</p> -<p>It seemed as if every man on the deck shouted “I, -sir,” and “I!” and “I!” and “I!” and loud among the -voices sounded the piping treble of little Danny Dixon. -Paul Jones raised his hand to command silence.</p> -<p>“I shall have to choose thirty men, because I can not take -you all. I shall take the strongest and most active men.”</p> -<p>At that he told off thirty men, including Bill Green, -the quartermaster. But when the number was selected, -and the men had gone forward, Paul Jones noticed that -Danny, the cabin boy, lingered.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div> -<p>“If you please, sir,” said Danny, diffidently, “you -surely ain’t a-goin’ to leave me behind, sir?”</p> -<p>“Why, you are nothing but a lad,” answered Paul -Jones. “This is an enterprise for men, not boys.”</p> -<p>“I know it, sir. But I ain’t afraid o’ nothin’.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones was about to reply, but at that moment -Mr. Stacy, the sailing master, came up hurriedly, to say -that at the rate the wind was rising and shifting it was -necessary to claw off the land, and he thought a landing -would be impossible that night. A few minutes convinced -Paul Jones that his sailing master was right, and -that the enterprise would have to be postponed. The -Ranger was driving furiously before the wind, and at -every lurch she buried her nose deep in the foaming -waves. The gale shrieked angrily, and a bank of coppery -clouds in the west darkened ominously. The ship -was therefore brought about, and under straining canvas -she beat her way back to the mouth of the Solway.</p> -<p>No man slept on the Ranger that night. The weather -was thick, and Paul Jones was averse to running into the -open sea for safety. The next morning dawned clear, -but windy. The ship was close enough to the shores of -Scotland to be seen from a hundred hamlets, and her situation -became too risky to let anything escape that could -tell on her. A revenue wherry was seen, chased and -cannonaded, but escaped. A coasting vessel was overhauled, -her crew taken out of her, and she was then -scuttled and sunk; so was a Dublin schooner, while a -cutter seen off the lee bow was chased into the Clyde, -and up as far as the Rock of Ailsa. The weather still -prevented a descent upon the coast, but Paul Jones -boldly awaited his chance to make it, in spite of the enemies -that swarmed around him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_42">42</div> -<p>Boldness meant prudence in the affair Paul Jones had -undertaken, and therefore, not wishing to remain too -long in any locality, he again stood across the Irish Sea, -and entered the Lough of Belfast, off which lay the town -of Carrickfergus.</p> -<p>It was on the afternoon of the 21st of April. The -Ranger, sailing with a long leg and a short one, cautiously -approached the roadstead. Never was there a lovelier -scene. The harbor was of a deep ultramarine blue, and -a faint golden haze enveloped sky and sea and castle and -ships. Upon a grandly projecting cliff stood the stern -gray castle, with its twenty-two great guns, frowning -upon the rippling water. Out in the soft, yet dazzling, afternoon -light lay a sloop of war, about the size of the Ranger. -A gentle breeze fanned the Union Jack that floated -from her mizzen peak. Over the whole scene was the -still beauty of “a painted ship upon a painted ocean.”</p> -<p>The officers of the Ranger were all on deck, for in -that perilous cruise neither officers nor men went below -except for necessary food and sleep. Paul Jones, with his -glass, carefully examined the ship, and then, turning to his -officers, said quietly:</p> -<p>“Gentlemen, here is the chance we have all longed -for. Yonder is a ship of war of a rate that we can give -battle to. We will fight that ship, and we will take her.”</p> -<p>Scarcely were the words out of the captain’s mouth -when “Ahoy!” sounded from the port side of the Ranger. -A fishing boat had come alongside, with three fishermen -in it. One of them held up a string of beautiful fish.</p> -<p>“Yes, we want your fish, and you, too,” cried Stacy, the -sailing master, at Captain Jones’s orders; and in a few -moments, to the astonishment of the fishermen, they -were on the Ranger’s deck, and their boat was hanging -astern.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic3"> -<img src="images/p_055.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="437" /> -<p class="caption"><i>The Ranger and the Drake.</i></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_43">43</div> -<p>“What is that vessel yonder?” asked Captain Jones -of the elder man, for they proved to be a father and two -sons.</p> -<p>The man looked about him dazed for a moment. He -did not recognize Captain Jones’s uniform, nor did he understand -the character of the vessel that looked so peaceable, -but which a close inspection proved was well able -to take care of herself in a fight. He hesitated a moment, -but one commanding look from Paul Jones brought the -truth out.</p> -<p>“It is the Drake, sir; sloop of war.”</p> -<p>“Of how many guns?”</p> -<p>The man looked helplessly at Captain Jones, but one -of the sons answered, in a low voice:</p> -<p>“Some says twenty, sir, but I counted twenty-two on -’em when I went aboard to carry my fish.”</p> -<p>“And who commands her?”</p> -<p>“Burden, sir; Cap’n Burden they calls him.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones’s eyes gleamed. No better news could be -brought him.</p> -<p>“Very well,” he said, “I shall have to keep you from -your families for a few days, but you shall not lose by -being my guests.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones’s plans were made rapidly. He was alone, -on a hostile coast, with enemies before him, behind him, -and around him. None the less did he intend to give -battle. Moreover, he knew that he was fighting with -a halter around his neck, for there was but little doubt -that if he were captured he would be hanged as a pirate, -so little were the British then disposed to recognize the -navy of the colonies. But this could not appall his -dauntless soul. He had the warm support of the best -among his officers, and among the men there was an -instinctive belief that he was always ready to fight, and -nothing so inspires a crew as the knowledge that they -have a fighting captain. Bill Green, passing back and -forth, remarked, with a wink, to a group of his messmates -forward:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_44">44</div> -<p>“The Cap’n’s goin’ to fight that ’ere Johnny Bull, sure; -and I tell you what, them Britishers will have to coil up -some o’ their nonsense about there ain’t no sailors except -Britishers, and take in their slack about Britannia rulin’ -the waves. Something’s goin’ to happen soon, that reminds -me of a old song I heard once:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“‘Heave the topmast from the board,</p> -<p class="t">And our ship for action clear;</p> -<p class="t0">By the cannon and the sword</p> -<p class="t">We will die or conquer here.</p> -<p class="t0">To your posts, my faithful tars!</p> -<p class="t">Mind your rigging, guns, and spars!’</p> -</div> -<p>Ay, ay, sir! coming, sir!”—this to Mr. Stacy, the sailing master, -who called out sharply, “Quartermaster!”</p> -<p>Just as Bill had foreseen, the order was passed to clear -for action without the drumbeat. The guns were made -ready to run out, but kept covered, and the portlids were -not raised. The breeze was fresh, and the Ranger was -enabled to carry all her canvas. She kept warily outside -the harbor, on and off the wind, until about ten -o’clock at night, when she stood boldly in, to bring up -athwart hawse the Drake, intending to grapple and fight -it out.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div> -<p>Everything was in readiness, as the ship stole silently -in through the misty darkness of a moonless night. -Stacy, the sailing master, brought her safely within a -cable’s length of the Drake’s quarter. But the anchor -was let go too soon, and, instead of laying aboard the -Drake, she drifted about half a cable’s length off. In -an instant the mistake was realized. Without a moment’s -hesitation Captain Jones gave orders to cut the cable, and -the Ranger passed directly astern of the Drake, under her -stern chasers. No alarm was given on the war-ship; a -muttered growl from the lookout on the after quarter informed -them that they had better “keep off” with their -lubberly craft, which Paul Jones promptly did, intending -to return on the next tack. But the wind, which had -been squally for several days, now suddenly rose in a -fierce gust, and he was compelled to beat out of the harbor. -The gust increased to a furious gale, and it took all -of Captain Jones’s skill to get sea room enough for safety. -The night grew pitch dark, and it was midnight before -they weathered the lighthouse point, where the warning -light shone dimly over the tempestuous sea and upon the -laboring ship. The gale continued all the next day, but -the Ranger had found a lee on the south coast, where she -awaited the abatement.</p> -<p>“Never mind, my brave boys,” said Paul Jones to his -men when they were driving out of the harbor. “That -ship shall yet be ours. We can cut and come again.”</p> -<p>The men fully believed him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_46">46</div> -<h2 id="c8"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER VII.</span></h2> -<p>For six days the weather continued to be very uncertain, -and the Ranger ran from point to point between the -Scotch and Irish coasts, waiting for a chance to slip in -the port of Carrickfergus and have it out, yardarm to -yardarm, with the Drake. At last, on the morning of the -24th of April, Paul Jones found himself off the harbor’s -mouth. The bay, the castled crag, the picturesque town, -and the handsome sloop of war looked as lovely in the -brilliant morning light as in the soft afternoon glow when -the Ranger had first reconnoitered the town.</p> -<p>But no longer was the American vessel unsuspected. -By the time she had passed the headland and got in full -view of the town and shipping her warlike character was -suspected, although she showed no colors, her ports were -closed, and only a few of her company were allowed upon -deck. But the Carrickfergus people had heard about the -daring American cruiser that had been hovering off the -coasts of the three kingdoms for ten days, and the Drake -felt disposed to find out the standing of the strange ship -in the offing. As the Ranger neared the harbor’s mouth -her people could hear the creaking of the capstan and the -hoarse rattle of the hawser as the Drake’s anchor was being -rapidly tripped. Nothing could have pleased Paul -Jones more than this, and he smiled as he said to his sailing -master:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_47">47</div> -<p>“Keep off a little, Mr. Stacy. The Drake evidently -wishes for a personal interview with us, and I would like -to oblige her. I think, though, we will come about, so as -to show her as little as possible of ourselves, in order that -she may come out as far as possible.”</p> -<p>The Ranger then went completely about, as if she -were running away. Still she had thrown her main topsail -aback and had hauled up her courses.</p> -<p>The Drake then determined to send out a boat to reconnoiter. -As the Ranger’s stern was still kept toward -the boat nothing could be discovered of her character, -and the boat came on within hailing distance. The -Ranger, however, did not hail. The boat continued to -advance, and finally hailed. Stacy, under Paul Jones’s -orders, answered the hail.</p> -<p>“What ship is that?” was called from the boat.</p> -<p>Paul Jones, standing at Stacy’s elbow, told him in a -low voice what to say.</p> -<p>“The Mind-your-business-and-keep-off,” Stacy rattled -off so fast that he could not possibly be understood.</p> -<p>The boat stopped for a moment and then pulled a little -nearer, and the officer in it stood up and shouted in a -clear voice:</p> -<p>“What ship is that?”</p> -<p>“The worst we’ve seen for ten years,” bawled Stacy, -pretending that he understood the hail to be about the -voyage.</p> -<p>“You are a fool,” called the officer, examining the -ship carefully as the boat rapidly pulled nearer and -nearer, but still puzzled by her. “I asked the name of -your ship.”</p> -<p>“Much obliged for your information,” Stacy answered, -“particularly as it’s the hardest thing in the world generally -for a respectable merchant vessel to get a civil word -out of you cocky man-of-war’s people.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_48">48</div> -<p>By this time the boat was directly under the Ranger’s -quarter, and there could be no pretense of not understanding -the officer’s final hail.</p> -<p>“I ask you, for the third time, what ship is that?”</p> -<p>“And I answer, for the third time, she is the Lord -Chatham, bound for Leith from Dublin, short of——”</p> -<p>“Water,” suggested Paul Jones. “That’s the only -thing we are not short of.”</p> -<p>“Short of water,” continued Stacy; and then, prompted -again by Paul Jones, he cried:</p> -<p>“Have you heard anything of that American cruiser -which has been prowling about, capturing merchant -ships and frightening the coast people out of their -wits?”</p> -<p>“No,” said the officer, now completely off his guard. -“We would give a thousand pounds to meet her.”</p> -<p>“Our captain says come aboard, then,” said Stacy, -“and he can give you some information about the Ranger -that he guarantees is absolutely true.”</p> -<p>The boat then came alongside, a ladder was lowered, -and the officer came up on the port side. Just then one -of the Ranger’s boats was dropped from the davits; it -was quickly filled with men, and in another minute the -men in the Drake’s boat were informed that they were -prisoners. As the officer stepped upon deck Paul Jones -advanced.</p> -<p>“I am sorry to begin our acquaintance so unpleasantly, -sir, but you are my prisoner. This is the American -sloop of war Ranger, and I am Captain Paul Jones.”</p> -<p>The officer uttered an exclamation of anger. The -name of Paul Jones was already well known, and one -glance had shown him the true state of affairs.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div> -<p>“Make yourself as easy as possible,” said Paul Jones. -“Yours is the fortune of war; but you will be treated -with every consideration, and will, no doubt, be shortly -exchanged.”</p> -<p>The other officers then came forward and politely -condoled with the unlucky officer, while his men were -sent below.</p> -<p>The whole thing had been witnessed from the Drake, -which now had no doubt of the Ranger’s character, and -lost no time in preparing to come out. The alarm had -been given, and five vessels, filled with people anxious to -see the contest between the two ships, put off from the -shore. Alarm fires were set blazing, and the black smoke -was wafted high in the noonday light. The tide was unfavorable, -so that the Drake worked out very slowly. -The Ranger now threw off every disguise. Her guns -were run out and her men called to quarters by the tap -of the drum, and she waited gallantly for her adversary. -She drifted fast to windward, so that she was several -times forced to put up her helm in order to run down -toward her enemy, when she would throw her main topsail -aback and lie with her courses in the brails.</p> -<p>The men were at their quarters, but laughing, joking, -and singing, as it was the custom to permit them a little -jollity at the moment of going into battle. They watched -the Drake making her way slowly, with light and baffling -winds, toward mid-channel, and exchanged squibs and -songs about her. Bill Green was in his glory. As he -was to take the wheel as soon as the ball opened, he was -relieved until the first lieutenant called him. Paul Jones -was very glad to have him relieved, as his songs inspired -the men. Bill, seated on one of the long guns, with folded -arms and his cap stuck rakishly on the back of his -head, proceeded to troll out, in his rich voice, one of his -favorite songs, which he claimed to have composed expressly -for the occasion.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_50">50</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Yankee sailors have a knack,</p> -<p class="t3">Haul away! Yo ho, boys!</p> -<p class="t0">Of hauling down a British Jack,</p> -<p class="t3">Haul away! Yo ho, boys!</p> -<p class="t0">Come three to one, right sure am I,</p> -<p class="t0">If we can’t beat them, still we’ll try</p> -<p class="t0">To make Columbia’s colors fly.</p> -<p class="t3">Haul away! Yo ho, boys!”</p> -</div> -<p>The sailors caught the refrain at once, and every time -it was repeated they roared out a musical chorus of</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t3">“Haul away! Yo ho, boys!”</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Yankee sailors when at sea,</p> -<p class="t3">Haul away! Yo ho, boys!</p> -<p class="t0">Pipe all hands with merry glee</p> -<p class="t3">While aloft they go, boys!</p> -<p class="t0">And when with pretty girls on shore,</p> -<p class="t0">Their cash is gone, and not before,</p> -<p class="t0">They wisely go to sea for more.</p> -<p class="t3">Haul away! Yo ho, boys!</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Yankee sailors love their soil,</p> -<p class="t3">Haul away! Yo ho, boys!</p> -<p class="t0">And for glory ne’er spare toil,</p> -<p class="t3">But flog its foes, you know, boys!</p> -<p class="t0">Then while its standard owns a rag</p> -<p class="t0">The world combined shall never brag</p> -<p class="t0">They made us strike the Yankee flag.</p> -<p class="t3">Haul away! Yo ho, boys!”</p> -</div> -<p>Loud cheers and laughter greeted this song, the officers -smiling at the enthusiasm aroused, and Paul Jones -handed Bill two gold pieces.</p> -<p>“That’s for your rattling good song, my man,” said -he, “and the Ranger will never discredit the flag she -fights under.”</p> -<p>Thus, in good spirits and with bold composure, the -Ranger’s people spent the golden hours of the forenoon -and a part of the afternoon, waiting for their gallant -enemy.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic4"> -<img src="images/p_064.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="793" /> -<p class="caption">“<i>Haul away! Yo ho, boys!</i>”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_51">51</div> -<p>It was well on toward four o’clock before the Drake -weathered the headland, and lay a straight course for the -saucy American, that was waiting for her under easy canvas. -As the Drake stood for the American ship she set -her colors, and at the same moment the Ranger flung out -the Stars and Stripes. No more songs and laughter then. -Everybody was ready, and grimly expectant. Danny -Dixon, beating the drum, walked once around the ship to -give warning that the action was about to begin.</p> -<p>The Ranger filled on the starboard tack, and stood off -the land so as to engage in mid-channel. Here was indeed -an enterprise that would have appalled a less daring -spirit than that of Paul Jones. He was alone, in the narrow -seas of the greatest naval power on earth, with the -land as well as the water crowded with his enemies. -The hillsides were full of people, and the shores were -alive with boats. The three kingdoms were in plain -sight, and he, with one small sloop of war, stood ready to -give battle to a hitherto unconquered foe. But literally, -the sense of fear seemed unknown to Paul Jones, and -great as might be the odds against him, greater was the -genius with which he could withstand them.</p> -<p>The Drake, having approached within hail, spoke the -Ranger, as a matter of form. The voices echoed clearly -over the water in the still, sunny, spring afternoon, and it -was plainly seen in the mellow light that Paul Jones, who -stood by the sailing master’s side on the Ranger, dictated -the reply, which was a cool defiance in these words:</p> -<p>“This is the Continental ship Ranger. We wait for -you, and beg you will come on. The sun is but little -more than an hour high, and it is time to begin.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<p>Scarcely were the words spoken, when the Ranger’s -helm was ported, and, bringing her broadside to bear on -the advancing ship, she roared out the first volley. The -Drake answered it promptly, and in another moment the -ships were running free, close together, under a light -wind, and keeping up a furious cannonade.</p> -<p>On board the Ranger, Paul Jones walked the quarter-deck -unharmed, amid a shower of musketry, which the -Americans returned with interest. Captain Burden, of -the Drake, showed an equal disregard of danger, but -within half an hour of the firing of the first broadside -he was mortally wounded by a musket shot in the -head. The fire of the Ranger was much more effective -than the Drake’s, and the damage done by her guns was -terrific. The Drake’s fore and main topsail yards were -completely shot away, the main topgallant mast and -mizzen gaff hanging up and down the mast, her jib hanging -over her lee into the water, her sails and rigging in -rags, and she had been hulled repeatedly. Twice had -her ensign been shot away, and twice the gallant British -tars had hoisted it, but just as the sun was sinking, when -the captain and first lieutenant of the Drake and forty of -her officers and men lay killed or wounded upon her -decks, the ensign was dragged down from the shattered -spar to which it hung, and a cry for “Quarter! quarter!” -resounded. Instantly the Americans ceased firing, and in -another minute they had boarded the Drake and hoisted -an American ensign upon what was left of the foremast. -The sun was now going down, and the long spring twilight -was upon them.</p> -<p>Paul Jones had seen Captain Burden fall, and his first -inquiry was, “Does the captain still live?” He indeed -breathed a few times, but in a little while all was over. -The first lieutenant, who was mortally wounded, survived -for two days.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_53">53</div> -<p>Like most men of great imaginative qualities, Paul -Jones had a tender heart. The sight of the dead and -wounded always affected him, and the spectacle of -brave men dying in gallant combat with him touched -him peculiarly. In spite of his hazardous position—for he -was still in the midst of enormous danger, with a crippled -ship to take care of—he ordered the dead removed below, -the captain being laid out in the cabin and covered with -the tattered ensign he had so well defended, and the -wounded promptly attended to. Meanwhile the Ranger, -which was comparatively uninjured, and had only lost one -officer and one man, gave a tow-line to the Drake, and -passed out of the lough and up St. George’s Channel. -As soon as a place of comparative safety was reached, -about midnight, the Ranger hove to, and preparations -were made to bury the dead with suitable honors.</p> -<p>The night sky was clear, and overhead, in the blue-black -vault, the cold, bright stars shone steadily. A fair -wind slightly ruffled the surface of the ocean, and the two -ships looked huge and shadowy in the mysterious half -darkness. Few lights were shown, and in the midst of a -deep and awful stillness the boatswain’s pipe resounded -with the solemn call, “All hands on deck to bury the -dead!” The flags on both ships were half-masted out of -respect to the dead. On the quarter-deck lay the body -of Captain Burden, wrapped in the flag for which he had -given his life. Next him lay the body of Lieutenant Wallingford, -of the Ranger, covered with the American flag. -Then came the bodies of eight British sailors and one -American, sewn up in canvas, and on them, too, lay the -colors of their country. The gangway was open and the -plank lay ready. The British officers were on deck to see -the last honors paid their shipmates, while the other prisoners -were permitted to watch from the open portholes.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div> -<p>Paul Jones, in the absence of a chaplain, read the -burial service himself over the brave men who had so -gallantly fallen that day in fair and patriotic fight. His -voice sounded inexpressibly solemn as he raised it in -the inspiring words: “I am the resurrection and the life. -If a man shall believe on Me, though he be dead, yet shall -he live.”</p> -<p>When the short but impressive ceremony was over, -the body of Captain Burden was first dropped overboard, -followed by that of poor Wallingford. The sailors’ bodies -followed in order. As the last dull splash showed that -the melancholy duty was over, the flags were run up as if -by magic on the two ships, and the bugler piped a merry -call. Then every man went to work with a will, taking -advantage of the clear night and good weather to get the -shattered Drake into condition, and the sounds of cheerful -toil resounded the whole night through.</p> -<p>It was Paul Jones’s determination to carry the captured -Drake directly to France, for he was the last man -in the world to abandon so gallant a trophy. He had on -board the Ranger about a hundred and forty prisoners, -including the wounded, and with his small crew he managed -to take care of them and repair partially the damage -done the unfortunate Drake.</p> -<p>The men continued to work with the fierce energy -that characterized those acting under Paul Jones’s command, -and within twenty-four hours jury masts had been -set up and rigged, new sails had been bent, the holes in -the hull planked over, and Paul Jones was ready to make -his way to France.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div> -<p>He had, indeed, struck terror to the trading vessels of -the region, but, the alarm being given, he knew that war-ships -were already after him. The wind shifting and -threatening a gale, he determined to pass by the north -of the channel and around the west coast of Ireland, -which would bring him directly in the spot of his performance -the day before. This Paul Jones considered -an advantage, as his enemies would scarcely be looking -for him in the very place he had just left. As he passed -so close to the port of Carrickfergus, from which he had -taken the three fishermen on the evening of the 21st, he -concluded to send them to their homes, much to their delight. -Their own boat had been lost, and he determined -to give them a good one out of the many he had on -board. It was toward dusk when the boat was lowered -and the men called upon deck.</p> -<p>Among the prisoners were two sick men from Dublin, -that Paul Jones also determined to send to their homes, -and these two were also sent for on deck. When they -arrived, Paul Jones handed them some money.</p> -<p>“This is the last shilling that I have in the world -at present, but you are welcome to it,” he said to the -sick men. They responded with a feeble but grateful -“Thankee, sir.” To the fisherman he said: “The boat I -give you is yours, and in it you will find a sail of the -Drake’s. That will show what has become of her.”</p> -<p>The fishermen looked completely dazed by their good -fortune, for the boat given them was much larger and -better than their own. They recovered their senses, -though, after they got into the boat, and as they passed -under the Ranger’s quarter they gave three rousing -cheers for Captain Jones. The captain raised his cap in -reply, and in another moment the ship was sailing past -the harbor, past the town, with its lights dimly visible, -past the castle on the rock, where a brightly lighted -tower stood watch, and, weathering the headland, she -was soon steering a straight course for the North Channel.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_56">56</div> -<h2 id="c9"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER VIII.</span></h2> -<p>It was a fair and lovely May morning when the Ranger, -still towing the Drake, appeared off the bay of Brest. -The American ensign was hoisted on the Drake over the -Union Jack, and this told the glorious story. Word flew -from mouth to mouth among the French men-of-war in -the roads to the people in the dockyards and the town. -A fleet of pilot boats put off, each eager to have the -honor of taking the Ranger and her prize in through -the narrow and dangerous channel of Le Goulet. Paul -Jones stood on his quarter-deck, as calm and easy as -ever, but his soul thrilled with patriotic pride. The -British had denounced him as a pirate, a traitor, and -a felon, and he had had first, the justifiable revenge of -showing himself alone and undaunted in the midst of his -enemies, capturing a ship of equal size and force, and -afterward, the nobler revenge of treating his prisoners -with the utmost kindness and courtesy. As the Ranger -passed the flagship she gave thirteen guns, and every ship -in the French squadron in return saluted the flag flying at -the Ranger’s mizzen peak. The French sailors manned -the yards of the flagship without orders, and a volley of -cheers mingled with the hoarse thunder of the guns as -the little American vessel made her way cautiously up -the narrow channel. The great clouds of white smoke -rose in the clear May sunshine, and almost hid the Ranger’s -hull and that of her consort: but high above the -white and drifting mist the American ensign floated -proudly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_57">57</div> -<p>Paul Jones was greeted with the most intense enthusiasm -among the naval men at Brest, and France rang -with his exploits. Benjamin Franklin wrote him letters -of affectionate praise, and the French Minister of Marine, -M. de Sartine, requested the American commissioners to -detain Captain Jones in Europe, as it was desired to employ -him against the British, in conjunction with the -French fleets. War between France and England was -then imminent, and, in fact, was declared within a few -weeks. Paul Jones therefore wrote to the Congress, -saying he desired that no command be reserved for him, -as he had been directed by the American commissioners -to remain in France.</p> -<p>And now, in place of these bright anticipations came a -long and torturing period of suspense for Paul Jones, mingled, -it is true, with many compliments on his prowess, -and sustained by the friendship of Franklin, of the King -of France, of the Duke de Chartres, and the admiration -of all the naval and military men of France. More than -that was the gratitude and respect of the men who had -fought under him, and of the two hundred prisoners from -the Drake—for Paul Jones’s conduct at this time gained -him the lasting good will of these men. The affairs of -the American Government had then reached their most -desperate state, and the French Government was a government -by intrigue and corruption, which, not many -years after, produced the bloodiest revolution the world -ever saw. No money was forthcoming as the prize justly -earned by the Ranger’s officers and crew, nor were they -even paid their wages while waiting at Brest for a promised -ship for Paul Jones. Worse still was the condition -of the English prisoners, who would actually have starved -but for Paul Jones himself paying out of his own pocket -for food to keep them alive. It was his earnest desire to -secure an exchange of prisoners, so that he could get a -crew made up wholly of Americans, but with the general -trickery, inefficiency, and jealousy of the French administration -he could do nothing. One fine ship after another -was promised him, through Benjamin Franklin, who -looked to Paul Jones as the hope of the new nation upon -the seas, but disappointment followed disappointment.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_58">58</div> -<p>Paul Jones’s restless spirit was the last one to submit -to this enforced idleness, and he complained in his letters -that “this shameful inactivity is worse to me than a -thousand deaths.” Every moment lost to the service of -his country was, in Paul Jones’s esteem, “shameful.”</p> -<p>So months passed, Paul Jones in his small lodging at -Brest vainly endeavoring, with Franklin’s earnest help, -to get afloat once more in any sort of a ship. The King -of France requested him to write a full account of the -Ranger’s daring cruise, which Paul Jones did. But fighting, -not writing, was his choice when his country needed -every arm that could be raised in her defense.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div> -<p>Bill Green, the quartermaster, whose time was up, -had elected to stay with Paul Jones until he had another -ship, and little Danny Dixon followed him about like a -dog. The two humble friends gave Paul Jones more real -comfort than all the compliments showered upon him by -people of rank and consequence. Danny was still “the -captain’s boy,” and Bill Green had a humble sleeping -place close by the captain’s lodgings. When successive -disappointments had preyed upon Paul Jones’s bold spirit, -and he would return home in the evening sad and dispirited, -the sight of Danny’s affectionate eyes and anxiety -to serve him would sometimes console him a little. Bill -Green was always at hand to carry a letter or a message, -and Paul Jones, in his temporary distress, did not lack for -two devoted friends. Bill had quite adopted Danny by -this time, but was always growling and grumbling about -“ships’ boys as is more trouble than they’re wuth,” and -“boys as oughter have the cat reg’lar along with their -’lowance.” He did not sing much, though; and when -Danny would tease him to sing “Come, all ye tars that -brave the sea,” or “I’m here and there a jolly dog,” Bill -would shake his head and say dolefully: “No, boy. I -can’t sing them songs without I can hear the water runnin’ -against the ship’s side and the wind makin’ music -through the riggin’, and the bo’s’n’s pipe once in a while. -Them is sea songs, and the only land song <i>I</i> knows is -‘Land lubbers lie down below,’ and that ain’t no song to -speak of. Landsmen ain’t got no music of no account; -and as for their songs—Lord! they’re all about love and -the moon, and that sort o’ loblolly that sailormen ain’t got -no appetite for.” Danny, perforce, had to put up with -this explanation, and do without Bill’s music.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_60">60</div> -<p>Meanwhile, so great had been the alarm upon the -coast of the United Kingdoms that the British Admiralty -had issued a circular letter warning the people living on -the coasts that a descent by Paul Jones might be expected. -This further stung the daring sailor, who beheld the days -go by fruitlessly while he lingered at Brest, unable to -get a vessel. At one time it was thought a ship had been -secured for him, and the young Lafayette, then on a visit -from America, desired to sail with him in command of -some troops that he was to carry. Afterward this design -failed, and Lafayette wrote to Paul Jones: “I can not tell -you, my good friend, how sorry I am not to be a witness -of your success, abilities, and glory.” At last, nearly a -year after his glorious cruise in the Ranger, Paul Jones, -in despair of doing better, accepted the command of the -Duc de Duras—the ship that, under the new name of the -Bon Homme Richard, was to immortalize herself and the -great man who became her captain. She was reported to -be new and fast, but turned out, though, to be old and -much decayed. She was a long ship, and carried twenty-four -guns in broadside and eighteen smaller guns. She -had a crew of three hundred and eighty men, of all nationalities -under the sun. Not more than thirty of them were -Americans, but among these Americans, besides Bill Green -and two or three other men who had sailed with him in -the Ranger, Paul Jones had Stacy, his old sailing master. -He had the name of the ship changed from the Duc de -Duras to the Bon Homme Richard, in compliment to Dr. -Franklin, whose Poor Richard’s Almanac was then making -a great stir in the world.</p> -<p>The Bon Homme Richard was to be the first ship in -a motley squadron made up of the Alliance, a fine American -frigate of thirty-six guns, with an American crew, but -commanded by a French captain. Of this man—Captain -Landais—it is proper to say in the beginning that he had -a distinct tinge of madness in his composition, and it is -generally agreed that he was not thoroughly sane at any -time during the memorable cruise he made with Paul -Jones. He had been compelled to leave the French navy -upon the ground of an intolerable temper, which was the -beginning of the insanity from which he undoubtedly suffered -at one time during his life. He had been considered -a brave and faithful officer under the old <i>régime</i> of the -French navy, and therefore his subsequent conduct to -Commodore Jones, as Paul Jones had now become, is -entitled to the doubt that he was not responsible for what -he did. Franklin, however, did not think this, and in a -letter written afterward to the officers and men of the -Bon Homme Richard, expressed the difference between -Paul Jones and Landais thus: “For Captain Paul Jones -ever loved close fighting, but Landais was skillful in keeping -out of harm’s way.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_61">61</div> -<p>The third ship of the squadron, the Pallas, was frigate -built, and carried thirty-two guns. Then there was the -Vengeance, a brig carrying twelve guns, and a small but -beautiful cutter of eighteen guns, the Cerf. Paul Jones -was the commodore of this little squadron, but there -seems to have been great uncertainty about his powers.</p> -<p>Not more than thirty Americans were available for the -Bon Homme Richard at first, but Commodore Jones -managed so that most of the petty officers were Americans. -The rest of the crew were a motley set, of every -nation under the sun. But along with his good luck in -having Mr. Stacy and Bill Green, of his old company, -he was to have a young lieutenant who was worthy to -carry out the orders of such a man as Paul Jones.</p> -<p>The Bon Homme Richard was fitting out at L’Orient, -when one day, as Paul Jones was standing on the dock -looking at the ship, that resounded with the clamor of -preparation, a handsome young fellow of twenty-three, -wearing an American naval uniform, stepped up to him -and spoke, saluting at the same time.</p> -<p>“This is Commodore Jones, I presume, and I am -Lieutenant Dale,” he said.</p> -<p>Paul Jones grasped his hand cordially.</p> -<p>“I have heard of you, Mr. Dale. And how did you -get the British uniform with which you escaped from -Mill Prison?” he asked.</p> -<p>Dale shook his head and smiled.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_62">62</div> -<p>“That secret must remain with me until the end of -time,” he said. “But I have had enough of British prisons. -After my first escape and recapture every amusement -was forbidden me; and so, as I had nothing else -to do, I was forced to sing patriotic songs to keep up my -spirits; and for that I spent forty days in the Black -Hole.”</p> -<p>Something like a smile shone in Paul Jones’s dark and -somber eyes. He had heard of the young lieutenant captured -on the Lexington, confined in Mill Prison, and who -had once escaped only to be recaptured, but this time had -succeeded in getting out of harm’s way while the British -police scoured the city of London for him.</p> -<p>“Were you ordered to report to me, Mr. Dale?” -asked Paul Jones.</p> -<p>“No, sir,” answered Dale; “but I desire to see service, -and those who serve under you will stand an excellent -chance of immortality, for, as Dr. Franklin says, ‘Captain -Paul Jones ever loves close fighting.’”</p> -<p>Paul Jones took off his cap at the mention of Dr. -Franklin’s name.</p> -<p>“The praise of that great man is ever dear to me; and -for yourself, Mr. Dale, your skill and intrepidity are well -known, and your escape from Mill Prison shows that you -are no ordinary man, and I shall be happy to have you as -my first lieutenant on the Bon Homme Richard,” said he.</p> -<p>At this Dale’s fine face turned crimson with pleasure. -He expressed his thanks with a confusion that was more -eloquent than the most finished periods.</p> -<p>There were two other American lieutenants attached -to the Bon Homme Richard—Henry Lunt and Cutting -Lunt—but Bill Green, after inspecting them all, reported -as follows to little Danny Dixon, who religiously believed -everything Bill Green told him:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_63">63</div> -<p>“They all do tollerbul well; but Mr. Dale, he’s a seaman, -he is. I knowed it. And I tell you, boy, he ain’t -never goin’ to surrender. He’s been took prisoner now -three times, and he’s a-goin’ to die ruther ’n go back to -the Black Hole. And you mind your eye, young ’un, -when you’re round Mr. Dale.”</p> -<p>“Lord knows I does,” earnestly responded Danny.</p> -<p>Early in June the squadron started on a cruise that -was destined to be only the prelude of the immortal cruise -that made Paul Jones’s name known all over the civilized -world. On the very night they left the roads of Groix -Paul Jones discovered the manner of man he had to deal -with in Captain Landais. The tide was running in powerfully -strong from the Bay of Biscay, and the Bon Homme -Richard and the Alliance were coming dangerously near -each other. Dale, who had the deck, had the helm put -up, expecting the Alliance to put her helm up also to -avoid a collision. Instead of that, the Alliance, under -Captain Landais’s direction, deliberately kept her luff and -crashed into the Bon Homme Richard, carrying away -some of the lighter spars of both ships. Paul Jones, who -was in the cabin, ran on deck, and in a few minutes the -ships were free. The damage was not great, but Dale’s -account of the way the Alliance was manœuvred was very -disquieting.</p> -<p>“The captain was on deck, sir, and with a pistol at -the helmsman’s head forced him to keep his luff, and -swore at him most frightfully all the time.”</p> -<p>“Dale,” said Paul Jones in a troubled voice, “we have -undoubtedly a madman to deal with. What terrible thing -may he not yet do!”</p> -<p>Landais’s conduct during the whole cruise was of the -same character, but there was so much malice in his cunning, -and his seamanship, when he chose, was so good, -that no man in the squadron really knew whether Landais -was insane or not.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_64">64</div> -<p>The spirits of the crew were excellent, and Bill Green -and the other members of it who had been on the expedition -with the Drake did not let them forget that they -were with a “lucky cap’n.” On the very first night out, -when those that were off duty were sitting around the -foks’l, Bill announced that he had composed a song, -words and music, descriptive of the capture of the -Drake.</p> -<p>“Let’s have it, quartermaster,” said the boatswain.</p> -<p>“It ain’t hardly fittin’ to sing,” answered Bill deprecatingly. -“It begins sumpin’ about you: ‘“A sail! all -hands!” the boatswain cries.’”</p> -<p>“Seems to me,” said the boatswain, with a wink to the -men, “I heard that ’ere song, or one monstrous like it, -while we was at L’Orient, and somebody said as it were -composed by a officer—”</p> -<p>“You ain’t heard no sich a thing,” tartly answered -Bill. “I thought it out in the dog-watch last night, and I -wrote it out at nigh eight bells this mornin’. I ain’t got -no need to sing other folks’s songs. <i>I</i> got the savey to -make ’em up and sing ’em too.”</p> -<p>“Then shake out your reefs and go ahead,” said the -boatswain; and after the regulation amount of urging -from his mates Bill began:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“‘A sail! all hands!’ the boatswain pipes,</p> -<p class="t">And instant at the signal sound,</p> -<p class="t0">Beneath the waving Stars and Stripes,</p> -<p class="t">Each sailor at his post is found.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Due south, close hauled, in trim array,</p> -<p class="t">A gallant frigate’s on our lee;</p> -<p class="t0">She hoists her flag.—My hearts, huzza!</p> -<p class="t">Huzza! the English ensign see.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“O’er all the crew, with heart elate,</p> -<p class="t">Our captain glanced his eagle eye,</p> -<p class="t0">And saw each tar impatient wait</p> -<p class="t">To meet the veteran enemy.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_65">65</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“And see! with topsail to the mast,</p> -<p class="t">The foe destructive fires prepare</p> -<p class="t0">As ship to ship, approaching fast,</p> -<p class="t">All calm and silent, down we bear.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“But, when yardarm and yardarm met,</p> -<p class="t">Our cannon swept his decks amain.</p> -<p class="t0">In vain that boasted flag he set</p> -<p class="t">Which long had awed the subject main.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“In vain unto the mast he nails</p> -<p class="t">That flag; for, carried by the deck,</p> -<p class="t0">Like shattered oaks in wintry gales,</p> -<p class="t">Each, crashing, falls—a lumbering wreck.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“No Frenchman now the conflict wage—</p> -<p class="t">The Briton finds another foe,</p> -<p class="t0">And learns, amid the battle’s rage,</p> -<p class="t">Columbia’s hearts and hands to know.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“What shall the desperate captain do?</p> -<p class="t">Around his bravest men expire!</p> -<p class="t0">No hope is left! He speaks—his crew</p> -<p class="t">A leeward gun, reluctant, fire.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Columbia! from your youthful sleep</p> -<p class="t">Arise, your tars, your rights to save!</p> -<p class="t0">Thus guard their freedom on the deep,</p> -<p class="t">Thus claim your empire on the wave!”</p> -</div> -<p>This song was greeted with great applause, and Bill -stoutly claimed the honor of its composition.</p> -<p>The cruise was uneventful except for the capture of a -few prizes, and, battered by the storms in the Bay of Biscay, -the squadron returned to L’Orient to refit. Here -Paul Jones had the good luck to find a considerable number -of Americans who were anxious to enlist with him. -Every quarter-deck officer was an American except one -midshipman. Paul Jones distributed the Americans -among his crew, so that nearly all the petty officers were -of the sort described by Washington when he said, “Put -none but Americans on guard.” Many of the ordinary -seamen, though, were of other nationalities.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div> -<p>At last the necessary repairs were made, and at daybreak -on the morning of the 14th of August Paul Jones -set sail, with a premonition that, even with an inferior -ship and a squadron unworthy to serve under him, he -would yet do great things. This feeling was shared by -Dale, and by every officer and man on the Bon Homme -Richard.</p> -<p>Several prizes were taken, but within a week the extraordinary -temper of Captain Landais manifested itself. -On the 21st of August it fell calm; the squadron was then -off Cape Clear, and was motionless on the still and glassy -sea. The sun was sinking redly. In full view lay a fine -brigantine, her sails hanging limp in the perfectly still -August air. Paul Jones at once gave orders to hoist out -the boats, and, putting Lieutenant Dale in charge of the -expedition, they pulled off to capture the brigantine.</p> -<p>In the clear atmosphere everything could be plainly -seen on the surface of the water, and Paul Jones could -almost hear, in the perfect silence of the fast waning afternoon, -the orders of his favorite lieutenant, who hailed the -brigantine and demanded her surrender. There was, of -course, no resistance to be made to armed boats, and in a -very short time a hawser was passed aboard, and the men -started to tow the captured vessel to where the Bon -Homme Richard lay.</p> -<p>The twilight had come on fast, and the flood tide was -rising. The Bon Homme Richard begun to drift dangerously -near the Skelligs, that are among the most dangerous -rocks on the wild Irish coast. It became necessary to -tow the ship, so as to keep her head to the tide, and the -commodore’s barge, being the only large boat on board, -was hoisted out, with a tow line to keep the ship off the -rocks.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div> -<p>Danny Dixon, being a strong boy, and many of the -crew being absent, was in the barge. It grew dark -rapidly, and in the dusk the barge looked like a black -shadow ahead of the ship, as the men bent slowly to their -oars, just enough to hold the ship against the tide. Suddenly -Lieutenant Dale, who had the deck, noticed that -the ship’s head was wearing round. At the same moment -he heard a splash in the water. The boat, however, -was still pulling ahead, but much faster than it had -been.</p> -<p>For a moment he was puzzled at this, but he called -out in a moment, “Avast, there! the line has parted!”</p> -<p>The boat, however, paid no attention to his cry, but -continued to pull away faster and faster. It dawned -upon him then that the line had been cut purposely, and -he shouted the louder, “Return to the ship at once!” -He had seen a shadow upon the water, and a continual -splash after the first one, and in a moment or two he saw -Danny Dixon’s tow head just under the ship’s quarter.</p> -<p>“Give me a line, please, sir,” called Danny, and the -next moment he was landed on deck dripping wet.</p> -<p>“They’ve stole the barge, sir,” he gasped out, sputtering, -“and run away, some o’ the Portygees and Malays—there -warn’t no ’Mericans among ’em. They wanted me -to go along, but I jest slipped overboard and swam for -the ship, and here I is.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div> -<p>Angry and indignant as Dale felt at the conduct of the -barge’s crew, Danny’s matter-of-fact way of telling of his -loyalty both pleased and amused him. He said hastily -to Danny, “Go below and report to the captain,” and -without waiting for orders, the only boat left on the ship -was manned, and, with Mr. Lunt in command, put briskly -after the deserters. Lieutenant Dale also brought one of -the ship’s long twelves to bear on the retreating boat and -fired several shots, but both the barge and her pursuers -were soon lost in the increasing darkness. In a little -while the other boats reached the ship towing the brigantine. -The vessel proving stanch and her cargo valuable, -Paul Jones threw a prize crew on her and sent her to -L’Orient.</p> -<p>As the night wore on a dense white fog descended -upon the ocean, and the calm continued. There was no -sign of Mr. Lunt’s boat. The Bon Homme Richard fired -signal guns all night, and all the next day, as the fog -showed no sign of lifting. The Cerf was sent in the -morning to reconnoiter the coast for the missing boat. -The same degree of cowardice or insanity appeared to -possess the cutter as the Alliance. She was seen by the -boat and would have been rejoined, but, the Cerf hoisting -British colors, and firing at the unfortunate boat, Mr. -Lunt was forced to run ashore, when he and all his boat’s -crew were captured. Thus did the commodore lose the -services of one of his best officers and two boats full of -men, amounting to twenty-four in all.</p> -<p>The morning after the boat was lost the captain’s gig -of the Alliance was seen at the side of the Bon Homme -Richard. In a few minutes the tall and imposing figure -of Captain Landais appeared upon the ship. Paul Jones -was on deck at the time, and, advancing to greet Captain -Landais courteously, he was struck by the savage scowl -upon the Frenchman’s countenance. The general repute -of Captain Landais’s ungovernable temper and Paul -Jones’s previous experience made him prefer to see the -captain in the cabin. He invited a French marine officer -on board, M. de Chamillard, and an American army officer, -Colonel Weibert, who had volunteered to serve on the -Bon Homme Richard, to accompany him and hear what -passed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div> -<p>As soon as they reached the cabin, Landais, throwing -his glove violently on the table, exclaimed in English, -“So you have lost your boats!” This he immediately repeated -in French for De Chamillard’s benefit, who did not -understand English.</p> -<p>“What do you mean?” asked Paul Jones calmly.</p> -<p>“That you have lost your boats—and this comes of -attacking a brigantine with boats.”</p> -<p>“But my boats were not lost while attacking the brigantine,” -replied Paul Jones, thinking that Landais was -under a mistake. “My barge was cut adrift while towing -the ship, and the deserters absconded. The brigantine -was captured.”</p> -<p>“And yet I was not allowed to cruise on my own responsibility -upon this coast!” shouted the captain.</p> -<p>Something in the wild gleam of his eye gave Paul -Jones the calmness to reason with him.</p> -<p>“Do you know the Irish coast?” he asked.</p> -<p>“No,” shouted Landais, excitedly, “but I was willing—I -and my brave officers—to risk it.”</p> -<p>“But I was not willing to risk a ship under my command, -with a captain who is entirely ignorant of this -coast, the most dangerous one I know,” replied Paul -Jones.</p> -<p>All this time De Chamillard and Weibert sat amazed -spectators of the scene. Paul Jones’s swarthy skin had -turned a shade darker. A kind of lambent flame shone -in his dark, inscrutable eyes. He strongly suspected a -taint of madness in the infuriated man before him, and -was careful not to exasperate him unnecessarily. Landais -continued translating his insubordinate language into -French, and looking at De Chamillard. But the French -marine officer looked steadily away, blushing for the -language of his superior. Again Landais burst out violently:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_70">70</div> -<p>“But you lost your boats through the folly of attacking -with them.”</p> -<p>“It is an untruth,” answered Paul Jones, rising. His -manner was still composed, but his eyes were blazing.</p> -<p>“Do you hear that, gentlemen?” shouted Landais furiously, -in French; and turning to De Chamillard, “He has -given me the lie direct.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones then said coolly, “M. de Landais, your -boat is ready.”</p> -<p>The words were calm, but even the half-mad Landais -was recalled to his senses by them. Paul Jones fixed his -dark eyes on him. Slowly, yet inevitably, the expression -of Landais’s face changed, he sank into a sullen silence, -and then abruptly walked out of the cabin.</p> -<p>Paul Jones turned to De Chamillard and Weibert in -deep agitation.</p> -<p>“You see, gentlemen,” he said in French, “what I -have patiently endured for the sake of the great cause -in which we are all engaged. M. de Landais was in -my power, and you see how merciful I have been to -him.”</p> -<p>“And we will remember it,” answered De Chamillard, -also much moved.</p> -<p>The Bon Homme Richard remained on and off the -coast until the 26th of August, hoping to find the missing -boat, but at last was forced to give it up, and steered for -the northward. The Cerf had never reappeared, so the -squadron was reduced to the Bon Homme Richard, the -Alliance, the Pallas, and the Vengeance.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div> -<p>On the morning of the 27th of August, when Paul -Jones came on deck at daybreak and swept the horizon -with his glass, the Alliance was not in sight, nor did -she turn up any more until the 31st, when her appearance -proved most inopportune, as it always seemed to be during -the memorable cruise.</p> -<p>The Bon Homme Richard was then off Cape Wrath, -and was chasing an armed vessel—the Union, of twenty-two -guns. The American cruiser was flying British -colors, hoping by that means to get very near before her -nationality was discovered, so that if the Union had any -valuable dispatches (which were often carried by fast -letter-of-marque vessels) there would not be time or opportunity -to destroy them. But as soon as Landais got -near enough to the Bon Homme Richard, although he -must have known that the commodore for some purpose -did not desire American colors to be shown, the Alliance -set two American ensigns. That was warning enough to -the Union. She, indeed, carried important dispatches -from the home Government addressed to the authorities -at Quebec, and upon seeing the Alliance hoist her ensign -knew what to do.</p> -<p>When the British captain was brought on board the -Bon Homme Richard, his first remark to Paul Jones, as -he handed out his papers, was:</p> -<p>“I had letters containing important information, but -the warning so kindly given me by the frigate yonder enabled -me to destroy them.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones ground his teeth with rage. He was -tempted for the twentieth time to put Captain Landais -under arrest, but a mistaken clemency induced him to -forbear.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_72">72</div> -<p>On the 4th of September the commodore signaled all -the captains to come on board the Bon Homme Richard. -In a little while boats were seen coming from the Pallas -and the Vengeance, but none from the Alliance. Seeing -no motion toward Captain Landais obeying orders, although -the signal had been flying for half an hour, M. -Mease, the purser of the Bon Homme Richard and a -Frenchman, asked for a boat without saying what he -wished to do. It was granted, and the purser went on -board the Alliance and implored Captain Landais to save -himself and his ship the disgrace of a disobedience of -orders. Captain Landais appeared inclined to yield at -first, but finally refused. M. Mease returned to the Bon -Homme Richard, and, thinking that some other of the -captain’s countrymen might have better luck, persuaded -De Chamillard and the captain of the Pallas (Cottineau) to -return with him. They went and found Landais on his -quarter-deck. He had worked himself into a passion, and -as they approached he roared at them:</p> -<p>“Tell your Commodore Jones that we must have a -meeting on shore, and one or the other of us must die. I -will not longer bear his tyranny!”</p> -<p>The three officers looked at each other significantly. -First Captain Cottineau spoke soothingly, but it had no -effect upon Landais. Then De Chamillard tried to reason -with him, but to no effect. M. Mease was not suffered to -speak at all by the infuriated captain. As the officers -passed along the deck to take their boat they noticed the -sullen looks and mutinous air of the men, who firmly believed -that they had either a traitor or a madman for a -commander.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_73">73</div> -<p>When they returned on board the Bon Homme Richard -and reported to Paul Jones, he heard them through -patiently. De Chamillard then declared that he believed -Landais was crazy—that his language and countenance -were wild and his conduct utterly irrational. To this -Captain Cottineau disagreed. He was furiously angry -with Landais, and thought him treacherous. Between -these opposing views Paul Jones concluded to wait and -have a personal interview with Landais. Within a few -hours, however, the wind rose to a terrible gale, and -the Alliance again disappeared, not to be seen until she -made her appearance in a manner as unlooked for as -usual.</p> -<p>Some days of alternate storm and fog followed. Paul -Jones knew that he was off the Scottish coast, but not -until the evening of the 13th of September was it clear -enough for him to see the blue line of the Cheviot Hills -in the distance.</p> -<p>Being in want of provisions and water, Paul Jones in -the middle of the night sent an armed boat to bring off -some sheep and oxen that were seen near the shore. Lieutenant -Dale was in charge of the boat, and had with him -money to pay for the cattle and sheep. This he did, allowing -the owners a generous amount. He managed to -extract a good deal of information from the peasantry, -who told him of the capture of Mr. Lunt’s boat, and that -the nature of the expedition was well known, as well as -the fact that Paul Jones was in command, and that no less -than eleven men-of-war were scouring the seas for the -audacious Bon Homme Richard.</p> -<p>Upon their return to the ship Lieutenant Dale reported -to the commodore. When he spoke of the eleven British -captains, each one of whom was eagerly in search of the -honor of capturing Paul Jones, a faint smile passed over -the somewhat sad face of the commodore. England, the -mistress of the seas, put forth all her strength and skill -against this bold intruder into her very strongholds. But -he was not to become her captive, but her continued defiance.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_74">74</div> -<p>The coasts of England, Scotland, and Ireland were in -an uproar by this time. Signal fires blazed on every hill, -and expresses were sent to London announcing the danger. -But Paul Jones knew he was in no danger from -the shore, and he trusted to himself to take care of -his ship at sea. Never since the days of the sea kings -had any seaman so struck terror into his enemies as -Paul Jones.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_75">75</div> -<h2 id="c10"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER IX.</span></h2> -<p>On the 14th of September Commodore Jones sent for -the captains of the Pallas and Vengeance, and confided to -them a plan he had for laying the city of Edinburgh under -a contribution of two hundred thousand pounds, besides -capturing an armed ship of twenty guns and three -fine cutters that lay in Leith roads.</p> -<p>“The ships lie in a state of perfect indolence and security,” -he said, “which will prove their ruin.”</p> -<p>The French captains were not at first equal to this -bold project. During one whole night, while the squadron -lay off the Frith of Forth, did Paul Jones argue with -them, and at last their consent was won.</p> -<p>When it was submitted to the younger officers, all received -it with ardor.</p> -<p>“If these captains had but the dash and enterprise of -their juniors anything could be attempted,” remarked -Paul Jones to Lieutenant Dale. Dale shrugged his -shoulders.</p> -<p>“The French have lost more ships through prudence -than the British through rashness,” was his significant -answer.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_76">76</div> -<p>Paul Jones then made every preparation for the descent. -De Chamillard, who had proved himself a brave and -resolute man, was to take the terms of capitulation and -ransom to the magistrates of Edinburgh. One half hour -exactly was to be given them to provide two hundred -thousand pounds or its equivalent. The gallant young -Dale was to command the landing party.</p> -<p>The Frith of Forth was then entered, and on the 15th -of September the ships were seen distinctly beating up -the Frith. The alarm was general among the inhabitants, -who knew the mighty name of Paul Jones, and who prepared -as well as they could to meet him. Batteries were -erected, and the citizens were served with arms from -Edinburgh Castle. A little boy, ten years old, who was -in Edinburgh then, well remembered the alarm and commotion, -and often spoke of it afterward. This was Walter -Scott.</p> -<p>One man, however—a member of Parliament—took it -into his head that the Bon Homme Richard was a British -cruiser, whose mission was to destroy the daring American. -He therefore sent a boat with a messenger, asking -that some powder and shot be sent him so that he might -defend himself against the notorious Paul Jones. The -commodore received the messenger politely on the quarter-deck, -with several officers around him.</p> -<p>“Tell your master,” he said, “that I send the powder -very cheerfully—Mr. Dale, will you have a barrel hoisted -out?—and regret that I have no shot suitable for this -powder.” As the powder was of no use without the shot -the member of Parliament was no better off with it than -without it. Nevertheless, the messenger did not have -wit enough to see that he was being gulled, and accepted -the barrel very thankfully. The men on deck, who saw -through the ruse, grinned broadly while they were very -zealous in getting the powder over the side. Bill Green, -however, who had been talking with the men in the boat, -touched his cap and spoke aside to Paul Jones:</p> -<p>“If you please, sir, that ’ere duck-legged chap, he’s a -pilot, sir.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_77">77</div> -<p>“I am glad you told me,” answered Paul Jones: and, -approaching the man, he said carelessly: “My fine fellow, -I shall be on and off this coast looking for Paul Jones for -some days, and I shall want a pilot, so I think I shall have -to keep you.”</p> -<p>“All right, sir,” answered the man, touching his cap; -and, calling out to his mates in the boat, he cried: “Tell -Ailsa I have got a job of piloting, and she need not expect -me till she sees me.”</p> -<p>This man proved to be of great service in piloting the -vessel; for, even after her character was discovered, he -was forced to direct her, as his own life, as much as that -of anybody’s on the ship, depended upon her safety.</p> -<p>The Bon Homme Richard, with her two consorts, the -Pallas and the Vengeance, continued working to windward -up the Frith until Sunday, the 17th of September, -a gusty autumn morning. Then they were almost within -cannon shot of the town. The boats were hoisted out, -De Chamillard with his soldiers were ready, and Dale, -the youngest lieutenant on board, but the one most after -Paul Jones’s own heart, was just about to step over the -side. The wind had been fresh since the dawn of day, -but suddenly a black and furious squall was seen upon -the water ahead of them. The men were ordered in from -the boats to assist in shortening sail, which was barely -done before the squall struck them. The gale increasing -fearfully, the boats were hoisted in, and the vessels were -obliged to bear up before the wind in order to save their -spars. The gale continuing, they were driven out of the -Frith, and had to seek the open sea for safety.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div> -<p>Toward night the wind moderated. The North Sea -was full of merchant ships, and the Bon Homme Richard, -as well as the Pallas, cruised back and forth, taking and -sinking a number of colliers. This, however, was not the -sort of enterprise that suited Paul Jones’s daring spirit. -He proposed several adventurous plans to the French -captains, but could not win their co-operation. They -were brave men, but more prudent than enterprising, and -they had not the personal knowledge of Paul Jones’s -powers and resource to take the risks he proposed. There -was a large fleet of merchant ships lying in the Humber, -which Paul Jones wished to entice into the open roads. -The Bon Homme Richard went off before the wind, and -returned wearing British colors, hoping that a certain -ship which carried a pendant at her masthead was a ship -of war, and would fight. This ship, though, kept to the -windward and near dangerous shoals, so that the Bon -Homme Richard could not approach with safety.</p> -<p>In order to learn some news of what was being done -in the way of preparations to meet him, Paul Jones boldly -hoisted a signal for a pilot. Two pilot boats, supposing -the Bon Homme Richard to be a British cruiser, responded. -There was great eagerness between the pilot -boats as to which should be taken on board. Lieutenant -Dale, under Paul Jones’s orders, took them both on board, -in order to learn everything possible about the state of -affairs along the coast. Presently Paul Jones, in his undress -uniform, which greatly resembled the British uniform, -except that he wore a Scotch bonnet of blue cloth -bound with gold, strolled along the deck, and, seeing -young Dale in conversation with the pilots, joined him.</p> -<p>“Have you heard anything of Paul Jones and his ship, -my good man?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Yes, sir,” responded both pilots in a breath, and one -of them continued:</p> -<p>“That ’ere ship yonder,” pointing to the vessel wearing -a pendant, and which was still near the entrance to the -Humber River, “she is a armed merchantman—”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div> -<p>“And,” broke in the other, anxious to contribute his -quota, “there’s a king’s frigate layin’ at anchor up the -river, a-waitin’ for news o’ that impudent rebel ship o’ -Paul Jones’s to take her and sink her. I piloted the -frigate in, and they’ve give us a private signal for all ships -while the rebel ship is in these waters.”</p> -<p>“That signal would be useful to us,” remarked Paul -Jones, smiling in spite of himself. “We have not been in -port since early in August, and we might get in trouble -through not knowing the signal.”</p> -<p>The pilots, still supposing the Bon Homme Richard -to be a British ship, gave the signal. Having got all he -wanted out of them, Paul Jones dismissed them with -money, saying that as there was already a frigate in the -river he would continue to cruise outside. As the pilots -went over the side, Bill Green bawled at them:</p> -<p>“Thankee for that ’ere private signal!” And a roar -of laughter from the foks’l showed the sailors’ appreciation -of the joke. But the pilots went off well satisfied -with their fee and perfectly unsuspicious.</p> -<p>As soon as the pilot boat was out of sight, Bill Green, -under Dale’s orders, hoisted the private signal, and lay -near the mouth of the river. The armed vessel came a -little way down the stream, but something aroused her -suspicions, and she put back hastily. The entrance to -the Humber being very difficult and dangerous, Paul -Jones concluded not to attempt it, but to cruise around -Flamborough Head, in the hope of rejoining his consorts, -the Pallas and the Vengeance, and also with the hope of -intercepting the Baltic fleet, which was due about that -time.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_80">80</div> -<p>This was the night of the 22d of September, the turning -point in the career of Paul Jones, and it was one of -the most miserable nights he had ever spent in all his adventurous -life. The time of his cruise was now up, and -upon joining the other two ships it would be his duty to -proceed to the Texel, after a fruitless and inglorious expedition. -After having endured all the agony of hope -deferred, of suspense and almost of despair for fifteen -months, he had at last got to sea in a miserable old hulk -that was only a travesty on the fair frigate that he had -hoped to command. He had lost one of his best officers -and twenty-three of his men. More than half his squadron -had deserted him, and he had been humiliated by the -insubordination of a French captain that he could not properly -punish without incurring the displeasure of the only -ally that his distressed and struggling country could claim. -He had taken a few prizes, most of which had been lost -by caprice or folly, and he was now about to return to -bear all the shame of failure, for to Paul Jones’s lofty -and comprehensive mind the lack of brilliant success was -failure.</p> -<p>A spirit of fierce unrest seemed to possess him as -he walked the quarter-deck of the Bon Homme Richard -while the twilight fell on that September evening. The -darkness came on fast, and with it a fresh but fickle wind. -The moon was near its full, and as it rose from the water -it cast a pale and spectral glare over the vast expanse of -the North Sea. Clouds were scudding wildly across the -sky, and occasionally the moon was obscured for long -periods. It was one of those ghastly nights when misfortune -and sorrow and disappointment seem to brood -over the universe.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div> -<p>The Bon Homme Richard was under easy canvas, and -the crew were sitting around the foks’l after their day’s -work was done, listening to yarns and songs. Presently, -in the stillness of the September night, Paul Jones heard -Bill Green’s rich voice singing. Scarcely knowing why -he did it, so heavy was the weight upon his heart, Paul -Jones walked quietly along the deck, and, leaning over -the rail, unobserved by the men, he listened to the song. -It was sad enough, and the air had a melancholy beauty -in it that went to his very soul. It struck him with the -deadly chill of a presentiment. The men, too, listened -with a subdued and silent attention. This was the song:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t5"><i>Call the watch! Call the watch!</i></p> -<p class="t"><i>Ho! the starboard watch, ahoy!</i> Have you heard</p> -<p class="t0">How a noble ship, so trim, like our own, my hearties, here,</p> -<p class="t">All scudding ’fore the gale, disappeared</p> -<p class="t0">When yon southern billows rolled o’er their bed so green and clear?</p> -<p class="t"><i>Hold the reel! Keep her full! Hold the reel!</i></p> -<p class="t0">How she flew athwart the spray, as, shipmates, we do now,</p> -<p class="t">Till her twice a hundred fearless hearts of steel</p> -<p class="t0">Felt the whirlwind lift its waters aft and plunge her downward bow!</p> -<p class="t10"><i>Bear a hand!</i></p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t"><i>Strike to’gallants! Mind your helm! Jump aloft!</i></p> -<p class="t0">’Twas such a night as this, my lads, a rakish bark was drowned,</p> -<p class="t">When demons foul, that whisper seamen oft,</p> -<p class="t0">Scooped a tomb amid the flashing surge that never shall be found.</p> -<p class="t"><i>Square the yards! A double reef! Hark! the blast!</i></p> -<p class="t0">Oh, fiercely has it fallen on the war-ship of the brave!</p> -<p class="t">When its tempest fury stretched the stately mast</p> -<p class="t0">All along the foamy sides, as they shouted on the wave.</p> -<p class="t10"><i>Bear a hand!</i></p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t5"><i>Call the watch! Call the watch!</i></p> -<p class="t"><i>Ho! the larboard watch, ahoy!</i> Have you heard</p> -<p class="t0">How a vessel, gay and taut, on the mountains of the sea</p> -<p class="t">Went below, with all her warlike crew aboard—</p> -<p class="t0">They who battled for the happy, boys, and perished for the free?</p> -<p class="t"><i>Clew, clew up, fore and aft! Keep her away!</i></p> -<p class="t0">How the vulture bird of death, in its black and viewless form,</p> -<p class="t">Hovered sure o’er the clamors of his prey,</p> -<p class="t0">While through all their dripping shrouds yells the spirit of the storm.</p> -<p class="t10"><i>Bear a hand!</i></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_82">82</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t"><i>Now, out reefs! Brace the yard! Lively there!</i></p> -<p class="t0">Oh, no more to homeward breeze shall her swelling bosom spread;</p> -<p class="t">But Love’s expectant eye bids Despair</p> -<p class="t0">Set her raven watch eternal o’er the wreck in ocean’s bed!</p> -<p class="t"><i>Board your tacks! Cheerly, boys!</i> But for them</p> -<p class="t0">Their last evening gun is fired—their gales are over blown!</p> -<p class="t">O’er their smoking deck no starry flag shall stream;</p> -<p class="t0">They’ll sail no more—they’ll fight no more—for their gallant ship’s gone down!</p> -<p class="t10"><i>Bear a hand!</i></p> -</div> -<p>A solemn silence followed as the last musical note -died away on the waters. The waves and the lightly -whistling wind had made a soft accompaniment for the -sweet, sad music. Paul Jones listened to every word, -and at the last “<i>Bear a hand!</i>” something like a groan -burst from him. Hope had almost gone—despair was -near to him. He stepped noiselessly from his place at -the rail, and with bent head and folded arms began again -to walk the quarter-deck. Dale, watching Paul Jones’s -slight but sinewy figure as he walked up and down like -a caged tiger, noticed the new expression on his face—an -expression almost of hopelessness. Well might Paul -Jones be hopeless, if this was to be the barren result of -a cruise in which he had promised himself and those -under him so much glory.</p> -<p>All the early hours of the night this ceaseless walk -continued. It was Dale’s watch on deck, and he was -relieved at midnight by Cutting Lunt, the only other -sea lieutenant on the ship since Henry Lunt’s loss in the -boat. Although not given to following the commodore -unless invited, Dale looked after him wistfully as he went -below. Once within the cabin, Paul Jones threw himself -in a chair, and, resting his head on his hands, gave way to -a silent paroxysm of despair. He knew not how long he -sat in this agony of thought and feeling, but at last, raising -his head, he saw his cabin boy, Danny Dixon, crouched -in a corner, sound asleep. Although Danny’s orders were -to leave the cabin and go to his hammock at ten o’clock, -he was often found in the cabin at midnight, for which -he always made the excuse that he had fallen asleep and -did not know when it was six bells.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div> -<p>Something in the boy’s faithful and doglike attachment -appealed to Paul Jones at this moment of supreme -distress. “Poor little fellow!” he thought to himself, -gazing at the boy’s sleeping figure. “There is one faithful -soul who loves me, poor and unlettered and simple as -he may be.”</p> -<p>He then rose, and, going forward, laid the boy’s head -in a more comfortable position and threw a blanket over -him.</p> -<p>“Let him rest; he will lie there until morning. And -what would not I give for his sound and careless sleep!”</p> -<p>A few moments later a slight tap was heard at the -cabin door, and Paul Jones himself opened it. There -stood young Dale. His eyes dropped before the calm -gaze of the commodore’s. He had come, led by an impulse -of pity and veneration, but he knew not how to -express it. In a moment or two Paul Jones spoke:</p> -<p>“Dale, I know why you have come. You feel for me -in my misfortunes—for surely misfortune has followed -this cruise. Know you, though, that while I want no -man’s insulting pity, yours, which comes from the heart, -is sweet to me.”</p> -<p>At this he laid his hand on the young lieutenant’s -shoulder, and Dale, glancing up, his own eyes full of tears, -saw that Paul Jones’s eyes were moist.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_84">84</div> -<p>“I know, sir, better than anybody, the trials, the disadvantages, -the insults you have been subject to. But -there is not a man on this ship who does not believe in -you and know that, if we have no captured ship of war -to bring back with us, it is fate—not want of enterprise. -But, commodore, I have a strange presentiment. I feel -yet that within twenty-four hours we shall have some -glorious event upon our hands. Something tells me that -we are at a turning point, and that Fortune, which favors -the brave, has yet a glorious reward for you.”</p> -<p>“May you be right!” answered Paul Jones, with a -melancholy smile.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_85">85</div> -<h2 id="c11"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER X.</span></h2> -<p>At daybreak on the morning of the memorable 23d -of September Paul Jones appeared on the Bon Homme -Richard’s deck. A short distance off lay the Pallas and -the treacherous Alliance, which the Bon Homme Richard -had chased during the latter part of the night, mistaking -her for a British frigate.</p> -<p>All three ships were now off Flamborough Head. The -day came clear and bright, with a gentle wind from the -south. The delicate chill of the early dawn crept over -the waters, and the eastern sky was aflame with yellow -and pink and purple lights. A rosy mist enveloped the -bold headland, and the waves that eagerly lapped it -caught the crimson glow. The somber North Sea shimmered -with a thousand hues, in the golden glory of the -morning. Afar off, the castled height of Scarborough -shone white in the radiant light, and the milky sails of -fishing boats flecked the blue sea. There were no vessels -in sight except the two French ships, for the name of -Paul Jones kept the merchant fleets hugging the shore -except under convoy. Something in the lovely scene -inspired Paul Jones with renewed hope. As Dale went -up and greeted him on the quarter-deck, Paul Jones said -cheerfully: “Dale, I believe you are right. We have -one more day before us, in which we may immortalize -ourselves; therefore I take heart.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_86">86</div> -<p>The men were piped to breakfast at six o’clock, and -just as they came on deck afterward a brigantine was -observed, apparently hove to far to windward. Chase -was given, and it was plain that she could not escape. -About noon, however, as Paul Jones, with Dale by his -side, was watching the pursuit of the brigantine, they -happened to turn their eyes at the same moment toward -the rocky promontory of Flamborough Head. Just -weathering the headland, they saw a large, white ship, -sailing beautifully, the wind filling her snowy canvas. -There was nothing remarkable in her appearance, but -something prophetic seemed to strike both Paul Jones -and Dale. Their eyes met with a meaning look.</p> -<p>“Sir,” said Dale, “that ship—that ship—”</p> -<p>“Is the first ship of the Baltic fleet,” replied Paul -Jones in a low, intense voice. “I feel it, I know it; and -there must be more than one war-ship giving convoy to -the fleet.”</p> -<p>The next moment, though, it became necessary to -order a boat out to capture the brigantine, which was -now at their mercy. Sixteen of the best hands on board -the Bon Homme Richard were told off for this duty, and -put under the command of Lieutenant Lunt.</p> -<p>“Look out for my signals, Mr. Lunt,” were Paul -Jones’s last orders, “for I expect to fight this day.”</p> -<p>Every eye on the Bon Homme Richard was fixed on -the ship that had glided so beautifully around the promontory. -Within ten minutes another sail, and another, -appeared in the wake of the large ship, all rounding the -point. Paul Jones, in a passion of suppressed excitement, -seized Dale by the arm. “Look!” he cried. “It is the -Baltic fleet! It is not less than forty sail, and their convoy, -I have heard, is the Serapis frigate, commanded by -Captain Pearson, and the sloop of war Countess of Scarborough. -Ah, Dale, well may your presentiment come -true! This is our day to fight! Call the bugler, set the -signal for a general chase, and prepare for action; and -we will fight at close quarters.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div> -<p>Dale fairly rushed off to give the necessary orders. -The men sprang into the rigging with cheers, and set -the fore and main sail. As soon as they were at quarters, -the men, two by two, gave nine cheers for Commodore -Paul Jones. Paul Jones, with sparkling eyes, took off his -cap and waved it.</p> -<p>Just then Bill Green ran across Danny Dixon, who was -hanging over the side, gazing at the stately ships as they -came swiftly around the point, like a flock of huge swans.</p> -<p>“I say, boy,” said Bill, “you’d better be gittin’ that -sawdust and sprinklin’ the deck, to keep your spirits up—’cause -I see flunk in your eye.”</p> -<p>“Well, Mr. Green,” answered Danny, who had a long -score of practical jokes and chaff to pay off, “I’ll be careful -and throw a plenty o’ sawdust around the wheel to -soak up your blood in case you is welterin’ in gore, and -I’ll be proud to take your last messages to your afflicted -widder—”</p> -<p>“Go along with you!” bawled Bill, who was not -pleased with these grewsome suggestions. “I ain’t got no -afflicted widder, nor no afflicted wife neither, you billy-be-hanged -imp! I don’t see what boys is made for no-how, -excep’ to be tormentin’ and aggerawatin’! Maybe -you ain’t heerd, youngster, that the British Government -has put a price on your head, and the man that carries -you, livin’ or dead, aboard a British ship, gits a pile o’ -money?”</p> -<p>“W’y, that’s very kind and complimentary of the -Britishers,” answered Danny, with a knowing grin. -“That’s what they done for Cap’n Paul Jones, and I’m -mighty proud to be rated with him.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div> -<p>“Jest wait,” answered Bill, “till these ’ere guns gits to -barkin’ and the spars begins to fly ’round like straws -when you’re threshin’, and I’m a-thinkin’ you won’t be as -brave as the cap’n.”</p> -<p>“’Tain’t nobody as brave as the cap’n,” answered -Danny stoutly, “but I ain’t a-goin’ to flunk, Mr. Green, -and I’m a-goin’ to give you a extry handful o’ sawdust -for to drink up your blood when I begins to lay it on the -deck.”</p> -<p>It seemed as if the ships that came around Flamborough -Head were of an endless fleet. But as soon as -they caught sight of the black hull of the Bon Homme -Richard to windward of them, waiting in grim expectancy, -with the American ensign flying and preparations -for action going on, they gave her a wide berth. They -also raised the alarm by firing guns, letting fly their to’gallant -sheets, tacking together, and making as close inshore -as they dared.</p> -<p>Meanwhile, the Bon Homme Richard had cleared for -action, sent down her royal yards, the crew were beat to -quarters, and signals were made to the other ships to -form the line of battle. The Pallas, under the brave Cottineau, -obeyed the signals with alacrity. The Vengeance -was ordered to bring back the boat with Lunt and his men -in it, and to enter the men on the unengaged side of the -Bon Homme Richard if the action should be begun, and -then the Vengeance was to attack the convoy. She, however, -disobeyed all of these orders, and never came into -action at all. The Alliance disregarded all orders and -signals, and reconnoitered cautiously. Captain Landais -shouted to the Pallas as she passed, that if the man-of-war -which they knew must convoy such a fleet proved to be -the Serapis, all they would have to do would be to run -away!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_89">89</div> -<p>It was now long past noon, and still the end of the line -of merchant ships had not been reached. At last, as the -forty-first vessel rounded the point and took refuge inshore, -a beautiful white frigate with a smart sloop of war -following her appeared. The men on the Bon Homme -Richard had seen a boat putting off from the shore for the -frigate, and they surmised correctly that it was to inform -the British frigate that the American ship was commanded -by Paul Jones. Captain Pearson, of the Serapis, was a -brave man, and was delighted at a chance of a fair and -square fight with the American commodore. As Paul -Jones had instantly recognized the Serapis and knew her -commander, each captain was perfectly well aware whom -he was fighting.</p> -<p>Captain Pearson first prudently and gallantly secured -his convoy by clawing off the land so that he was outside -his ships, and then tacking inshore so as to be between -them and the Bon Homme Richard. The Bon Homme -Richard was now coming down under every sail that -would draw. The Serapis was unmistakably ready to -fight, but she stood out to sea, with the view of drawing -the American ship under the guns of Scarborough Castle. -But Paul Jones was too astute for her, and determined to -wear ship, so as to head the Serapis off. By that time -Bill Green was at the wheel, and a good breeze was blowing, -enabling the ship to manœuvre easily. Dale was officer -of the deck, and gave the orders, under Paul Jones’s -direction, to steer straight for the British frigate, that was -waiting for the Bon Homme Richard under short fighting -canvas.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_90">90</div> -<p>The whole afternoon had passed in the previous manœuvres, -and the early twilight of September had come -before the Bon Homme Richard had shortened sail, and -the two ships were slowly but determinedly approaching -each other for the mortal encounter. The moon had -not yet risen, but the stars were lighted in the deep-blue -sky of night, and in the west a faint opaline glow still -lingered. On the chalky cliffs a moving black mass -showed, where thousands of people had assembled to see -the fight, and far in the distance the frowning masses of -Scarborough Castle loomed up, with myriad lights showing -like sparks in the purple twilight. The strong, white -flame from the lighthouse at Flamborough Head flashed -like a lance of fire over the dark ocean. The silent manœuvres -of the white-winged ships, the stillness only -broken by the orders given and the “Ay, ay, sir!” of the -sailors, which echoed beautifully over the water, made the -ships seem almost like a phantom fleet. The battle lanterns -were lighted, and every preparation was made for a -fight to the death. The Bon Homme Richard was short-handed -not only for men but for officers, and Richard Dale -was the only sea lieutenant Paul Jones had in the unequal -fight before him. The men were stripped to their shirts, -except Bill Green and a few others, Bill alleging that -“’Twarn’t wuth while to take off a man’s jacket till he -got warmed up with fightin’!” Danny Dixon, as usual, -had discarded his jacket early in the day, and had made -every preparation for a hand-to-hand fight, although, as -he was only a powder monkey, it was not likely that he -would have any fighting at all to do.</p> -<p>It was Danny’s place, though, with another boy, to -sprinkle sawdust along the decks to keep them from becoming -slippery with blood. As he got to the wheel, -where Bill Green stood, he threw the sawdust around -liberally, and, although he dared not address the quartermaster, -he remarked in a sly whisper to the other boy:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_91">91</div> -<p>“Mr. Green, him and me is pertickler friends, so I’m -a-goin’ to give him a extry handful o’ sawdust to soak -up his blood, that’ll likely be a foot deep round about -here.”</p> -<p>“Drat the boy!” growled Bill under his breath.</p> -<p>It was now about seven o’clock in the evening, and -the ships were steadily closing. Paul Jones, night glass -in hand, walked the quarter-deck. The Alliance and the -Vengeance lay off two miles to windward, perfectly inactive, -and apparently meant to be mere spectators of the -great fight on hand. Their indifference and disobedience -to the signals infuriated the officers and men of the Bon -Homme Richard, but Paul Jones took it with the utmost -coolness and composure.</p> -<p>“Let them do as they like,” he said; “the greater glory -ours if we win without them.”</p> -<p>Captain Cottineau, of the Pallas, on seeing the Bon -Homme Richard change her course and wear, rashly concluded -that the crew had mutinied, had killed the commodore, -and were running away with the ship. It is a -singular instance of the faith which his associates had in -Paul Jones, that Captain Cottineau should have been convinced -of Paul Jones’s death before the command of the -ship could be taken from him.</p> -<p>The captain of the Pallas therefore hauled by the -wind and tacked, laying his head off shore. He did not -follow the Bon Homme Richard, until, seeing her begin -the action, he knew that Paul Jones still lived and commanded.</p> -<p>The ships were now within two cables’ length of each -other. Paul Jones then tacked, in order to cross the bow -of the Serapis. At this moment he perceived a man, at -the order of Captain Pearson, fastening the Union Jack to -the mizzen peak.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_92">92</div> -<p>“Look!” said Paul Jones to Dale, “they are nailing -the flag to the mast. There is no need to nail mine, for -the first man that dares to touch it will never breathe -again.”</p> -<p>The Serapis was within pistol shot and to windward, -and both ships were on the port tack. The Serapis hailed -as follows:</p> -<p>“This is his Majesty’s ship Serapis, forty-four guns. -What ship is that?”</p> -<p>Stacy, the acting sailing master, answered the hail -after Paul Jones’s directions, who wished to get in a raking -position on the bow of the Serapis.</p> -<p>“I can’t hear what you say,” was the reply through -the trumpet.</p> -<p>“What ship is that?” was again called out from the -Serapis. “Answer immediately, or I shall be under the -necessity of firing into you.”</p> -<p>At this, Richard Dale, who commanded the gun deck, -cried to his men, “Blow your matches, boys!” and in -another instant the Bon Homme Richard thundered out -her broadside. So promptly was this returned from the -Serapis that both reports seemed almost simultaneous. -The roar was tremendous, and echoed and re-echoed over -the sea and from the chalky cliffs.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic5"> -<img src="images/p_109.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="792" /> -<p class="caption"><i>At the first discharge two of the guns burst.</i></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_93">93</div> -<p>In an instant both ships were enveloped in smoke and -utter darkness. By this time the Bon Homme Richard’s -bow was just across the forefoot of the Serapis. In order -to keep the wind and to deaden her way, the Bon Homme -Richard’s topsails were backed, and she passed slowly -ahead of the Serapis, taking the wind out of her sails. -The Serapis was a short ship, and answered her helm -beautifully, in contrast to the lumbering Bon Homme -Richard. As soon as the wind reached him again, Captain -Pearson, keeping his luff, came up on the weather -quarter of the Bon Homme Richard, fairly taking the -wind out of the American ship’s sails in turn. The Serapis -let fly her starboard batteries, and the Bon Homme -Richard replied with her port batteries; but at the very -first discharge of the six eighteen-pound guns on the Bon -Homme Richard, the pieces being old and defective, two -of them burst with a terrific concussion, tearing out the -main deck above them and killing nearly all of the guns’ -crews that served them. As soon as the shock subsided, -although the shrieks and groans of the wounded still resounded, -Paul Jones ran to the companion ladder and -saw Dale, with a pale but undaunted face, standing on -the shattered gun deck, surrounded by wounded men and -the awful <i>débris</i> of the exploded guns. Most of the ship’s -lanterns had been put out by the concussion, and there -was only a dim light that struggled with the darkness. -The moonlight streamed in through the portholes clouded -by the smoke from the Serapis’s guns, which thundered -incessantly, hulling the Bon Homme Richard at every -round.</p> -<p>“Two of the guns are gone, sir,” Dale said coolly, -“and some of our brave boys. But we will fight the -other four guns as long as they will hold together.”</p> -<p>“You are a man after my own heart!” cried Paul -Jones, “and every gun on this ship will be fought as -long as they will hold together; and if we go down, it -will be with our ensign flying.”</p> -<p>In the midst of the smoke and confusion Dale then saw -Danny Dixon running about picking up a row of cartridges -that he had just laid down for the use of the guns, -and which a stray spark might have ignited.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_94">94</div> -<p>“Right for you, boy!” cried Dale; and then, turning -to the men at the other four eighteen-pounders, he ordered -the guns examined. Two of them were cracked -from the muzzle down. This was a terrible blow to the -Bon Homme Richard, as the loss of this battery would -leave only thirty-two twelve-pound guns to fight fifty -eighteen-pounders; for, although the Serapis was classed -as a forty-four, she really carried fifty guns.</p> -<p>“Mr. Dale, I’ve got a good crew here as ain’t afeerd -o’ nothin’,” said one of the gun captains, seeing that Dale -hesitated to give the order to load and fire, “and I’ll resk -it with these ’ere two eighteens.”</p> -<p>An instant later both of them were fired, and, as soon -as the smoke drifted off, Dale, speechless with dismay, -pointed to the two guns. Both of them were defective, -and there was no possibility of firing them again; the -only wonder had been that they had not exploded as the -first two did.</p> -<p>The gun captain, sent by Dale, went up to the commodore -on deck, where he stood calmly giving orders that -were distinctly heard above the uproar, and manœuvring -his ship with the same coolness as if he were working her -into a friendly roadstead.</p> -<p>“Sir,” said the man, touching his cap, “Mr. Dale says -as how not another shot can be fired from the eighteen-pounders. -They is cracked from breech to muzzle.”</p> -<p>“I knew it,” answered Paul Jones; “the instant the -firing stopped, I knew it was impossible to fire another -shot, for Dale would never have given it up as long as he -could work his guns. Tell Mr. Dale I think the enemy -will soon silence the smaller guns, and that if the ship -should catch fire—”</p> -<p>“She’s a-fire, sir, in a dozen places—”</p> -<p>“Or should leak badly—”</p> -<p>“The water, sir, is pourin’ in by the hogshead through -the holes in the hull—”</p> -<p>“To fight both the fire and the water, and to keep her -afloat as long as possible; and as long as she floats she -shall be fought.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_95">95</div> -<p>The men on deck heard these gallant words, and a -rousing cheer rang out over the furious din of the cannonade.</p> -<p>Just at that moment a new enemy appeared. The -Countess of Scarborough, that had been gradually drawing -within gunshot, delayed by the wind, which had become -light and baffling, now suddenly loomed up in the -faint moonlight on the lee bow of the Bon Homme Richard, -and made her presence known by pouring a raking -broadside into the American ship. But seeing, through -the shattered sides of the ship, the blaze and smoke which -Dale and his men were fighting as stubbornly as Paul -Jones was fighting the British, and noticing that nearly -every gun on the Bon Homme Richard was silenced, the -sloop of war drew off, to let, as it was mistakenly thought, -the Serapis finish up the unequal fight. The Alliance lay -off, out of gunshot, a picture of beauty in the pale splendor -of the night, but apparently without any intention of -taking part in the fight. The Countess of Scarborough -turned her attention toward the cowardly ship, which -finally began to return the cannonade the Countess of -Scarborough opened upon her. The Pallas, though, as -if stung by the conduct of her consort, steered for the -Countess of Scarborough, and engaged her with great -spirit.</p> -<p>De Chamillard had held the poop of the Bon Homme -Richard with twenty marines, but after losing several of -his men he was driven back step by step. Paul Jones -watched the brave Frenchman; and if he felt agony at -the defeat that threatened him on every hand he gave no -sign of it, but said to De Chamillard, as he came up, -grimed with powder, “See, the Pallas is making amends, -like yourself, for the treachery of the Alliance.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_96">96</div> -<p>The slaughter on the decks of the Bon Homme Richard -was frightful, and below she was both leaking and -burning. Moreover, there were over a hundred prisoners -on board, that might be liberated by the fire and the -water. But Paul Jones had in young Dale a man like -himself, and he felt sure that Dale was no more likely to -lose heart than himself.</p> -<p>The steady and uninterrupted broadside of the Serapis -had now silenced every gun on the Bon Homme Richard, -except two small nine-pounders on the spar deck.</p> -<p>“But there’s another gun on the quarter-deck, my -lads,” cried Paul Jones, “and she’s not so big we can’t -haul her over.”</p> -<p>At this the men rallied with a cheer, and as quick as -thought the gun was dragged across the deck, Paul Jones -himself helping.</p> -<p>“Now we will make play on her mainmast, boys,” -said he, and, pointing the gun himself, a shot whizzed out -and struck the Serapis’s mainmast, fair and square. Her -rigging had caught fire, and the masts, being painted -white, were plainly visible against the background of fire -and smoke.</p> -<p>“A good shot!” shouted the men.</p> -<p>The shot had not been large enough to shatter the -great spar, but half a dozen others following caused it to -weaken plainly.</p> -<p>And so, with three nine-pounders against the twenty -great guns and thirty small ones of the Serapis, Paul -Jones maintained the honor of the American flag, and -gave no sign of surrender.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_97">97</div> -<p>The American tops, though, were well served, and Paul -Jones saw that the decks of the Serapis were being swept -by the musketry fire of the Bon Homme Richard, which -was but little injured aloft, although her hull was almost -a wreck. He could see on the deck of the Serapis the -tall figure of Captain Pearson, and, although men were -falling at every moment around him, he seemed to possess -a charmed life. Besides small arms, the Americans in -the Bon Homme Richard’s tops had hand grenades, -which they threw on the Serapis’s decks with unerring -aim. But, although the decks were swept, the frigate’s -batteries were uninjured, her hull was sound, and she -worked beautifully in the light breeze that blew fitfully. -Meaning, therefore, to rake the Bon Homme Richard, -she worked slowly past, keeping her luff, intending to fall -broadside off and cross the Bon Homme Richard’s forefoot. -But there was not sea room enough, and the Serapis, -answering her helm perfectly, came up to the wind -again, to keep from fouling her adversary. This movement -brought the ships in line, and, the Serapis losing -headway, the Bon Homme Richard’s jib boom touched -her; so the two ships lay for a minute in this singular -position, where neither could fire a gun.</p> -<p>It was then about eight o’clock. The moon, which -was rising, passed into a cloud, and a dense mass of sulphurous -smoke enveloped both ships. Not a gun was -fired for several minutes, and a strange and awful silence -suddenly followed the frightful uproar of battle.</p> -<p>In the midst of the darkness and silence a voice -shouted from the stern of the Serapis:</p> -<p>“Have you surrendered?”</p> -<p>To this Paul Jones made that answer which will -always mark him as the bravest of the brave. With his -ship aleak and afire in a dozen places, his guns silenced, -his decks swept by uninjured batteries, his hull riddled, -and a hundred mutinous prisoners ready to spring -from below upon him, he called out in a dauntless -voice:</p> -<p>“We haven’t begun to fight yet!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_98">98</div> -<p>A tremendous cheer burst from the Americans at this, -and the Serapis perceived that she must destroy her -enemy before she could conquer him. She therefore -managed to swing clear of the Bon Homme Richard, -determined to get in a raking position, either across the -bow or the stern of the ship. Laying her foresail and -fore-topsail aback, and keeping her helm down while she -shivered her after sails, she attempted to wear short -around on her heel. Seeing the Serapis coming down -on him, the Bon Homme Richard drew ahead to lay -athwart her. But in the darkness neither captain could -see very well what he was doing, and both ships came -foul, the jib boom of the Serapis passing in over the Bon -Homme Richard’s poop and becoming entangled in the -mizzen rigging.</p> -<p>As soon as Paul Jones saw the Serapis’s spar passing -over the poop, he called to the acting sailing master:</p> -<p>“Mr. Stacy, fetch a hawser immediately, and get -grappling irons!”</p> -<p>But as the jib boom of the Serapis touched the mizzen -rigging of the Bon Homme Richard, Paul Jones himself, -without waiting for the hawser, seizing the ropes -that hung to the bowsprit, with his own hand lashed the -two ships together. In another moment Stacy came running -up with a hawser. In the midst of the uproar, the -smoke, the flame, and the confusion, Stacy bungled with -his work, and an oath burst from his lips.</p> -<p>“Don’t swear, Mr. Stacy,” said Paul Jones. “In another -moment we may all be in eternity, and this is no -time for blaspheming our Maker.”<a class="fn" id="fr_4" href="#fn_4">[4]</a></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_99">99</div> -<p>Stacy glanced at the great man, who could remember -such things at such a moment. The commodore’s face -was pale, and a thin stream of blood trickled down the -side of his head.</p> -<p>“Commodore, you are wounded!” he cried.</p> -<p>“It is nothing,” answered Paul Jones calmly.</p> -<p>The ships were now made firmly fast, but in the smoke -and darkness it was not perceived on board the Serapis. -Captain Pearson gave orders to drop an anchor under his -bow, thinking his bold adversary would drift away.</p> -<p>The tide was strong, and both wind and tide were in -the same direction, so that the ships drifted rapidly together. -Their spars, spare anchors, and every possible -object became interlocked, and soon the ships were fast -in a mortal embrace. As the Serapis swung round, with -her stern to the bows of the Bon Homme Richard, her -portlids were lowered to prevent the Americans from -boarding her through her ports. The guns were then -fired behind the closed portlids, blowing everything before -them. The British gunners would then have to lean -forward into the shattered sides of the Bon Homme Richard -to pass the rammers in the muzzles of their own guns. -The ships caught fire repeatedly from each other, and so -terrible was the smoke and flame upon the lower decks -of the Bon Homme Richard that the men were forced -above. They assembled on the foks’l, where they did -good service with muskets and hand grenades.</p> -<p>The Serapis now appeared to have the Bon Homme -Richard at her mercy. She had completely cleared everything -out on the gun deck, and the fire was rapidly gaining -on the ship in spite of Dale’s heroic efforts. On the -spar deck Paul Jones still worked the two or three nine-pounders, -but they were nothing against the tremendous -metal of the British ship.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_100">100</div> -<p>But the forcing of the American gunners to the upper -deck enabled them to make it as hot for the British -above as the British made it hot for them below. An -awful fusillade was kept up on the spar deck of the -Serapis, and so terrible was it on the quarter-deck that -the brave Pearson, although remaining himself and giving -his orders coolly, ordered all the men below. So effectually -were the lower-deck batteries of the Serapis worked -that the Bon Homme Richard was cut entirely to pieces -between decks, especially from the mainmast to the stern. -The rudder and stern frame were cut completely off, and -soon the shot began to pass clear through the ship without -finding anything to strike.</p> -<p>The moon was now bright, and the wind having caused -the smoke to drift, Paul Jones perceived the Alliance approaching -to windward. He turned to Dale, who had -come on deck. “Thank God,” he said, “the battle is -now over! Yonder is the Alliance.”</p> -<p>The Alliance came on under a fair wind, but, to the -consternation of every one on the Bon Homme Richard, -on passing close to leeward she deliberately fired a broadside -into the stern. Immediately every voice on the commodore’s -ship was raised:</p> -<p>“For God’s sake,” they shouted, “stop firing into us!”</p> -<p>The Alliance, though, as she sailed by, fired into the -side and the head of the ship as well as the stern. In -vain were three lanterns shown—the signal of reconnoissance; -the Alliance paid no attention to the signal, and -her fire dismounted one or two guns, killed and wounded -several men, and cut the ship up aloft a good deal. One -of the men on the Bon Homme Richard yelled:</p> -<p>“The crew has mutinied, and they are taking the ship -to the British!” This induced several of the faint-hearted -to leave their quarters.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_101">101</div> -<p>Not so Danny Dixon; although but a powder boy of -fourteen, he was as cool as any old hand on board. Paul -Jones himself, still bent on carrying the mainmast of the -Serapis, was directing the fire of the little nine-pounder.</p> -<p>“One more shot,” he called, “and the mast goes!”</p> -<p>The gunner asked for a wad, but none was at hand. -Danny Dixon, quietly stripping off his shirt, handed it to -the gunner, saying:</p> -<p>“This ’ere shirt off my back’ll make a good many -wads.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones saw the action and heard the words.</p> -<p>“Ah, my brave lad,” he cried, “I shall not forget this.”</p> -<p>“Thankee, sir,” answered Danny with sparkling eyes.</p> -<p>The Bon Homme Richard was getting lower and -lower in the water, and at the same time only the most -tremendous exertions kept the fire from reaching the -upper decks. Suddenly the carpenter, the master at -arms and a master gunner came rushing up from below. -They had been down in the hold where the prisoners -were, and working the pumps to keep the water down, -which poured in from shot holes below the water line. -One of the pumps had been shot away, and that had -demoralized these three men. Lieutenant Dale was on -deck, and as the carpenter rushed up, shouting to the -commodore, “She’s a-sinkin’, sir, and we can’t do no -more at the pumps!” Dale caught the man by the -throat.</p> -<p>“You abandoned coward, come below with me instantly! -The ship shall not sink!”</p> -<p>Paul Jones heard every word, and, coming up quickly -to Dale, said in his ear:</p> -<p>“Put the prisoners to the pumps. They are doubtless -so terror-stricken that they are at their wits’ end, and a -determined man like you, Dale, can manage the whole -hundred of them”—for there were not less than a hundred -in the hold.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_102">102</div> -<p>Dale was the very man to carry out this audacious -order. He instantly ran below, and, just as Paul Jones -had foreseen, the bold promptness of one determined -officer, armed and resolute, cowed them all. They went -to work at the pumps, when, if they had retained their -senses, they might have stepped on board the Serapis.</p> -<p>In a minute or two more Dale was again on deck, and, -going up to the commodore, said calmly but in a loud -voice, so that the men around could hear him:</p> -<p>“She’s not sinking, sir. I have put that coward of a -carpenter to work with an honest man to watch him, and -everything will shortly be right.”</p> -<p>This very much reassured the men, who had no idea -of the terrible destruction below.</p> -<p>Within a few minutes Danny Dixon came up to the -young lieutenant with a solemn face.</p> -<p>“Mr. Dale, please, sir,” he said, “I can’t git no more -powder. The gangway to the powder room is all chock-a-block, -and the sentinels won’t let me pass. I ain’t afeerd -o’ the fire, though its blazin’ pretty close to the magazine. -I ain’t afeerd o’ that, sir, but I can’t—”</p> -<p>Before Danny had finished speaking Dale saw a dozen -strange faces crowding up the companion way. In an -instant the truth flashed upon him—some of the prisoners -had escaped from the hold. Drawing his pistol, he -marched them immediately back, where again they went -to work at the pumps.</p> -<p>Meanwhile numbers of the men were called from their -quarters to put out the fire in the magazine. Upon going -to it, with Danny Dixon following at his heels, Dale -found that the reason the sentinels would not let any one -pass to the magazine was on account of the number of -strange faces, which they, too, knew to be the prisoners, -crowding around, and who might have easily captured -the magazine. But Dale, animated by the spirit of his -commander, with two or three resolute men like himself -kept down both the fire and the water in the hold. As a -matter of fact, the Bon Homme Richard was on fire continuously -almost from the very beginning of the engagement.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic6"> -<img src="images/p_120.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="432" /> -<p class="caption"><i>Battle of the Bonhomme Richard and the Serapis.</i> -<br />The bold headland of Flamborough is seen on the right. The force of the explosion on the <i>Serapis’s</i> deck blew the British flag against the wind.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_103">103</div> -<p>The mainmast of the Serapis was still being pounded -by the three small guns on the Bon Homme Richard’s -deck, which were worked under the eye of Paul Jones. -Sometimes he himself took a part in the handling and -pointing of the guns, and his indomitable coolness seemed -communicated to the men. The spar deck of the Serapis -was still pretty effectually cleared, but she was unbeaten -below. The gun captain, though, who had come up from -below when the great guns burst, now filled a bucket -with hand grenades and climbed into the maintop. The -main yard of the Bon Homme Richard lay directly over -the main hatch of the Serapis. He then lay out on the -main yard, until he got to the sheet block, where he -fastened his bucket. Then, with perfect deliberation and -unerring aim, he began to throw his grenades at the open -hatchway. Every one went straight, and every one exploded. -Paul Jones, who was on the poop, called out to -him:</p> -<p>“If you could get one down on the gun deck, where -there is no doubt some loose powder about—”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_104">104</div> -<p>“That’s what I’m arter, sir,” responded the sailor -coolly, and within two minutes one had rolled down the -hatchway and had dropped upon a row of cartridges. -An instant and terrific explosion followed. It seemed as -if the whole interior of the ship had been blown out. -Every gun was silenced, and an awful stillness prevailed -for a moment or two. Just then the gunner, who had -been below, ran up on the Bon Homme Richard’s deck, -and, terrified out of his life, cried, “I don’t see the commodore!” -and running, aft, he intended to strike the -colors. The ensign had been shot away, however, and -was dragging in the water; the man therefore yelled for -“Quarter! quarter!”</p> -<p>Scarcely were the words out of his mouth when he -saw a figure at his side, and felt a stunning blow from a -pistol’s butt.</p> -<p>“Do you see the commodore now?” cried Paul Jones; -“and let me not hear any man on this ship beg, like a cur, -for quarter!”</p> -<p>The cry for quarter had been heard on the Serapis, and -Captain Pearson called out in the half darkness:</p> -<p>“Do you ask for quarter?”</p> -<p>“No, by heaven!” shouted Paul Jones. “We will -give quarter, but we never ask it.”</p> -<p>About this time one of the prisoners stepped through -the side of the Bon Homme Richard into the Serapis, and -reported the desperate condition of the American ship. -Immediately the bugler on the Serapis sounded the call -for boarders, and a number of them, armed with pikes -and cutlasses, appeared at the bulwarks. But Paul Jones, -seizing a boarding pike, stood in the gangway to receive -them. It never occurred to the boarders that there was -not a large body to repel them, besides the sailors on -deck, and they retired. But it is a fact that no man -touched a pike except Paul Jones.</p> -<p>It was now about half past ten o’clock. The pallid -moon showed the whole dreadful scene. The Pallas, -which had very gallantly made the Countess of Scarborough -haul down her colors, had her hands full transferring -the prisoners from the British ship. As the Alliance, -which had been sailing around the combatants and -had fired another broadside into the Bon Homme Richard, -passed the Pallas, Captain Cottineau begged Landais -to go to the assistance of the gallant Bon Homme -Richard.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_105">105</div> -<p>Captain Landais did indeed approach the Bon Homme -Richard, but it was only to fire one last broadside, that -did as much harm to the American as to the British ship. -After that he hauled off and did no more damage.</p> -<p>Then the mainmast of the Serapis began to totter, and -it was seen that it must soon go by the board. The small -nine-pounders, worked under Paul Jones’s own eye, the -shower of skillfully thrown hand grenades, and the sharpshooters -in the Bon Homme Richard’s tops, made the -deck of the Serapis so hot that scarcely a man dared -show himself. On the quarter-deck especially was this -so; and the brave Pearson, while keeping his place coolly, -ordered the men forward, and remained the only man -upon the quarter-deck of his ship.</p> -<p>The Bon Homme Richard now managed to bring one -or two more guns to bear, although her hull was almost -destroyed by the Serapis. Both ships were in a desperate -case, but Paul Jones was no nearer surrender than he -was at the beginning of the fight. Pearson, though, realized -that he was in the last extremity, and then, and then -only, with his own hand he managed to lower the flag he -had caused to be nailed to the mast. His action was visible -by the light of the full moon, and the lanterns that -made blazing points of flame all over the two warrior -ships in spite of the drifting clouds of black smoke.</p> -<p>Paul Jones’s first order was:</p> -<p>“Cease firing!” and his next words were, “Where is -Dale?”</p> -<p>“Here, sir!” cried Dale, coming up. The young lieutenant’s -face was blackened with powder, his epaulet was -gone, and he was deathly pale with suppressed excitement.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_106">106</div> -<p>“Go immediately on board that ship with such men -as you may need, and bring off her captain and her ensign,” -said Paul Jones.</p> -<p>There was no occasion for a bridge between the two -fast-locked and burning ships. Dale ran to the gangway, -and with one bound landed on the bloody deck of the -Serapis.</p> -<p>Although the fire of the Bon Homme Richard had -ceased, those upon the lower decks of the Serapis did not -know that the colors had been struck, and they kept up -their cannonade through the riddled hull of the Bon -Homme Richard. The smoke still drifted in a sulphurous -mass, but Dale at once distinguished Captain Pearson’s -tall figure, as he stood calmly, with folded arms, on -the quarter-deck. Going up to him, Dale removed his -cap and said respectfully:</p> -<p>“Sir, I am directed to bring you on board the Bon -Homme Richard.”</p> -<p>Captain Pearson inclined his head silently and stepped -forward.</p> -<p>Scarcely were the words out of Dale’s mouth when -the first lieutenant of the Serapis came up from below. -Advancing eagerly, he said to his captain:</p> -<p>“Have the rebels struck, sir?”</p> -<p>Captain Pearson uttered no word, but looked into the -lieutenant’s eyes with an expression of agony.</p> -<p>Then Dale spoke.</p> -<p>“No,” he said. “<i>You</i> have struck, and this ship is -our prize.”</p> -<p>The lieutenant, rudely ignoring Dale, again asked the -captain:</p> -<p>“Sir, have they struck?”</p> -<p>For answer, the brave Pearson covered his face with -his hands. The lieutenant, turning on his heel, said:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_107">107</div> -<p>“I have nothing more to say.”</p> -<p>Dale then remarked quietly:</p> -<p>“You will proceed on board the Bon Homme Richard.”</p> -<p>“If you will permit me to go below, I will silence the -firing on the lower deck,” said the lieutenant.</p> -<p>“No!” replied Dale firmly.</p> -<p>By that time the Bon Homme Richard’s men had -swarmed over the side, and some of the British sailors -and officers, running up from below and not knowing that -the ship had struck, dashed upon the Americans, and several -blows were exchanged. The officers, though, on -both sides quelled the <i>mêlée</i> and the British sailors then -quietly submitted. But another row, worse than the -first, was likely to be precipitated by Danny Dixon. He -marched up to one of the Serapis’s cabin boys, who was -about twice as big as himself, and who was armed with -the cabin broom as the most available weapon he could -find at short notice. Getting close up, Danny bawled at -him:</p> -<p>“You are my prisoner!”</p> -<p>The Serapis boy looked with undisguised contempt at -Danny, and for answer said sulkily:</p> -<p>“Go along with you. I ain’t none o’ your prisoner. -I’m took by that pirate Paul Jones, I am.”</p> -<p>Before the words were well out of his mouth Danny -hauled off and hit the boy a resounding slap in the face. -The boy promptly responded by knocking Danny down -with his broom.</p> -<p>Just then Bill Green, who had been relieved for a few -moments from the wheel, appeared at Danny’s side, and, -collaring him with one hand as Danny scrambled up, -while with the other he seized the cabin boy’s neckerchief, -Bill gave them both a powerful shaking.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_108">108</div> -<p>“If you two chaps don’t behave yourselves,” he shouted, -“I’ll report you both, and I’ll give you a private wallopin’ -o’ my own besides. That’s the wust o’ boys—they never -knows how to behave theirselves. D’ye see Cap’n Paul -Jones and the British cap’n a-maulin’ and a-poundin’ each -other? And don’t you know prisoners ought to be treated -kind? That’s why the officers sets a example to the men -and to the wuthless, triflin’, good-for-nothin’ boys!”</p> -<p>“B—but, Mr. Green,” said Danny, struggling to get -his breath in Bill’s brawny grasp, “he said as the commodore -were a pirate, and that’s for why I hit him.”</p> -<p>“He did, did he?” snorted Bill, highly incensed, and -letting Danny go, while he devoted both hands to the -unlucky cabin boy. “Then I wish you’d ’a’ hit him twice -as hard; and if it warn’t for them officers over yonder,” -he yelled to the Serapis boy, “I’d give you sech a keel -haulin’ as nobody but a Dutchman never had afore. -You say Cap’n Paul Jones is a pirate, do yer?” Here -he lifted the boy completely off his feet, while a well-directed -kick emphasized his remarks. “Now, you take -that back, or by the almighty Joshua, I’ll heave you overboard!”</p> -<p>The boy, scared out of his life, sputtered:</p> -<p>“I take it back.”</p> -<p>Bill then turned to Danny, and said, excitedly:</p> -<p>“You oughter git some smart money for that ’ere lick -he give you, and I’m goin’ to see as the commodore -knows about it.”</p> -<p>“But, Mr. Green,” said Danny, slyly, “you said as we -was to imitate the cap’ns, and not be maulin’ and poundin’ -each other—”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_109">109</div> -<p>“I didn’t say no sech a thing,” answered Bill, angrily; -“I said, as if anybody was to say Cap’n Paul Jones were -a pirate you was to knock his eyes down into his shoes, -and not to leave a whole bone in his skin. That’s what I -said, boy, and you misunderstood me.”</p> -<p>Dale now accompanied the British captain politely to -the gangway, where not even a plank was necessary to -step on board the Bon Homme Richard. As the young -lieutenant glanced up and saw Paul Jones waiting to receive -his distinguished prisoners, he saw a red stream -had trickled down the side of the commodore’s head, and -one of his epaulets was soaked with blood.</p> -<p>“My captain, you are wounded!” cried Dale.</p> -<p>“It is but a trifle,” quickly replied Paul Jones. Captain -Pearson at that moment stepped upon the Bon -Homme Richard’s deck. He silently unbuckled his -sword and handed it to Paul Jones, who received it with -one hand, and immediately returned it with the other, -saying:</p> -<p>“I return it to you, sir, because you have bravely used -it.”</p> -<p>The other British officers and men were then passed -rapidly aboard the Bon Homme Richard. The Americans, -as if they had only then realized the magnitude of -their victory, suddenly stopped work at the pumps, at -fighting the fire, and at the usual preparations for taking -possession of a ship, and, as one man, they gave three -thundering cheers. Paul Jones, taking off his cap, listened -to this heroic music with ineffable thoughts crowding -upon his mind. The moon was now at the full, and -blazed upon the dark bosom of the water with solemn -grandeur. Afar off rose the white cliffs off England, -while nearer, but still far, were the black hulls and shadowy -spars of the Alliance, the gallant Pallas, and the -conquered Countess of Scarborough. The air was yet -full of the smell of burned powder and smoldering wood. -Across the still and blue-black sea they could see the -lights of Flamborough Head and Scarborough Castle -like star points in the sky.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_110">110</div> -<p>Paul Jones was roused from the strange mood of triumph, -and of sadness too, by a frightful crash which resounded -through both ships.</p> -<p>The tottering mainmast of the Serapis gave one -mighty lurch, and then fell over the side, striking with -a sound like thunder. A deep and terrible silence followed -for a moment, and even the exultant cheering of -the Americans, which had not quite ceased, was stilled. -There was something overwhelming in the sight of the -brave and lovely Serapis, that only a few hours before -had sailed proudly and defiantly in her beauty and freedom, -now beaten, dismasted, and her colors struck. But -this one short moment of solemnity was followed by -another burst of cheers, and all the fierce commotion of -a victorious ship.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_111">111</div> -<h2 id="c12"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XI.</span></h2> -<p>The first thing to be done on board the Bon Homme -Richard was to attempt to check the fire. The ceilings -had caught, and were burning slowly but determinedly. -The fire having got within a few inches of the powder -magazine, Paul Jones ordered all the powder brought up -on deck. There were more than a hundred prisoners on -the Bon Homme Richard before the fight, and the men -taken from the Serapis brought the number up to over -five hundred. Those who were not disabled were put to -work at the pumps, where they toiled with the desperate -energy of men struggling for their lives. Paul Jones -himself escorted Captain Pearson to the cabin, saying:</p> -<p>“I beg that you will make yourself as comfortable as -circumstances will admit. You will have the consolation -of knowing that no man ever made a better defense of his -ship.”</p> -<p>Captain Pearson bowed, and answered:</p> -<p>“Your conduct is most generous—” and hesitated, as -if to express surprise at such good treatment.</p> -<p>“You will find, I hope, that all American officers are -generous in victory; and should we have the misfortune -to be forced to haul down our colors, I trust that we -would show the fortitude of the brave who are unfortunate,” -said Paul Jones, with dignity—and, with a low bow, -he retired from the cabin, leaving Captain Pearson alone.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_112">112</div> -<p>As soon as the commodore returned to the deck he -ordered the lashings to be cut, as the ships continued to -catch fire from each other, and there was great danger to -the powder on both.</p> -<p>“And both ships must be saved, my lads!” cried he -to the men, who were working like Trojans to save the -Serapis from the flames.</p> -<p>“Ay, ay, sir,” answered the men heartily.</p> -<p>As soon as they were free, the Bon Homme Richard -drifted rapidly off. The Serapis was hailed and ordered -to follow.</p> -<p>On board the Serapis Dale was in command. Exhausted -by his five hours of work and fighting, he sat -down on a dismounted gun near the binnacle. The reaction -had come. A profound sadness seized him, and -he could almost have wept when he saw the destruction -around him. But nothing made him forget his duty for -a moment. As soon as the ships parted he ordered the -wreck of the mainmast to be cleared away, the headyards -braced aback, and the helm put hard down. This was -promptly done, but still the ship did not pay off. Imagining -that her steering gear was cut to pieces, he ordered it -examined, but, to his surprise, found it uninjured. Puzzled -by so strange a state of things, Dale jumped from his -seat, only to fall his length upon the deck. Bill Green -ran to him and helped him up; but Dale could not stand -upon his feet.</p> -<p>“And natural you can’t, sir, seein’ as your ankle is -wounded,” said Bill.</p> -<p>“Is it?” answered Dale, faintly. “I did not know until -this moment I was hurt.”</p> -<p>Just then the pilot boat containing Lieutenant Lunt -and sixteen men hailed the ship alongside.</p> -<p>“For Heaven’s sake, Lunt, come aboard!” cried Dale; -“your services are needed here.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_113">113</div> -<p>As Lunt came over the side the sailing master of the -Serapis appeared, and, going up to Dale, said:</p> -<p>“Sir, the ship can’t pay off, because she has an anchor -under foot.” This was the anchor dropped by Captain -Pearson when the ships first fouled. The cable was cut, -and the ship instantly answered the helm. She was -much cut up aloft, but her hull was sound, and she had -no water in her. Preparations were at once made to repair -her. A jury mast was rigged in place of the mainmast, -and new sails were bent instead of those that had -been torn to pieces by hand grenades exploded in her -rigging.</p> -<p>The night was now far spent. The moon, that had -shone so brilliantly during the fury of the battle, now -hung low in the misty night sky that glimmered with a -pale and waning light. A white fog was creeping slowly -in from the Atlantic, and a fitful wind ruffled the black and -phosphorescent water.</p> -<p>The first thing to be attended to, while the carpenters -were at work upon the crippled Serapis and the almost -wrecked Bon Homme Richard, was the care of the -wounded and the burial of the dead. As there was great -doubt whether the Bon Homme Richard could be kept -afloat until daylight, no wounded were removed from the -Serapis, where the British surgeons attended to them. -Her dead also were buried from her deck, one of the -British lieutenants reading the service of the Established -Church, in an agitated voice. On board the Bon Homme -Richard, Paul Jones, as he always did, read the Psalms -for the dead over the brave men who had fallen around -him. Everything was done quickly, but with proper -reverence, for, no matter how much encompassed by danger -Paul Jones was, he never forgot to give fitting burial -to the departed brave. Like all men of feeling heart and -deep imagination, Paul Jones, after the inspiration of -battle and the glory of victory, always felt a keen distress -at the ruin and desolation it wrought. The sight -of the gallant men cold in death, that lay in rows upon -the reeking deck of the Bon Homme Richard, covered -by the flag whose honor they had so gloriously maintained, -wrung his heart and filled his eyes with tears. -And this man, who had dared death from battle, fire, and -water rather than strike his flag, faltered and almost -wept as he read the solemn words of the Psalmist before -the dead were laid at rest in the ocean.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_114">114</div> -<p>As each body fell swiftly and silently overboard a -heavy blow seemed struck upon the heart of Paul Jones. -The officers and men crowded the deck, standing with -uncovered heads, while a little way off the Serapis -loomed up in the fast rising mist, and from her side a frequent -dull splash showed that the same solemn ceremony -was taking place upon her decks.</p> -<p>At last it was over. The men with a sudden alacrity -folded up the flags, quickly carried the grewsome planks -and canvas below, and the boatswain’s pipe sounded -cheerily calling the men to work.</p> -<p>The reaction from the burial of the dead at such a -time is always great, and the officers and men vie in their -quick rebound to cheerfulness. Paul Jones felt this instant -and magnetic change. Ten minutes from the time -that the last sad ceremonies were over he walked the -deck with his usual graceful and alert step, ordering, -overlooking, and encouraging everybody.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_115">115</div> -<p>Meanwhile a boat had pulled off from the Serapis, -and when Paul Jones, who had gone below for a moment -to see how the carpenters were getting on, came upon -deck, Dale was being helped over the side. Paul Jones -went immediately up to him. Dale leaned heavily upon -a sailor, and Paul Jones at once saw that his favorite lieutenant -was lame.</p> -<p>“My lieutenant, you are wounded!” he cried; and -Dale, at hearing the very words he had addressed to the -commodore, smiled faintly.</p> -<p>“Yes, sir,” he answered; “I did not know it until a -little while ago. I don’t know when I was hurt, or how, -but I was forced to give up the command to Mr. Lunt -and return to you. But how is your wound?”</p> -<p>“It is nothing—nothing!” cried Paul Jones, but really, -although his wound in the head was not dangerous, he -had lost much blood, and only his indomitable will kept -him upon his feet.</p> -<p>Wretched indeed was the plight of the brave Bon -Homme Richard. Immortalized she was, but she had -given her life for her victory. So desperate was her -condition between decks that many of the sailors, regarding -her as a floating coffin, sprang overboard and swam -to the still stanch Serapis, and to the Alliance, that now -appeared off the weather quarter of the gallant ship she -had so treacherously deserted.</p> -<p>It was now nearly daylight, but the fog enveloped -everything, and the eye could scarcely penetrate a hundred -yards. A wind still blew fitfully, driving the fog -hither and thither, but as fast as it was drifted landward -another great fog bank would come rolling sullenly in -from the open Atlantic. It deadened the sounds of the saw -and the hammer and the constant creaking of the pumps -as the men toiled at them. Once it almost lifted. It was -just at sunrise, and a great golden lance seemed to penetrate -it straight from heaven. Like magic, the white -mist parted, the sky, the sea, and the air were suddenly -flooded with a rose-pink glow, and the fair and lovely -light shone full upon the lithe figure of Paul Jones as he -stood on the poop with his face turned to the east. His -arms were folded, and his inscrutable dark eyes, full of a -strange rapture, were uplifted to the sky. Glory was the -breath of his life, and here was glory enough for a lifetime, -as he saw his own shattered ship, and the Serapis -conquered but still majestic.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_116">116</div> -<p>For five minutes he stood motionless. He was recalling -the same hour the day before, and now his proudest -wish was fulfilled. Alone and single-handed he had -beaten an enemy at least twice as strong as himself. He -had made the name of the American navy respected from -thenceforward, and his far-seeing mind realized the mighty -effect of his victory. After a while he roused himself -from his reverie, which was a sort of exaltation, and swept -the horizon with his glass. Not a sail was in sight where -twenty-four hours before they had whitened the seas -around him. The very name of Paul Jones had frightened -them into harbor.</p> -<p>But soon the fog descended again, and Paul Jones devoted -himself to one intense and long-continued effort to -save the smoldering, leaking, but glorious Bon Homme -Richard. It was his ardent wish to save his ship, the -eloquent witness of his prowess, and to that work he -turned with almost superhuman energy. The dim morning -wore on. The men were mostly below, fighting -the leaks and the fire, and the decks were comparatively -deserted, when Paul Jones, still on the poop, caught -sight of Danny Dixon running aft as hard as he could -clip it.</p> -<p>“Hold on!” cried Paul Jones. “There is work for -everybody on this ship. Why are you idle?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_117">117</div> -<p>“I ain’t idle, sir,” answered Danny, touching his cap. -“The flag as was most shot to pieces is hangin’ astern -now, under water; and I thought, sir, as you wouldn’t -want to lose that ’ere flag, I’d git it out o’ the water for -the honor o’ the ship, sir.”</p> -<p>“You are right; go and get it,” answered Paul Jones, -smiling.</p> -<p>Danny disappeared astern, and presently came up -dripping. But he had the torn flag, and was wringing -it out as he came along.</p> -<p>“Here she is, sir,” said he, as Paul Jones took it; “and -here’s a little rag o’ it, sir, that I hopes you’ll let me keep -in my ditty box.”</p> -<p>He showed a scrap a few inches square that he had -torn from the shattered flagstaff.</p> -<p>“Yes, you may,” replied Paul Jones. “That is in -place of the shirt you took off and gave for a gunwad. I -see you have another.”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir,” answered Danny, who had on a shirt about -twice too big for him. “Mr. Green, he flung it to me jist -now. I dunno where he got it from.”</p> -<p>As the hours passed on the terrible situation of the -Bon Homme Richard became plainer. She was literally -cut to pieces between decks, from her spar deck to the -water line, and there was not planking enough in the -whole squadron to patch her up. The wind also began -to rise, and Paul Jones, remembering that where eleven -British cruisers had been searching for him the day before, -knew that probably fifty would be after him by sundown, -and that he must make his way toward the Texel -as quickly as possible.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_118">118</div> -<p>About ten o’clock in the morning the fire was at last -out, and Paul Jones called Captain Cottineau, with all the -carpenters in the squadron, on board, to consult with -them as to the possibility of carrying his ship into port, -which he could scarcely bring himself to believe was impossible. -Captain Landais’s opinion was not asked, nor -was he suffered to come on board the Bon Homme Richard. -The carpenters examined the ship thoroughly, and -all of them agreed that she could not possibly be made -to last more than a few hours. Such also was Captain -Cottineau’s opinion. When it was communicated to Paul -Jones, this man, so insensible to fear, yet felt the loss of -his ship so deeply that tears dropped from his eyes; but -he realized that the ship was now in a hopeless condition, -and that while he might risk his own life further, he could -not risk those of the brave men under him. When once -his mind was made up to the cruel necessity he acted -with characteristic promptness. Immediately all the -boats were pressed into service transferring the wounded -to the captured Serapis. There was but little worth saving -on the Bon Homme Richard, and the Serapis was full -of stores of all sorts. It took the whole day and the following -night to place the wounded and the prisoners on -the Serapis and to repair damages. Even to the last, Paul -Jones could not utterly abandon the hope of saving the -old ship, made forever glorious in that short September -night. He left an officer on board and a gang of men, -who were directed to work the pumps as long as possible. -The boats were in waiting in order to take them off if the -water gained on them too fast. An American ensign was -hoisted, and the officer was directed to leave it flying. -About nine o’clock Paul Jones, from the quarter-deck of -the Serapis, saw the signal made for the boats—the Bon -Homme Richard was sinking. The men were taken off, -and Paul Jones watched her last moments as one watches -by the deathbed of one’s best beloved. She sank lower -and lower in the water after she was left, while her ensign -fluttered bravely in the wandering breeze. At last, about -ten o’clock, as Paul Jones watched her agonizingly through -his glass, he saw her give a lurch forward. She went -down head foremost, and the last thing seen of her as she -settled into her ocean grave was the mizzen to’gallant -mast, and the flag at the peak.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_119">119</div> -<p>“Good-by, brave ship!” cried Paul Jones with a deep -sob, as the waters closed over the ship of immortal -memory.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_120">120</div> -<h2 id="c13"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XII.</span></h2> -<p>The wind continued to freshen as the squadron, -with its two prizes, made for the open sea. Bad weather -followed, and for ten days the Serapis, with her make-shift -masts, and the other ships, were tossed about the -angry North Sea. At last, though, the wind proved kind, -and on the morning of the 3d of October anchor was cast -off the island of Texel.</p> -<p>The sight of a splendid British frigate with an American -ensign flying proudly over the Union Jack, and a -twenty-gun sloop of war in the same plight, was an inspiring -sight to the few Americans and friends of the -cause of independence at the Texel. News of the victory -had preceded the arrival of the ships, and it was a matter -of the keenest interest how Holland, a neutral power, -would receive these victorious enemies of England, which -literally ruled the seas. The fact is, the brave and prudent -Hollanders felt deeply sympathetic with the young -republic of the West in her fight against Holland’s ancient -maritime enemy; but the court and the court party were -absolutely under British influence, and it was not long in -manifesting its animosity to the flag that Paul Jones carried.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_121">121</div> -<p>Scarcely were the ships at anchor before news came -that a British line of battle ship was waiting outside of -the Texel. According to the rules of war, the American -ship should have remained long enough to have -what was necessary done for her in the cause of humanity. -The British ambassador, Sir Joseph Yorke, was highly -incensed at the American ship being accorded succor, -and openly and bitterly spoke of Paul Jones as “that -pirate.” But the “pirate,” when he went up to Amsterdam -a few days after his arrival, received such an ovation -from the enthusiastic Americans and the brave Dutchmen -as any man on earth might have been proud of. -Huzzas and waving handkerchiefs saluted him from the -French and Americans in Amsterdam, while the Dutchmen -bowed low to him. When he appeared upon the -Exchange, wearing proudly his American uniform and -his Scotch bonnet, edged with gold, the crowds pressed -around him so that he was forced to retire into a room -fronting the public square. The plaudits of the crowd -becoming uproarious, he was obliged to show himself -at the window and bow, after which he hastily retreated.</p> -<p>This reception very much affronted Sir Joseph Yorke, -who, on the 9th of October, wrote to the Dutch Government -demanding that the American ships “be stopped,” -and declaring Paul Jones to be “a rebel and a pirate.” -Other measures than writing letters were used to “stop” -him. The battle ship watching off the Texel had been -joined by eleven other ships of the line and frigates. -Eight were stationed at the north entrance to the harbor, -where they expected Paul Jones would come out, and -four at the south entrance. Here, on every fine day, -they might be seen cruising back and forth. Small -squadrons were also on the lookout for him on the east -coasts of England and Scotland, the coast of Norway, the -Irish Channel, the west coast of Ireland, and in the Straits -of Dover. In all, there were forty-two British ships after -Paul Jones, and two of them were lost while on the watch -for him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_122">122</div> -<p>Within the Texel he had powerful enemies in the -British ambassador and the royal court. In spite of -both, though, by courage and firmness he forced the -Dutch authorities to grant him the asylum that the -laws of civilized warfare give to ships in distress. He -demanded, and was given, leave to establish a hospital -under the American flag on shore for his wounded, to -dispose as he pleased of his five hundred prisoners, and -to have the drawbridges at the fort hauled up whenever -he desired. Thus menaced as Paul Jones was with dangers -outside, he had still many to encounter within the -port. He had great trouble in getting the Serapis refitted, -and then he was told plainly by the French ambassador -that he must accept a French commission and fly the -French flag if he desired to hold on to the ship which was -the noble spoil of his victory; otherwise he must transfer -his flag to the Alliance, a ship in every way inferior to -the Serapis. Landais, it may be said in passing, had -been detached from the ship and ordered to Paris to answer -for his conduct. It was bitter enough to the British -ambassador to see the American colors flying on an -American ship—the Alliance—but it was intolerable to -see it over a beautiful British frigate like the Serapis; and -he had influence enough with the Dutch Government to -have this intimation given the French ambassador, who -was obliged to notify Paul Jones.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_123">123</div> -<p>The Bon Homme Richard had found an ocean grave, -and grievous as this blow was to Paul Jones, more grievous -still was it to give up the lovely Serapis, which, as he -wrote Benjamin Franklin, was the finest ship of her class -he had ever seen. But he did not hesitate a moment. -Never during the battle for independence would he serve -under any except the American flag, or bear any but an -American commission. So, with a sore heart but an unflinching -determination, he gave the Serapis up to his -French allies, and with Dale and his old company of the -Bon Homme Richard he transferred his flag to the Alliance. -But day by day his enemies grew stronger, and -the Dutch yielded more and more to the angry domination -of the British. Every obstacle was put in his way -to prevent the refitting of his ship, while at the same -time he was told that, if he did not go to sea with the -first fair wind, the Dutch fleet of thirteen double-decked -frigates would force him out. And that would be to -force him into the very jaws of destruction, so they -thought, with twelve British ships cruising in full sight.</p> -<p>But, menaced from within and without, the indomitable -spirit of Paul Jones only maintained itself the more -undauntedly. As every morning dawned the American -colors were hoisted at the mizzen peak of the Alliance, -and flew steadily until the sunset gun was fired—and that -in the face of twenty-three Dutch and British ships, any -one of which was more than a match for the Alliance.</p> -<p>However the officials might treat him, the sympathy -of the people was with Paul Jones and his gallant companions. -The Dutch naval officers paid him marked respect -and attention, although they were ready, at the -word of command, to fire into him. He had other consolations -too. His letters from Franklin were frequent -and affectionate. One of them Paul Jones handed Dale -to read. It said: “For some days after the arrival of -your express nothing was talked of except your cool -conduct and persevering bravery during the terrible combat.” -And Franklin had sternly denounced Landais, who -was now held in universal contempt.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_124">124</div> -<p>The American cause was extremely popular among -the masses in Holland, and the sailors were always well -treated on shore. Whenever Bill Green could get leave, -he usually spent it at a clean and orderly Dutch tavern, -where, surrounded by stolid Dutchmen gravely smoking -their long pipes, Bill would hold forth upon the glories -of the fight with the Serapis. About this time he picked -up a new song, which he brought on board the Alliance, -written out in a fair and clerkly hand, with innumerable -flourishes.</p> -<p>“I s’pose,” remarked the boatswain, skeptically, “you’ll -want us to believe as you wrote that out with your own -flipper?”</p> -<p>“Why, yes, I did,” answered Bill, somewhat sheepishly.</p> -<p>“Well, then,” continued the boatswain, “it’s a shame -for you to be nothin’ but a quartermaster. The purser -hisself, he don’t write no such handwritin’ as that. But -pipe up the song, though.”</p> -<p>Bill, to avoid awkward discussions, piped up with unusual -promptness, and sang as follows:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Heave the topmast from the board,</p> -<p class="t">And our ship for action clear.</p> -<p class="t0">By the cannon and the sword</p> -<p class="t">We will die or conquer here.</p> -<p class="t0">The foe, of twice our force, nears fast:</p> -<p class="t">To your posts, my faithful tars!</p> -<p class="t">Mind your rigging, guns, and spars,</p> -<p class="t">And defend your Stripes and Stars</p> -<p class="t4">To the last.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“At the captain’s bold command</p> -<p class="t">Flew each sailor to his gun,</p> -<p class="t0">And resolved he there would stand,</p> -<p class="t">Though the odds were two to one,</p> -<p class="t0">To defend his flag and ship with his life.</p> -<p class="t">High on every mast displayed,</p> -<p class="t">‘God, Our Country, and Our Rights.’</p> -<p class="t">E’en the bravest braver made,</p> -<p class="t4">For the strife.</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_125">125</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Fierce the storm of battle pours;</p> -<p class="t">But unmoved as ocean’s rock</p> -<p class="t0">When the tempest round it roars,</p> -<p class="t">Every seaman breasts the shock,</p> -<p class="t0">Boldly stepping where his brave messmates fall.</p> -<p class="t">O’er his head, full oft and loud,</p> -<p class="t">Like the vulture in a cloud,</p> -<p class="t">As it cuts the twanging shroud,</p> -<p class="t4">Screams the ball.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Before the siroc blast</p> -<p class="t">From its caverns driven,</p> -<p class="t0">Drops the sheared and shivered mast,</p> -<p class="t">By the bolt of battle riven,</p> -<p class="t0">And higher heaps the ruin of the deck.</p> -<p class="t">As the sailor, bleeding, dies,</p> -<p class="t">To his comrades lifts his eyes,</p> -<p class="t">‘Let our flag still wave!’ he cries,</p> -<p class="t4">O’er the wreck.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“Long live the gallant crew,</p> -<p class="t">Who survived that day of blood!</p> -<p class="t0">And may fortune soon renew</p> -<p class="t">Equal battle on the flood!</p> -<p class="t0">Long live the glorious names of the brave!</p> -<p class="t">O’er these martyrs of the deep</p> -<p class="t">Oft the roving wind shall weep,</p> -<p class="t">Crying ‘Sweetly may they sleep</p> -<p class="t4">’Neath the wave!’”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_126">126</div> -<p>The attentions shown Paul Jones personally by the -Dutch naval officers were very displeasing to the British -ambassador, and by intrigue he succeeded in having Captain -Rimersima, who had been very polite to the Americans, -superseded in favor of Vice-Admiral Reynst, as -commander of the Dutch fleet. This vice-admiral belonged -to the court party, and was notoriously unfriendly -to Paul Jones. On the 12th of November he sent Paul -Jones a peremptory order to sail with the first fair wind. -In spite of every effort, the American ship was not yet in -condition to keep the sea. But, for this very reason, the -vice-admiral constantly urged Paul Jones to depart, and -even threatened him in case he did not. At last, on the -28th of November, a positive threat was made. The -vice-admiral wrote that, unless Paul Jones went out, the -Dutch fleet would drive him out. The wind at the time -was contrary. Paul Jones received this message from a -junior Dutch officer on the quarter-deck of the Alliance, -and replied, in a loud, firm voice that not only all the -men on the Alliance could hear, but all the sailors in the -Dutch man-of-war’s boat:</p> -<p>“The vice-admiral demands impossibilities,” he said. -“Can any ship get out of the road in such a wind as this?”</p> -<p>Then he called up an old Dutch pilot that he had kept -on board for a week past—Peter Maartens.</p> -<p>“Maartens,” said he, “will you undertake to carry this -ship out?”</p> -<p>The pilot, a stolid old Dutchman with a great beard, -looked at Paul Jones very solemnly for a long time.</p> -<p>“Not if I keep sober,” he answered gravely; at which -even the vice-admiral’s junior officer was forced to smile.</p> -<p>“Then I will have that statement written out, and -you shall sign it,” promptly replied Paul Jones.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_127">127</div> -<p>The paper was written and read to the pilot, who -signed it in the presence of the Dutch lieutenant. For -ten days they were left unmolested. Sir Joseph Yorke -thought, however, that he had succeeded at last in ruining -Paul Jones, for, forced to put out as soon as the wind -permitted, there was a British squadron waiting for him -at either entrance to the harbor. It seemed as if Paul -Jones was at last destined to be caught. But Fortune -favors the brave—and she had never yet deserted this -daring sailor. Everything had been done with the insufficient -means at hand to get the Alliance into good condition. -Much of her sailing qualities had been destroyed -by the crazy Landais’s method of ballasting. This was -remedied, and the ship was in fairly good order. As -Paul Jones wrote to Franklin: “The enemy still keeps a -squadron cruising off here, but this will not prevent my -attempts to depart whenever the wind will permit. I -hope we have recovered the trim of the ship, which was -entirely lost the last cruise; and I do not much fear the -enemy in the long and dark nights of this season. The -ship is well manned, and shall not be given away!”</p> -<p>How does the gallant spirit of Paul Jones ring in those -last words!</p> -<p>About the middle of December the Dutch vice-admiral -one day sent word to Paul Jones, desiring him to -come on board the Dutch flagship. To this Paul Jones -sent a polite but determined refusal. As the Dutch boat -pulled off, he said, laughing, to Dale:</p> -<p>“Does that puppet of kings think that an American -commodore will obey like a dog the orders of a Dutch -admiral?”</p> -<p>Failing to get him on board, Vice-Admiral Reynst -wrote him a peremptory note, asking if the Alliance was -to be considered a French or an American vessel. If -French, the captain’s commission was to be shown to the -Dutch vice-admiral, the French flag and pendant displayed, -and a gun fired to announce it. If American, the -ship was to leave at the earliest possible moment.</p> -<p>To this Paul Jones replied in these characteristic lines:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“<span class="sc">Sir</span>: I have no authority to hoist any colors on this -ship except the American, and whenever the pilot will -take it upon himself to conduct the ship to sea he shall -have my best assistance.</p> -<p><span class="jr"><span class="sc">Paul Jones</span>,</span> -<span class="jr">“<i>Commanding the American Continental ship Alliance</i>.”</span></p> -</blockquote> -<div class="pb" id="Page_128">128</div> -<h2 id="c14"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XIII.</span></h2> -<p>The officers and men were as anxious to get away -from the inhospitable Texel as was Paul Jones, and the -sight, day after day, of the low-lying, monotonous landscape, -the frozen dikes, and the pale, wintry sky was dreary -enough to them. Dale kept the wardroom in a good -humor, though, and Bill Green spent much of his enforced -leisure, as usual, in learning songs which he claimed to -have composed.</p> -<p>At last, as Christmas approached, it was known on -board that they were ready to sail, and that a day or two -at most would find them at sea. The officers and men -were all on board, and no more shore leave was granted.</p> -<p>The wind was already veering round to the east, and -although they would have to wait for the wind, there -would be no waiting for weather, for the fouler the -weather the fairer the chance of running the gauntlet of -the British fleet, which would then be dispersed, each -ship looking out for herself. Therefore the Americans -prayed for bad weather as ardently as sailors usually -pray for good.</p> -<p>On Christmas night there was great jollification aboard. -Paul Jones dined in the wardroom by invitation of the -officers, and afterward announced to them:</p> -<p>“Gentlemen, in forty-eight hours we shall be at sea, -with our best American ensign flying, and then we can -take care of ourselves.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_129">129</div> -<p>A burst of cheering followed this. The only person -present besides the officers of the ship was the celebrated -Captain Cunningham, who had suffered horrors in an -English prison. Paul Jones had at last succeeded in having -Cunningham exchanged, and was taking him to -France as a passenger.</p> -<p>The jollity aft was quite equaled by the fun forward, -and from the foks’l sounds of cheering, laughing, shouting, -and the noisy clatter of feet, as the sailors danced -reels and hornpipes, was plainly audible. Danny Dixon, -who waited behind Paul Jones’s chair, when asked what -the noise meant, whispered artfully:</p> -<p>“Please, sir, Mr. Green he’s got a new song, all about -‘a Yankee ship and a Yankee crew, tally hi ho, you know.’ -It’s a beautiful song.”</p> -<p>“Is it?” cried Paul Jones, whose spirits rose high at the -prospect of once more taking his ship to sea. “Gentlemen, -shall we send for Green to give us a new patriotic -song he has?”</p> -<p>“Yes, yes,” they all exclaimed, “a song, by all -means!”</p> -<p>Danny therefore was sent after Bill, who was found -trolling forth in his rich baritone to the admiring foks’l -people, and occasionally getting up and shaking a leg to -give emphasis to his music.</p> -<p>“Mr. Green,” said Danny, going up to him, “you -must report to the cap’n immediate for a song. He -knows as how you’ve got a good ’un, and the cap’n and -the officers wants to hear it—that there one about a -Yankee ship and a Yankee crew.”</p> -<p>“Sho!” said Bill with an affectation of great reluctance, -“I knows as you wuthless, tale-bearin’ lubberly boy -went and told the cap’n I had a new song, and I’ve a -great mind to give you the cat for it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_130">130</div> -<p>“Lord, Mr. Green, I ain’t done no harm,” said Danny -apologetically, who understood the case perfectly, and -knew there was no danger of the cat. “The cap’n knows -you sing grand, and ’twarn’t my fault he axed for you.”</p> -<p>“Well, mates,” said Bill, rising with a delighted grin, -“it’s mighty hard on me havin’ to leave you. I’d ruther -not sing if I could help it, but orders is orders, you know. -Howsomedever, young’un,” he remarked to Danny, “the -very next time you gits me in a singin’ scrape like this, I’m -a-goin’ to skin you, mind that!”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir,” answered Danny very meekly.</p> -<p>The officers were all sitting around the table with -pipes, and full of talk, laughter, and jollity, when Bill -Green’s handsome figure and face appeared in the wardroom -door. Bill, as usual, pretended to be quite overcome -with bashfulness, and twiddled his cap modestly.</p> -<p>“Give him a glass of punch to wet his whistle,” cried -Paul Jones, and Danny Dixon officiously filled a glass -from the punch bowl and handed it to him.</p> -<p>After gulping down the punch, Bill cleared his throat -and remarked that he “had thunk out a little song and -had wrote it out”—Bill forgot that the wardroom officers -knew he could not write a line—“and as the men -got arter him to sing it, he had tried it oncet or twicet, -and he’d do his best to pipe it up reg’lar.”</p> -<p>He then began, his rich voice echoing musically -through the low-pitched wardroom. The officers soon -caught the refrain, and whenever it came they accompanied -it with much clinking of glasses, and trolled out -a chorus, Dale leading. This was the song:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_131">131</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew,</p> -<p class="t3">Tally hi ho, you know,</p> -<p class="t0">O’er the bright blue waves like a sea bird flew;</p> -<p class="t3">Sing hey aloft and alow.</p> -<p class="t0">Her wings are spread to the fairy breeze,</p> -<p class="t">The sparkling spray is thrown from her prow,</p> -<p class="t0">Her flag is the proudest that floats on the seas,</p> -<p class="t">Her homeward way she’s steering now.</p> -<p class="t0">A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew,</p> -<p class="t3">Tally hi ho, you know,</p> -<p class="t0">O’er the bright waves like a sea bird flew;</p> -<p class="t3">Sing hey aloft and alow.</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew,</p> -<p class="t3">Tally hi ho, you know,</p> -<p class="t0">With hearts on board both gallant and true,</p> -<p class="t3">The same aloft and alow.</p> -<p class="t0">The blackened sky and the whistling wind</p> -<p class="t">Foretell the quick approach of the gale;</p> -<p class="t0">A home and its joys flit o’er each mind—</p> -<p class="t">Husbands! lovers! ‘On deck there!’ a sail,</p> -<p class="t0">A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew,</p> -<p class="t3">Tally hi ho, you know;</p> -<p class="t0">Distress is the word—God speed them through!</p> -<p class="t3">Bear a hand, aloft and alow!</p> -</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew,</p> -<p class="t3">Tally hi ho, you know;</p> -<p class="t0">The boats all clear, the wreck we now view,</p> -<p class="t3">‘All hands’ aloft and alow.</p> -<p class="t0">A ship is his throne, the sea his world,</p> -<p class="t">He ne’er sheers from a shipmate distressed.</p> -<p class="t0">All’s well—the reefed sails again are unfurled;</p> -<p class="t">O’er the swell he is cradled to rest.</p> -<p class="t0">A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew,</p> -<p class="t3">Tally hi ho, you know,</p> -<p class="t0">Storm past, drink to ‘wives and sweethearts’ too,</p> -<p class="t3">All hands, aloft and alow!</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_132">132</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“A Yankee ship and a Yankee crew,</p> -<p class="t3">Tally hi ho, you know,</p> -<p class="t0">Freedom defends, and the land where it grew—</p> -<p class="t3">We’re free, aloft and alow!</p> -<p class="t0">Bearing down is a foe in regal pride,</p> -<p class="t">Defiance floating at each masthead;</p> -<p class="t0">One’s a wreck, and she bears that floats alongside</p> -<p class="t">The Stars and Stripes, to victory wed.</p> -<p class="t0">For a Yankee ship and a Yankee crew,</p> -<p class="t3">Tally hi ho, you know,</p> -<p class="t0">Ne’er strikes to a foe while the sky is blue</p> -<p class="t3">Or a tar’s aloft or alow.”</p> -</div> -<p>Roars of laughter and applause greeted this, and Bill -was compelled to respond to an encore. The evening -and a part of the night passed in gayety and merriment, -and the sober Dutchmen were much astonished at the -hilarity on the American ship. Paul Jones had had the -ship dressed for Christmas, and the British at the Texel -were obliged to endure the sight of an American flag -flying from every masthead on the Alliance. At last, -two days after Christmas, Peter Maartens, the pilot, was -sent for. The weather was thick, and a tremendous gale -seemed to be rising. When Paul Jones proposed to take -the ship out, Peter shook his head very solemnly.</p> -<p>“Any pilot who takes a ship out in this weather is -likely to lose his license, and I can’t risk it,” he said.</p> -<p>Peter had rather a weakness for the bottle, although -it was said that he was as good a pilot when he was half -seas over as when he was quite sober. It was Christmas -time, and Peter was liable to yield to temptation. Paul -Jones was therefore not surprised when, as night was -falling, a few hours after, Peter Maartens’s boat hailed the -ship, and he announced that he was ready to carry her -out. Immediately the anchor was lifted, and within an -hour the Alliance stood down the river in the teeth of a -northeast gale.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_133">133</div> -<p>It was a murky December night when, with a strong -wind, the ship started on her way toward the open sea. -A perfectly new American ensign had been run up for -the occasion, and Sir Joseph Yorke had the mortification -of knowing that the ship went boldly out to run the -gauntlet of her enemies, without any disguise whatever. -Dale, as first lieutenant, was on deck. Bill Green was at -the wheel. Peter Maartens’s orders, although very judicious, -were not very distinct, as he had been indulging in -the flowing bowl, and the first thing the Alliance knew -she was afoul of a Dutch merchantman. The Alliance -dropped her best bower anchor, in the effort to get clear, -and in the wind, the darkness, and confusion, the cable -parted or was cut by the Dutchman. Peter Maartens -then declared that nobody but the devil himself would -put to sea in such a gale, and flatly refused to carry the -ship out that night. However, he brought her to anchor -so close inshore that in the morning they were forced to -cut the cable themselves in order to get out, thus leaving -both their bower anchor and sheet anchor in the roads of -Texel; but they were out of the Dutch port, or purgatory, -as Paul Jones himself expressed it, and under close-reefed -topsails they were heading for the ocean in the -midst of a roaring gale. But the American ensign flew -as long as they were in sight of land, and until they were -three marine leagues out. The Alliance hugged the shoals -so close, in order to keep to windward of the blockading -British squadrons, that several times they had hard work -in clawing off. At last, however, they were clear.</p> -<p>Paul Jones, wrapped in a cloak and with a sou’wester -pulled down over his eyes, called to him Lieutenant Dale, -who had the deck.</p> -<p>“Dale,” he said, carelessly, “what passage, think you, -shall we take to France?”</p> -<p>“The northward, I presume, sir,” replied Dale, astonished -at the question from his commander.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_134">134</div> -<p>“And do the officers and crew expect we shall go -north, and away from the British Isles?”</p> -<p>“Certainly, sir,” replied Dale, still more surprised.</p> -<p>“Then,” said Paul Jones, laying his hand on Dale’s -shoulder, “you may depend upon it, if all my officers and -men expect me to avoid the English Channel, every British -captain that is hunting for me likewise will look for -me to the northward. But I will sail through their channel, -under the very noses of their fleet at Spithead.”</p> -<p>“Sir,” said Dale, who was a very matter-of-fact young -man, “surely nobody will think of hunting for you in the -lion’s mouth.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones at this laughed one of his rare laughs.</p> -<p>“You will go with me willingly into the lion’s mouth?” -he said; to which Dale replied coolly:</p> -<p>“Of course, sir.”</p> -<p>In spite of the bad weather the ship made a good run, -and the next day, it being perfectly clear, they passed -boldly through the Straits of Dover, and were in full -sight of the whole magnificent British fleet in the Downs. -They then made the Isle of Wight, which they passed, -and for more than an hour they were within a very short -distance of the fleet assembled at Spithead. The forest -of masts, the huge dark hulls of the ships, the fluttering -ensigns, made a lovely picture in the bright air of December. -What would not one of those brave British captains -have given to know that Paul Jones, the invincible, was -sailing under their very lee!</p> -<p>Paul Jones resorted to his usual ruse. The ports of -the Alliance were closed, her guns covered with spare -sails and tarpaulins, she flew the British ensign, her crew -were kept below, and she presented the appearance -of a smart British merchant ship, or possibly a letter of -marque.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_135">135</div> -<p>Two days was Paul Jones in the British Channel, -much of the time in sight of the chalk cliffs of England, -and scarcely an hour of the night or day that he was not -in view of the British cruisers, which, as Dale justly said, -did not think it worth while to look for him in the lion’s -mouth. He kept well to windward, though, for this man, -so daring in his undertakings, yet carried the details out -with the most consummate prudence.</p> -<p>After getting clear of the channel, and in easy reach -of the French harbors, he cruised about off Cape Finistère -for some days. A furious January gale coming up -in the Bay of Biscay, and having but one anchor left, -Paul Jones put into the port of Corunna, in Spain. The -fame of his exploits had preceded him, and he and his -officers received the utmost attention, especially from -some Spanish naval officers there. Paul Jones greatly -admired the Spanish ships, which were sheathed with -copper, and expensively fitted; but, like Nelson, he had -no great faith in the ability of the Spaniards to take care -of their fine ships.</p> -<p>On this cruise the Alliance seems to have been indeed -a stormy petrel, and encountered much bad weather, so -that it was the 10th of February before anchor was cast -in the roads of Groix, before L’Orient.</p> -<p>Shouting multitudes received him. Letters of enthusiastic -praise from Franklin and Lafayette and many distinguished -Americans and Frenchmen awaited him, and -he was hailed as the hope of the infant navy of his -country.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_136">136</div> -<h2 id="c15"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XIV.</span></h2> -<p>The wound in the head which Paul Jones had received, -and which he had made light of, turned out to be -more serious than he would at first acknowledge. He -had had one or two other hurts, of which he had said -nothing, and his labors and the mental strain to which -he had been subjected seriously affected his health and -particularly his eyes. The multitudes that lined the -quays and streets of L’Orient to greet him when he -came ashore for the first time, were touched to see that -the great sea warrior’s eyes were bound with a white -handkerchief, and he leaned upon the arm of his faithful -Dale. Danny Dixon trotted close behind, and during the -days of Paul Jones’s illness and partial blindness the boy -became eyes and hands to him. Paul Jones took a lodging -on shore, leaving the ship in Dale’s command, as she -lay in the roads. Every day he walked out for exercise, -Danny following sedately behind him and gazing at him -with a peculiar expression of reverence that often made -Paul Jones smile. But the intensity of the boy’s affection -was sweet to him. He spent the early spring months at -L’Orient very quietly, trying to regain his health. He -had the society of his faithful young lieutenant, and whenever -he appeared in public he was greeted with the utmost -enthusiasm. Repeated messages were sent him -from the French court to visit Paris; but not until he -felt it necessary, in order to secure his gallant crew their -prize money, did he determine to go. Dale was to be left -in command of the Alliance; Danny Dixon was to go to -wait on the captain, and was overwhelmed with delight -at the idea of seeing the world under such distinguished -auspices.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_137">137</div> -<p>When Paul Jones went on board the Alliance to say -farewell before leaving for Paris, he received the applause -dearest to him—that of his officers and crew. The men -were piped aft, and, standing surrounded by his officers, -he made them a short speech. He was still pale, and the -wound in his head was not fully healed.</p> -<p>“I go to Paris, my men,” said Paul Jones, “chiefly -to secure the prize money that you have so gloriously -earned. I shall not rest until I have got it for you. I -leave in command my trusty Mr. Dale. Behave to him -as you would to me. You have seen his gallantry in -action, and you will now see his justice and probity in -calmer times. I thank you all”—here Paul Jones’s voice -broke, and it was a moment or two before he could proceed. -“I thank you all, officers and men, for the courage -that enabled us to capture the Serapis. The victory was -as much yours as mine, and you have the word of Paul -Jones that your just reward shall be secured. I shall -return shortly, and, till then, farewell!”</p> -<p>The sailors gave Paul Jones not only three cheers, but -three times three, and the officers joined in the cheering -with a will. Dale had been appointed to reply for the -officers, and he stood with moist and glowing eyes as he -spoke:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_138">138</div> -<p>“All that we have acquired of glory is through you. -Can we ever forget that you commanded our ship in the -unequal battle, fought the guns in person, lashed the ships -together with your own hand, took up a pike like the -humblest man on board to repel the enemy when they -would have boarded us, and succeeded against water, -fire, treachery, and valor? As long as ships traverse the -ocean will your name be known; and as long as life lasts -will we esteem it the highest honor that we can claim, to -say, ‘We fought with Paul Jones on the Bon Homme -Richard!’”</p> -<p>Another round of cheers followed this, when Bill -Green was put forth as the spokesman for the men.</p> -<p>“’Tis said, sir,” began Bill, hitching up his trousers -before starting in on his oratorical effort, “that there’s -two things no sailor-man can do—one is, to make a speech, -and t’other is, to ride a horse. ’Tain’t reasonable as a -sailor could ride a horse, sir, ’cause horses is ornnateral -beasts, that is always yawin’ about from side to side, no -matter how straight you lay your course, nor what quarter -the wind is from. But we don’t need to make no speech -about our commodore. That ’ere British ensign we has -got speaks loud enough; them two British ships you took -agin the awfullest odds we ever see—<i>they</i> speaks; that -gallant ship o’ ourn, the Bunnum Richard, that went to -the bottom—<i>that</i> ship speaks; that ’ere cut acrost your -forehead, sir—<i>that</i> speaks; and, as for we in the foks’l, -give us the name o’ Paul Jones for our cap’n and we kin -wallop anything afloat. The cap’n on the S’rapis, he -nailed his flag to the mast and then he had to haul it -down. But we don’t need for to nail our flag to the mast, -sir, because we all knows that the man who touches that -’ere flag is a dead man, if Commodore Paul Jones is commandin’. -And so we says, commodore, health and long -life to you! and, as Mr. Dale has said, the proudest thing -we kin ever say is, ‘We fought under Paul Jones on the -Bunnum Richard, sir!’”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_139">139</div> -<p>Another tremendous round of cheers followed this. -Paul Jones, with his eyes full of tears, shook hands silently -with each of his officers, and then, with a profound bow to -the men assembled, he stepped to the side. In an instant, -as if by magic, every sailor sprang aloft, and in less time -than it takes to tell it the yards were manned. Two fine -French frigates that lay close by the Alliance also manned -their yards, and thundered out a salute of thirteen guns -to the commodore’s broad pennant, which was about to -be hauled down. The Alliance responded with thirteen -guns; and so, amid the applause and cheers of his men, -the thunders of artillery, and all the honors that could be -heaped upon him, Paul Jones left his ship.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_140">140</div> -<h2 id="c16"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XV.</span></h2> -<p>Within an hour he was on the road to Paris, traveling -by the <i>diligence</i>.</p> -<p>It was his intention to get to Paris as quietly as possible, -and for that reason he wore plain citizen’s clothes, -and wrapped himself in a large cloak; but Danny Dixon, -swelling with the importance of the charge of his commander’s -portmanteau, had no notion of letting the great -man pass unknown through the world. Danny sat in the -rumble along with a very smart and dapper little valet, -who was accompanying his master, a French officer, to -Paris. As Danny was not by any means as elegant as the -Frenchman, he was subject to much contempt, all of -which he bore with stoical good humor.</p> -<p>The May morning was fresh and beautiful, and as they -dashed along the broad and level road they saw green -fields on each side of them, and comfortable homesteads in -sight, while occasionally a noble chateau reared its towers -in proud seclusion, half hidden by great trees. The trees -were just budding, and when the <i>diligence</i> rolled occasionally -over the moss-grown stone bridges the streams beneath -ran over their pebbly beds with the laughing fullness -of the spring. The air was deliciously soft and fresh, -and as Paul Jones sat on the box seat, inhaling the beauty -and glory around him, he felt a subtile joy and satisfaction -in life. Presently he looked back to see how Danny -was getting on. Danny, with the commodore’s portmanteau -tightly clasped between his knees, was looking a -picture of satisfaction.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_141">141</div> -<p>“How do you like this?” asked Paul Jones, amused -at the boy’s rapt look of enjoyment.</p> -<p>“Fust-rate, sir,” answered Danny, touching his cap. -“This ’ere’s mightily like being on the topsail yard, sir, -and I think she rolls and pitches a good deal. But maybe -that’s because she ain’t ballasted right—all the dunnage -is aft, sir—”</p> -<p>Here Paul Jones frowned at Danny, which immediately -checked his eloquence.</p> -<p>“<i>Sacre bleu!</i>” said the dandy valet, who was dressed -quite as well as his master, and who spoke what he thought -was English; “you talk ze rubbish. Your master, he is -vidout doubt, a man of seafaring, who goes to home with -a hundred louis d’or in his plocket—poket—pocket—for -a jollitime.”</p> -<p>“He is, is he?” answered Danny wrathfully. “I’ll -have you to understand, sir, that I serves Commodore -Paul Jones, o’ the Bunnum Richard, what took the S’rapis, -and the Britishers has sent out forty-two ships o’ the line -and frigates for to ketch him, and they’d ruther have him -nor the whole durned French navy, with all your wuthless -admirals throwed in.”</p> -<p>“You are von saucy boy,” responded the Frenchman -angrily; “and as for your Paul Jones, vy, I nevair heard -of ze gentilhomme before!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_142">142</div> -<p>“Well,” replied Danny, very coolly, “I’ll give you -something for to remember the fust time you ever heerd -of him!” and, without a moment’s warning, he suddenly -caught the little Frenchman by the ankle and by the -collar, and, jerking him off the seat, held him suspended -over the back of the rumble, about five feet from the -ground, while the horses galloped along, the postilions -cracked their whips, and the white road sped beneath -them.</p> -<p>As soon as the Frenchman could get his breath he -bellowed loudly, but he was afraid to struggle lest Danny -should drop him, and he little knew the strength in those -young sinews and strong boyish arms.</p> -<p>“You ain’t never heerd o’ Commodore Paul Jones,” -bawled Danny, “and you never heerd on the Bunnum -Richard nor the S’rapis nuther, but I reckon you’ll remember -all about ’em next time you hear on’ em!” Danny -emphasized these remarks by giving the little Frenchman -several tremendous shakes, which terrified him more than -ever.</p> -<p>The commotion was not heard for a moment or two, -on account of the rattling of the <i>diligence</i> and the rate at -which they were traveling, but as soon as the affair was -noticed cries resounded from the passengers, both to -Danny and to the postilions to check the horses. Just as -Paul Jones turned around and caught sight of Danny -the <i>diligence</i> came to a halt, and, with a final shake, Danny -dropped the Frenchman in the road.</p> -<p>Quite forgetting himself in the surprise and shock of -the occasion, Paul Jones cried out angrily: “What are -you doing, sir? Have you lost your mind?”</p> -<p>“No, sir,” replied Danny, touching his cap again, -“but that ’ere frog-eating landlubber, he had the imperence -for to tell me that he ain’t never heerd o’ you, sir, -nor of the way you took the Drake and the S’rapis, nor -the forty-two British cap’ns as was on the lookout for you, -sir; so I jest handed him over the side, sir, meanin’ to hold -him there by the slack o’ his trousers till he axed for -quarter, sir.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_143">143</div> -<p>Meanwhile, the Frenchman, sputtering and swearing, -had got up from the ground and was brushing the dust -off his elegant attire. The French officer, his master, at -first disposed to be angry, could not help laughing at -Danny’s explanation and the tone in which it was given. -He explained it in French, and everybody shouted with -laughter, except the unfortunate lackey and Paul Jones, -but even Paul Jones could not wholly refrain from smiling.</p> -<p>“Behave yourself better in future, sir, and remember -it is I who tell you so.”</p> -<p>Danny bobbed his head and touched his cap again, -saying, “Ay, ay, sir.”</p> -<p>But the boy’s words had turned every eye on Paul -Jones. Was this slight, dark, quiet man the redoubtable -Paul Jones, the terror of the seas, the man that England -put forth all her might to capture, but who was still free, -still great? Paul Jones’s dark skin flushed under this -close scrutiny. The French officer, raising his hat, made -a profound bow, and said:</p> -<p>“May I ask if we have the honor of addressing the -celebrated, the invincible Paul Jones?”</p> -<p>“Your compliments do me too much honor,” replied -Paul Jones, “but I am the person you have so flatteringly -described.”</p> -<p>All hope of privacy was now at an end. Every eye -was fixed on him, and every ear was open to catch his -lightest remark. This was not what Paul Jones desired, -and he inwardly chafed at Danny Dixon’s indiscreet devotion -that had betrayed him. But Danny was not the -boy to let the fact remain in obscurity that he served -Paul Jones, and he beamed with delight at the French -officer’s words.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_144">144</div> -<p>The poor valet, having brushed the dust off his clothes, -now climbed back into the rumble, and the <i>diligence</i> proceeded -upon its way. The only word that Danny condescended -to address to him was when they alighted two -days afterward in the streets of Paris.</p> -<p>“Do you know now, Mounseer Landlubber, who Commodore -Paul Jones is?”</p> -<p>“<i>Parbleu</i>, yes,” sighed the lackey. “I vill not forget -ze gentilhomme—nevair, nevair!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_145">145</div> -<h2 id="c17"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XVI.</span></h2> -<p>Paul Jones’s first visit in Paris was to his best and -firmest friend, Benjamin Franklin. In all of his anxieties, -as well as his triumphs, Franklin had stood unflinchingly -by him; and now, no man rejoiced more at his splendid -fame than Franklin. As soon as it was known that the -immortal Paul Jones was in Paris crowds flocked to see -him, and his modest lodgings were overrun with people -of the greatest distinction. The American cause was -very popular, and the presence of two such men as Benjamin -Franklin and Paul Jones was calculated to add luster -to the cause they served.</p> -<p>Whether Paul Jones walked in the gardens of Paris -or upon the boulevards, he was followed by a respectful -and admiring crowd. The first night he went to the -theater, as soon as he entered the word went round, -“There is Paul Jones!” As he advanced and took his -seat the whisper increased to a buzz, and then into an uproar, -the audience rising and applauding excitedly. Paul -Jones, with a blush upon his manly features, rose and returned -the salutations of the crowd.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_146">146</div> -<p>In a few days came an invitation, which was in reality -a command, to visit Versailles and to meet the king, -Louis XVI, and his queen, Marie Antoinette. Both of -them were afterward to lay down their lives on the scaffold, -but then they were in the heyday of power and magnificence. -Louis earnestly desired the independence of -America, and entertained the highest respect for the -characters of her great men.</p> -<p>On a beautiful Sunday in May, Paul Jones, with Franklin, -set off for Versailles in a plain coach. Danny Dixon, -in a brand new sailor suit, sat on the box with the coachman -and did duty for a footman. Inside sat Dr. Franklin, -in the simple dress of an American citizen. His coat -was plain but handsome, and he remarked to Paul Jones, -smiling: “This is the coat, my friend, in which I was insulted -by Lord Loughborough. I wear it whenever I -appear as the representative of my country; and it is my -ambition to wear it upon the day that an honorable peace -is signed between America and Great Britain”—which -actually came to pass.</p> -<p>Paul Jones wore a splendid new uniform of an American -commodore, and looked every inch a great man.</p> -<p>All along the road to Versailles, which was crowded -with magnificent equipages, with horsemen superbly -mounted, and with a great and merry populace, the carriage -containing the two Americans was pointed out with -the utmost interest. They drove slowly down the grand -avenue, and at last the palace of Versailles burst upon -their sight in glittering beauty. The terraces were of -velvety greenness, the fountains sparkled brilliantly in the -noonday sun, and the trees were in their first fresh glory -of the May.</p> -<p>A crowd of great people—courtiers and court ladies -superbly costumed, ministers and statesmen, naval and -military officers in dazzling uniforms—crowded the grand -staircase; but all made way for the venerable Dr. Franklin -and Paul Jones, for the word had sped from mouth to -mouth who they were. Respectful greetings met them -on every side, and when they entered the anteroom they -were the cynosure of all eyes.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic7"> -<img src="images/p_167.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="795" /> -<p class="caption"><i>Paul Jones and Franklin at the Court of Louis XVI.</i></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_147">147</div> -<p>Presently the great folding doors of the audience -chamber were thrown wide, and an instant hush fell upon -the vast crowd of nobles and gentlemen. The king and -queen, seated in armchairs on a dais, over which there -was a canopy, and surrounded by members of the royal -family and their suite, were seen at the end of the vast -and splendid hall. By a silent motion the gentleman -usher, one of the greatest nobles in France, singled out -Dr. Franklin and Paul Jones. Both of them rose at once -and entered the audience chamber, after which the doors -slid noiselessly into their grooves until the two reappeared -at the end of half an hour.</p> -<p>Within the hall Franklin and Paul Jones approached -the king and queen with dignified composure. They -were respectful but not awed, and were much more at -their ease than half the great people who surrounded -royalty.</p> -<p>On reaching the dais upon which sat Louis XVI, -whose mild and frank countenance expressed the honest -man and the gentleman much more than the king, Dr. -Franklin bowed profoundly, and said:</p> -<p>“Sire, I desire to present to your Majesty Commodore -Paul Jones, of the American navy.”</p> -<p>“And I am heartily glad to see so great a hero,” responded -Louis. Then the same ceremony was gone -through with the queen, whose grace and beauty were -then at their zenith.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_148">148</div> -<p>Both of them entered into conversation with the two -Americans. Never were two men more congenial in -general tastes and opinions than the excellent Louis and -the great Franklin. Louis admired Franklin’s genius, -and Franklin respected the king, who, although his youth -was spent in the most corrupt court in the world, yet -grew up honest, temperate, and moral. The beauty and -enthusiasm of the young queen deeply impressed Paul -Jones. Little did he then think that lovely head would -one day fall under the axe of the guillotine!</p> -<p>The king’s chief attention, though, was bestowed upon -Paul Jones, whom he had long desired to meet.</p> -<p>“I wish to thank you,” he said, “for the very noble -and interesting account of your glorious cruise, that you -wrote out at my request. But, after all has been said, I -am yet constrained to ask you, how could you have accomplished -the capture of the Serapis in the face of such -enormous odds?”</p> -<p>“By hard fighting, sire,” responded Paul Jones, with a -smile; and the king and the lovely queen both smiled at -the manly simplicity of the answer. The king then said:</p> -<p>“I understand that the British have tried Captain -Pearson by court-martial, and, considering the fact that -he defended himself for five hours against Commodore -Paul Jones, they have not only acquitted him, but have -made him a baronet besides. He is now Sir Richard -Pearson.”</p> -<p>“Sire,” answered Paul Jones, “if I have the good fortune -to meet him again, I will make him a lord!”</p> -<p>At this the king laughed heartily, and repeated it to -the queen; and from that Paul Jones’s <i>bon mot</i> went the -rounds of Europe.</p> -<p>As they were about to leave, the king said to Paul -Jones: “It is my intention to show in some marked manner -my approval of your brilliant conduct and my appreciation -of so brave an ally, and I design that you shall -receive it in your own country and among the plaudits -of your fellow-citizens. But all Europe will know it as -well.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_149">149</div> -<p>Paul Jones bowed his thanks, while Dr. Franklin, in a -few words, expressed the gratitude the American Government -and people would feel at honors bestowed to -their foremost naval hero. Then, with profound and respectful -bows, they left the presence of royalty.</p> -<p>Paul Jones’s popularity was still further increased by -these marks of kingly favor, and he became the fashion -with the nobility and the court people. No assembly -was complete without him, and “<i>le brave capitaine</i>,” as -he was called, was surrounded by brilliant men and beautiful -women whenever he appeared in society. But what -chiefly pleased Paul Jones was the popular regard the -masses had for him, and the attentions paid him by the -French naval and military men. These, indeed, penetrated -his soul. In a very little while the honors alluded -to by the king were announced to Paul Jones -through the Minister of Marine, M. de Sartine. A magnificent -gold-hilted sword, inscribed “<i>Vindicati Maris Ludovicus -XVI Remunerator strenuo vindici</i>,” was presented -him, and the extraordinary honor of the cross of the -Order of Military Merit, which had never before been -given to any but a Frenchman. This last, however, he -could not accept, as an American officer, without the -permission of Congress, and therefore the cross was sent, -with a most flattering letter to the French minister at -Philadelphia, with directions that Congress be asked to -allow Paul Jones to accept it—which permission was -afterward enthusiastically granted.</p> -<p>The conferring of this last honor made Paul Jones a -chevalier of the Order of Military Merit, and he was already -the Commodore of the American Navy. But none -of these titles were used by him. His cards bore the simple -but proud name of “<i>Paul Jones</i>.” He needed not -titles or distinctions; and, although he appreciated them, -he knew that they could not confer any title upon him -that would add one iota to his reputation.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_150">150</div> -<h2 id="c18"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XVII.</span></h2> -<p>The American commissioners were so poorly provided -with money that they could never secure Paul Jones -a ship worthy of him, and the best they could do was to -get the Ariel, a French sloop of war. But Richard Dale -and Henry Lunt, together with nearly all the officers -and men of the Bon Homme Richard, were available for -the Ariel, so that Paul Jones had the same splendid company -that had served under him in his last glorious cruise.</p> -<p>A singular fatality seemed to attend all of Paul Jones’s -departures from port. He could never get the ship he -wanted, or one worthy of him; nor could he ever leave -when he wished. Contrary winds detained him in the -roads of Groix for several weeks. When the wind finally -changed, on the morning of the 8th of October, there was -every indication of squally weather.</p> -<p>“Do you know,” said Paul Jones to Dale, whom he -always treated with the utmost confidence, “I have private -information that Sir James Wallace, in the Nonesuch -line of battle ship, is waiting for me outside; and she, you -know, is copper sheathed, and one of the finest ships in -the world.”</p> -<p>“But it is not written, Paul,” answered Dale, with an -affectionate smile, “that Paul Jones is ever to be taken by -the British.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_151">151</div> -<p>The most affectionate intimacy had now grown up -between the commodore and his young lieutenant; and -although Paul Jones was some years older than Dale, -the young lieutenant in private called his commander -“Paul.”<a class="fn" id="fr_5" href="#fn_5">[5]</a> -They were like an older and a younger -brother. In public, the strictest official etiquette was -observed by both; yet when they were alone they were -like two boy friends in their tender friendship.</p> -<p>The wind increased in violence as they got out into -the bay, and by nightfall it was a roaring tempest. Then -came up a storm of which, Paul Jones himself wrote -afterward, “until that night I did not fully conceive the -awful majesty of tempest and of shipwreck. I can give -no idea of the tremendous scene.... I believe no ship -was ever before saved from an equal danger off the point -of the Penmarque rocks.”</p> -<p>These Penmarque rocks are among the most dangerous -in the world, and lie between L’Orient and Brest. -The gale continued to increase, and on the night of the -9th of October, when the Ariel had the Penmarques under -her lee, the storm became utterly terrific. The sky was -of a dreadful darkness, and the waves rushed up into -great green mountain slopes, with a crest of white phosphorus -that made a weird and awful glare upon the -storm-swept ocean. Black as the sky was, it seemed to -grow suddenly blacker, as a great mass of clouds went -flying over to the northwest, where it formed a terrible -bank that reached from the surface of the sea to the arch -of the heavens. The edges were of a luminous green, and -lightnings began to play upon the face of this awful cloud -bank. It spread quickly over the sky like a great black -pall, and then a blast burst forth. It was as if the cloud -were a volcano, spouting wind, rain, hail, thunders, and -lightnings. A vast grayish-white veil of rain was tossed -by the screaming wind between heaven and earth, and -rent by the forked lightning.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_152">152</div> -<p>The little Ariel, unable to show a single sail, staggered -along, trembling and shuddering like a human thing in -mortal terror and agony. The frightful buffeting of the -waves had opened her seams, and water poured into her -both from below and above. The shrieking of the wind -through her cordage was like the howling of a thousand -fiends. The guns broke loose from their fastenings, and -rolled over the decks with a reverberation like the thunder -which roared overhead. All night long this lasted, and -no officer or man left his post that night or closed his -eyes to sleep. The pumps were kept going, and every -effort was made to bring the ship’s head to the wind, but -in vain.</p> -<p>It seemed as if Paul Jones was everywhere during -those appalling hours of the night, always calm, cool, and -unruffled. “We are in the hands of the good God,” he -said to his men, “and if we have to meet Death, we might -as well meet him with a bold face as a sheepish one.”</p> -<p>As the guns rolled about the deck, adding a new -horror and a new danger to that of rocks and waves and -storm, Dale, who had the deck, turned to Paul Jones -and said coolly:</p> -<p>“Commodore, what shall we do about these guns?”</p> -<p>“We can not afford to throw them overboard,” answered -Paul Jones; “we may have to fight the British by -the time this storm is over. The Nonesuch may not -weather it, nor may we; this may be our last night of -life, but if we should survive, and should meet the Nonesuch, -both of us would make a shift to fight.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_153">153</div> -<p>Dale said no more. As the ship would lurch forward -into a black abyss, while above her hissed a mountain of -water, the phosphorescent glare would cast a pale and unearthly -light upon the horrors that encompassed her. The -officers regarded her as a doomed ship, but the men had an -unshaken confidence in the seamanship of their commander. -In after years Dale declared: “Never saw I such coolness -and readiness in such frightful circumstances as Paul -Jones showed in the nights and days when he lay off the -Penmarques, expecting every moment to be our last, and -the danger was greater even than that we were in on the -Bon Homme Richard when we fought the Serapis.”</p> -<p>In the last extremity Paul Jones let go sea anchors in -the open ocean. There the tortured ship rolled and -pitched, her lower yardarms often buried in the water, -and unable, even with the help of all the anchors, to get -her head round to the wind. Toward three o’clock in -the morning Paul Jones shouted out the order he was -never known to give before—for he was averse to cutting -away spars and throwing guns or stores overboard—“Make -ready, Mr. Dale, to cut away the foremast!”</p> -<p>The boatswain’s whistle could not be heard amid the -confusion and the uproar, but Dale called to Bill Green, -and in a few minutes the sailors were hacking the stout -foremast away. It fell over the side with a frightful -crash, and was swallowed up instantly. The helm was -then put hard-a-lee, and the ship came up to the wind. -But the mainmast was pitched out of the step and reeled -about like a drunken man. As the great spar pounded -the lower deck every soul on board expected it to crash -through the ship’s bottom. At last Paul Jones ordered -that, too, to be cut away, but before this could be done -the chain plates gave way and the mast broke short off -at the gun deck, taking the mizzenmast with it. The -mizzenmast carried away the quarter gallery, and the -scene of wreck was dreadful. The Ariel, now a dismasted -hulk, rolled helplessly in the trough of the sea. -Nothing more could be done but to keep the pumps -going and to await their fate.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_154">154</div> -<p>Something of the indomitable spirit of Paul Jones -seems to have inspired every man under him, for he afterward -spoke of the steady, composed courage of his officers -and men.</p> -<p>Two days and three nights did he spend in the midst -of these horrors, and when, on the 12th of October, the -gale abated so that jury masts could be rigged, the ship -was almost a wreck. But it was not destined that Paul -Jones should perish on the ocean, and so he, without the -loss of a single man, made his way back to L’Orient. It -was considered the worst storm of the century, and the -shores of Europe were strewed with wrecks and dead -bodies for days and weeks afterward.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_155">155</div> -<h2 id="c19"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XVIII.</span></h2> -<p>So severe was the damage done the Ariel, that she -was not able to leave port again for America until the -18th of December. As she carried a very valuable cargo -of arms, besides important dispatches, and was weakly -armed, Paul Jones was directed by Dr. Franklin, who -was still the representative of America in France, to avoid -rather than seek a conflict with the enemy. To a man of -Paul Jones’s temperament these directions were almost -impossible to follow. But fortunately for Dr. Franklin, -and perhaps fortunately for Paul Jones’s enemies, he had -no serious encounter until he was near the Island of Barbadoes. -He had chosen the southern passage, because his -enemies expected him to take the usual northern passage.</p> -<p>On a warm afternoon in the latter part of January, as -the Ariel was proceeding under a fair wind, a remarkably -fast sailing frigate was observed approaching on the -opposite tack. The Ariel was deep in the water with her -heavy stores, and as Paul Jones appreciated the necessity -for prudence, he rather wished to avoid speaking the -stranger, as she was tolerably certain to be a British ship.</p> -<p>The officers were all on deck examining the frigate, -when Paul Jones, who had his glass to his eye, turned to -them and said, smiling:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_156">156</div> -<p>“I am sorry to disappoint you, gentlemen, but I don’t -think we can ‘see’ her. She is too heavy for us, and sails -too well. It is not our own lives and fortunes that we -would stake, but the arms for the soldiers of Washington, -and that would be an irreparable loss if we were captured. -So we must cut and run for it.”</p> -<p>The officers at once saw the wisdom of this, although -they would have dearly liked a brush with the beautiful -frigate. Dale, however, in turning around, caught sight -of Bill Green, with Danny Dixon by his side, and both of -them on the broad grin. Bill’s mouth was literally -stretched from ear to ear.</p> -<p>“What is it, Green?” asked Dale, who was a great -favorite with the veteran quartermaster, “what are you -smiling at?”</p> -<p>“I ain’t a-smilin’, sir,” replied Bill, showing every -tooth in his mouth in a perfectly phenomenal grin, while -Danny openly “snickered” behind his hand.</p> -<p>“What are you doing then?” inquired Dale, smiling in -spite of himself.</p> -<p>“Well, then, sir, since you axes me,” replied Bill, trying -to look very solemn, and putting up his hand to conceal -his laughter, “the cap’n says as he ain’t got no notion -o’ fightin’ that ’ere craft. I reckon he <i>thinks</i> he ain’t, but -if Cap’n Paul Jones kin come within range o’ a British -ship without takin’ a shot at her, why, sir, my name ain’t -Bill Green, and I ain’t never see Cap’n Paul Jones. -That’s all, sir.” At which Bill ended with a suppressed -guffaw, and Dale himself winked knowingly.</p> -<p>“Be careful what you say of the captain,” said Dale, -with another wink; “he’s got no notion of fighting. She’s -too heavy for us, and you know the captain never tackles -a ship that’s too heavy for him,” and Dale winked prodigiously -at every word he uttered.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_157">157</div> -<p>“That’s true, sir,” grinned Bill, “but if you’ll excuse a -old fellow, Mr. Dale, I see you has on a new uniform, sir, -and I’d be advisin’ of you to git out your old clo’es, because -it jest might happen, sir, that the Britisher might -fire at us; and then, axerdentally, sir, somebody might -pull a lockstring, and the port might be open, sir, and the -shot might hit the Britisher, and then, without the cap’n -a-wantin’ it, as knowin’ as how the enemy was too heavy -for him, he might have to fight agin his will. ’Tain’t ornlikely, -sir, that somethin’ might come of it, and the cap’n -may <i>have</i> to fight, sir, though he mortially hates to.”</p> -<p>Dale passed on laughing, went below, and took Bill -Green’s advice; he took off his new undress uniform, and -put on another one rather the worse for wear. Just as he -was finishing his toilet, Danny Dixon tapped at the door -of his cabin.</p> -<p>“If you please, sir, the cap’n sends his compliments, -and wants to see you on deck.”</p> -<p>In a few moments Dale was on deck. As he walked -up to Paul Jones, the captain said:</p> -<p>“I looked about for you, and my boy told me you had -gone below to shift.”</p> -<p>“Yes,” answered Dale, with a gleam in his eyes. “We -know that you don’t care to tackle that ship; she’s too -heavy for us, and you never like to fight except when you -are on an equality; but all the same, as Bill Green says, -‘something may come of it,’ so I went below to take off -my uniform, which is a little too good to wear upon such -an occasion as <i>may</i> arise.”</p> -<p>Paul Jones looked sternly at Dale for a moment, and -then, in spite of himself, burst out laughing.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_158">158</div> -<p>Nevertheless, the Ariel carried all sail to escape the -ship, which was now evidently pursuing. As darkness -came on the Ariel seemed to be gaining, and during the -night watches the officers reported that she was completely -out of sight. Just as the darkness melted into -dawn, however, Paul Jones, who had been on deck several -times during the night, appeared, and as the faint -gray of the early light illumined the sky he pointed -astern. There was the frigate, flying a British ensign, -and not more than a mile away.</p> -<p>Without drumbeat, or any noise whatever, the Ariel -was cleared for action. She was not sailing her best, -owing to her deeply laden condition, and Paul Jones ordered -everything thrown overboard that could impede -her sailing and fighting qualities. This so much improved -the sailing of the ship that she now stretched her legs in -earnest. Everybody on board felt perfectly certain that -the captain meant to fight, but as the frigate was now -plainly pursuing the American sloop of war, Paul Jones -wished to test the sailing and manœuvring of his ship -under her lighter conditions before engaging. This conduct -evidently puzzled the frigate, and the state of uncertainty -was further increased by the Ariel hoisting -British colors, but occasionally firing a stern chaser as -she ran away. At last, toward night, Paul Jones, having -made all his preparations, the Ariel hauled up her mainsail, -took in her royal yards, and waited for her enemy. -She had not yet hoisted her American colors, but her -batteries were lighted up and her ports open.</p> -<p>“Why, Green,” said Dale, passing him, as Danny -Dixon appeared with a string of battle lanterns ready to -be lighted, “it looks as if we were going to have a brush, -after all.”</p> -<p>“It do, sir,” answered Bill solemnly. “The cap’n -mortially hated it, and it do seem funny he couldn’t help -it when the ship was gittin’ over the water so much faster -than she was in the beginnin’. It puzzles me, it do,” he -added, shaking his head waggishly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_159">159</div> -<p>The two ships were now within hail. It was Paul -Jones’s intention to send up the American ensign as soon -as the enemy had got near enough to recognize it in the fast -gathering gloom, but the sailor who had hoisted the British -ensign had not taken care to make fast the other end -of the halyards, so as to draw it down rapidly, and there -was some difficulty in getting the British colors down and -the American colors up. This enabled the British ship -to range up close under the lee quarter of the Ariel.</p> -<p>The short tropical twilight was fast deepening into -night, but a brilliant moon trembled in the heavens, and -the dark-blue dome was flecked with stars. The two -ships lay close to each other, like phantom ships upon -the water, but the light from their lanterns and batteries -glowed redly.</p> -<p>In the midst of a deathlike silence Lieutenant Lunt’s -voice rang out the questions given him in a whisper by -Paul Jones, who stood near him.</p> -<p>“Ship ahoy! What ship is that?” asked Lunt.</p> -<p>“His Majesty’s ship Triumph,” replied the British -captain.</p> -<p>“Of how many guns?” asked Lunt.</p> -<p>Everybody awaited the answer to this in breathless -silence. There was a long pause, and Lunt repeated his -question.</p> -<p>The answer came back purposely unintelligible. Officers -and men cast significant glances around. That meant -the British ship was ready to fight if the stranger should -prove an enemy.</p> -<p>“What is the name of your captain?” was next asked.</p> -<p>“Captain John Pindar.”</p> -<p>“Any news from the rebels?” asked Lunt.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_160">160</div> -<p>This threw the British captain off his guard, particularly -as the sailor had not yet been able to get the British -colors down, and they were still flying. Captain Pindar -came to the rail of the Triumph and gave a long account -of affairs in America, which were progressing badly for -the British. After all the information possible had been -obtained, most of which was highly satisfactory to the -Americans, Paul Jones himself called out:</p> -<p>“Put out your boat and come on board, bringing your -commission, so that I can see whether you are really in -the British navy or not.”</p> -<p>At this Captain Pindar’s suspicions were excited, and -it was some moments before he replied:</p> -<p>“You have not told me who you are, and, besides, my -boat is leaky.”</p> -<p>Just then the British colors came down and the -American ensign was hoisted.</p> -<p>“Look at my ensign,” cried Paul Jones, “and consider -the danger of refusing.”</p> -<p>To this the British captain pluckily replied:</p> -<p>“I will answer for twenty guns on my ship, and I and -every one of my people are Englishmen.”</p> -<p>“I will give you five minutes to make up your mind -to come on board,” said Paul Jones, “and if you do not, -at the end of that time I shall fire into you.”</p> -<p>Then, all at once, the people on the Triumph waked -up to their danger. The five minutes were spent in hurried -preparation by them, but on the Ariel every man was -at his station, and not one moved or spoke.</p> -<p>The five minutes being up, the Ariel backed her topsails, -ran close under the stern of the Triumph, and let -fly her broadside. The men in the tops also gave a volley. -The British, unprepared, fired ineffectively and -without order. The Triumph was so obviously at the -mercy of the Ariel that within ten minutes her colors -were hauled down and a cry for quarter resounded. Instantly -the order to cease firing was given, and the Americans -gave three cheers. But while they were yet cheering -they observed that the British ship had shaken out -her sails and was drawing ahead. The smoke of the two -or three broadsides fired hid her for a moment, and when -it drifted off the Triumph was observed to be some distance -off on the weather quarter of the Ariel, and tacking.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_161">161</div> -<p>Paul Jones instantly suspected the treachery of the -Triumph’s captain, because it is a part of the code of -morals in war that a surrender should be in good faith, -particularly when quarter has been asked for and given. -The Ariel immediately set her mainsail and made after -the fleeing ship. But it was in vain. The Triumph had -too long a lead, and, the night suddenly becoming dark, -she was lost to sight. Although Paul Jones had conquered, -his prey had escaped.</p> -<p>The Americans were indignant, but indignation could -do no good. They then resumed their course toward -America, and on the 18th of February, 1781, the Ariel -cast anchor in the harbor of Philadelphia. Paul Jones -had been absent from America three years, three months, -and eighteen days. In that time he had struck terror -upon the coasts of England, Scotland, and Ireland; he -had defied the might of England, had vanquished every -enemy with which he had fought, and had made himself -one of the heroes of the sea, whose name will live as long -as ships traverse the ocean.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_162">162</div> -<h2 id="c20"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XIX.</span></h2> -<p>The reception of Paul Jones by the Congress at Philadelphia -was one suitable to his great services. On the -27th of February, Congress passed a resolution reciting -that “The Congress entertains a high sense of the distinguished -bravery and military conduct of Paul Jones, -Esq., captain in the navy of the United States, and particularly -in his victory over the British frigate Serapis, -on the coast of England, which was attended with circumstances -so brilliant as to excite general applause and -admiration.</p> -<p>“That the Minister Plenipotentiary of these United -States at the Court of Versailles communicate to His -Most Christian Majesty the high satisfaction Congress -has received from the conduct and gallant behavior of -Captain Paul Jones, which have merited the attention and -approbation of His Most Christian Majesty, and that His -Majesty’s offer of adorning Captain Jones with the cross -of the Order of Military Merit is highly acceptable to -Congress.”</p> -<div class="img" id="pic8"> -<img src="images/p_184.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="785" /> -<p class="caption"><i>Paul Jones.</i> -<br />(Drawn from a Portrait.)</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_163">163</div> -<p>On the 28th of March, Congress passed another resolution -severely censuring Captain Landais, who had then -been court-martialed and dismissed the navy, and saying -of Paul Jones, after enumerating his actions: “Ever since -Captain Paul Jones first became an officer in the service -of these States he hath shown an unremitted attention in -planning and executing enterprises calculated to promote -the essential interests of our glorious cause. That in -Europe, although his expedition through the Irish Channel -in the Ranger did not fully accomplish his purpose, -yet he made the enemy feel that it is in the power of -a small squadron, under a brave and enterprising commander, -to retaliate the conflagrations of our defenseless -towns. That, returning from Europe, he brought with -him the esteem of the greatest and best friends of America, -and hath received from the illustrious monarch of -France that reward of warlike virtue which his subjects -receive by a long series of faithful services or uncommon -merit. That the conduct of Paul Jones merits particular -attention and some distinguished mark of approbation -from the United States, in Congress assembled.”</p> -<p>On the 14th of April the distinguished mark of approbation -was granted, in the form of the thanks of Congress, -as follows:</p> -<p>“That the thanks of the United States, in Congress -assembled, be given to Captain Paul Jones, for the zeal, -prudence, and intrepidity with which he has supported -the honor of the American flag; for his bold and successful -enterprises to redeem from captivity the citizens of -the States who had fallen under the power of the enemy; -and, in general, for the good conduct and eminent services -by which he has added luster to his character and -to the American arms.</p> -<p>“That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, -be also given to the officers and men who have -faithfully served under him from time to time, for their -steady affection to the cause of their country and the -bravery and perseverance they have manifested therein.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_164">164</div> -<p>Following this, there were numerous letters from eminent -patriots, and a truly affectionate one from Lafayette, -ending with: “As to the pleasure of taking you by the -hand, my dear Paul Jones, you know my affectionate -sentiments and my very great regard for you, so that I -need not add anything on that subject.”</p> -<p>Greatest of all, came a letter from Washington himself, -which said:</p> -<p>“Delicacy forbids me to mention <i>that particular one</i>, -which has attracted the admiration of all the world.... -That you may long enjoy the reputation you have so -justly acquired, is the sincere wish of, -<span class="center">“Sir, your most obedient servant,</span> -<span class="jr">“<span class="sc">Geo. Washington</span>.”</span></p> -<p>Upon the official examination of his report, Paul Jones -proudly answered, in response to an interrogatory, “I -have never borne or acted under any other commission -than that of the Congress of America.” His accounts -also showed that he had not up to that time received a -penny either as pay or subsistence.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_165">165</div> -<p>Upon a beautiful spring day, the French minister, -M. de Luzerne, gave a grand <i>fête</i> at Philadelphia, for the -purpose of investing Paul Jones with the cross of the -Order of Military Merit, sent him by the King of France. -All the Congress was invited, and all of the army and -navy officers then in Philadelphia were present in full -uniform, besides the leading citizens of Philadelphia, and -entertainment was especially provided for the sailors who -had served under Paul Jones, as well as the officers. The -guests assembled in the afternoon, and at four o’clock precisely -M. de Luzerne and Paul Jones walked together -to the center of the lawn, under a grove of noble trees. -The scene was brilliant and beautiful, the white dresses -of the women and the bright Continental uniforms of the -men showing bravely against the green turf. On a tall -flagstaff floated together the Stars and Stripes and the -<i>Fleur-de-lis</i> of France. Conspicuously massed together -were the brave blue jackets who had served under Paul -Jones and his officers, in full uniform, with the ever-loved -Dale at their head. A military band played inspiring airs -as M. de Luzerne and Paul Jones advanced to the center -of the great circle. Paul Jones, wearing the full uniform -of an American captain and his gold-hilted sword, and -carrying in his hand his blue-and-gold cap, was a picture -of manliness and modesty. His face was pale, but his -eyes were gleaming. He had fought for glory, and glory -had been lavished upon him. The French ambassador, in -a loud voice, spoke:</p> -<p>“Patriots: His Most Christian Majesty, whom I have -the honor to serve, desiring to show his affection for the -cause of America, and for the gallant and shining conduct -of Captain Paul Jones, has directed me, as a knight of the -Order of Military Merit, to confer upon Captain Paul -Jones the cross of this noble order. This has never -before been given to any man not a citizen of France. -But were it not for Paul Jones’s devotion to America, -well might France claim him as her son, so well has he -served her cause and that of her allies.” Then, turning -to Paul Jones, he held up a splendid jeweled cross, and -said:</p> -<p>“Therefore, I, in the name of my master, the king, do -now invest you with this cross; and may you live long -to wear this glorious emblem!” A roar of cheers broke -forth and resounded through the still and lovely air. -The “hoorays” of the blue jackets, led by handsome Bill -Green, were heard over all the rest, and Danny Dixon, -the picture of a sailor, in his smart and handsome uniform, -suddenly began to dance a hornpipe in the excess of his -delight.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_166">166</div> -<p>A mist came before Paul Jones’s eyes. The affection, -the respect, and the admiration of the people he had -tried to serve was inexpressibly sweet to him, and as he -caught sight of “Old Glory,” that floated proudly in the -golden sunset light, he could say to his own heart, “I -promised to attend that flag with veneration, and I have -done it to the best of my power, and without fear or reproach.” -Next him stood Dale, his best beloved friend -and lieutenant. Paul Jones laid his hand on Dale’s shoulder, -and together they watched the inspiring scene.</p> -<p>“My captain,” said Dale, after a moment, “I have a -feeling here”—he touched his breast—“which tells me -that when the day of conflict is over, and our country -takes her stand as the greatest republic upon the earth, -you will be ranked first among those who maintained her -honor on the seas; and the name of Paul Jones will be -linked with so much glory that every American sea officer -will envy those who can say with pride, as I do, ‘<i>I served -under Paul Jones!</i>’”</p> -<p class="tbcenter">THE END.</p> -<h2 id="c21"><span class="h2line1">FOOTNOTES</span></h2> -<div class="fnblock"><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_1" href="#fr_1">[1]</a>This was the first flag -of the Revolution—a pine tree with a rattlesnake -under it, bearing the bold motto, “Don’t tread on me.” -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_2" href="#fr_2">[2]</a>The songs in this story are not original. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_3" href="#fr_3">[3]</a>Meaning his appointment to command the American ships in foreign -waters. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_4" href="#fr_4">[4]</a>This incident is historically true. -</div><div class="fndef"><a class="fn" id="fn_5" href="#fr_5">[5]</a>Cooper mentions the peculiar -tenderness of Dale’s tone, when, in his latter -days, he spoke of his old captain as “Paul.” -</div> -</div> -<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -<ul> -<li>Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged.</li> -<li>In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)</li> -</ul> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Paul Jones, by Molly Elliott Seawell - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAUL JONES *** - -***** This file should be named 61784-h.htm or 61784-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/1/7/8/61784/ - -Produced by D A Alexander, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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