John Paul Jones: A Sailor's Biography

By Samuel Eliot Morison

The biography“John Paul Jones: A Sailor’s Biography”by Samuel Eliot Morison provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the life and naval career of John Paul Jones, a prominent figure in American naval history.

John Paul Jones was born inScotland and began his seafaring career at a young age. Heapprenticed on merchant ships, gaining valuable experience.and as aMerchant Marineheworked in the West Indies trade, eventually becoming a shipmaster. His career was marked by a controversial incident in Tobago, where he killed a mutinous sailor in self-defense.Jones joined the Continental Navy in 1775, driven by a desire to fight for American Independence. He was commissioned as a lieutenant and later promoted to captain.He commanded several ships, including the Providence and the Alfred. He conducted successful raids and captured numerous British vessels, gaining a reputation for his boldtactics.As captain of the Ranger, Jones led a daring raid on Whitehaven, England, in 1778,aiming to disrupt British shipping and boost American morale.Jones achieved a significant victory by capturing the British warship Drake in a fierce battle off the coast of Ireland.

Jones’s most famous battle occurred in 1779 when he commanded the BonhommeRichard against the British ship Serapis. Despite severe damage to his ship, Jones emergedvictorious, cementing his legacy.But he faced numerous challenges, including difficulties with prize money, conflicts with other officers, and the complexities of international diplomacy.

In his final years Jones served in the Russian Navy under Catherine the Great but faced political intrigue and professional setbacks, and spent his last years in France, struggling with health issues and financial difficulties. He died inParis in 1792.

Samuel Eliot Morison’s biography of John Paul Jones offers a detailed and scholarly account of the sailor’s life, blending historical accuracy with engaging narrative. The book is enriched with visual aids, original sources, and contributions from various experts,making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of Jones’s character and achievements.

Naval Institute Press, 1999, 453 pages