|
|
|
NYGiant
home
USA
|
Posts: 953
Joined: 2021
|
|
|
|
John Paul Jones sets sail to raid British shipping.
|
On April 10, 1778, Commander John Paul Jones and his crew of 140 men aboard the USS Ranger set sail from the naval port at Brest, France, and head toward the Irish Sea to begin raids on British warships. This was the first mission of its kind during the Revolutionary War.
Commander Jones, remembered as one of the most daring and successful naval commanders of the American Revolution, was born in Scotland, on July 6, 1747. He became an apprentice to a merchant at 13 and soon went to sea, traveling first to the West Indies and then to North America as a young man. In Virginia at the onset of the American Revolution, Jones sided with the Patriots and received a commission as a first lieutenant in the Continental Navy on December 7, 1775.
After departing from Brest, Jones successfully executed raids on two forts in England's Whitehaven Harbor, despite a disgruntled crew more interested in “gain than honor.” Jones then continued to his home territory of Kirkcudbright Bay, Scotland, where he intended to abduct the earl of Selkirk and then exchange him for American sailors held captive by Britain. Although he did not find the earl at home, Jones' crew was able to steal all his silver, including his wife's teapot, still containing her breakfast tea. From Scotland, Jones sailed across the Irish Sea to Carrickfergus, where the Ranger captured the HMS Drake after delivering fatal wounds to the British ship s captain and lieutenant.
In September 1779, Jones fought one of the fiercest battles in naval history when he led the USS Bonhomme Richard frigate, named for Benjamin Franklin, in an engagement with the 50-gun British warship HMS Serapis. After the Bonhomme Richard was struck, it began taking on water and caught fire. When the British captain of the Serapis ordered Jones to surrender, he famously replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” A few hours later, the captain and crew of the Serapis admitted defeat and Jones took command of the British ship.
One of the greatest naval commanders in history, Jones is remembered as a “Father of the American Navy,” along with fellow Revolutionary War hero Commodore John Barry.
Revolutionary War Commander John Paul Jones sets out to raid British ships
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/john-paul-jones-sets-out-to-raid-british-ships?cmpid=email-hist-tdih-2023-0410-04102023&om_rid=21539c69abde70e4e3fda02b9d14d1819c3badeaf5a2bcab48a023eefe0cd3d2
On April 10, 1778, Commander John Paul Jones and his crew of 140 men aboard the USS Ranger set sail from the naval port at Brest, France, and head toward the Irish Sea to begin raids on British warships. This was the first mission of its kind during the Revolutionary War. Commander Jones, remembered as […]
=========================================================================================
Jones exemplified the determination of the fledging United States.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George
Centre Hastings
ON Canada
|
Posts: 13377
Joined: 2009
|
|
|
|
John Paul Jones sets sail to raid British shipping.
|
|
Quote:
On April 10, 1778, Commander John Paul Jones and his crew of 140 men aboard the USS Ranger set sail from the naval port at Brest, France, and head toward the Irish Sea to begin raids on British warships. This was the first mission of its kind during the Revolutionary War.
Commander Jones, remembered as one of the most daring and successful naval commanders of the American Revolution, was born in Scotland, on July 6, 1747. He became an apprentice to a merchant at 13 and soon went to sea, traveling first to the West Indies and then to North America as a young man. In Virginia at the onset of the American Revolution, Jones sided with the Patriots and received a commission as a first lieutenant in the Continental Navy on December 7, 1775.
After departing from Brest, Jones successfully executed raids on two forts in England's Whitehaven Harbor, despite a disgruntled crew more interested in “gain than honor.” Jones then continued to his home territory of Kirkcudbright Bay, Scotland, where he intended to abduct the earl of Selkirk and then exchange him for American sailors held captive by Britain. Although he did not find the earl at home, Jones' crew was able to steal all his silver, including his wife's teapot, still containing her breakfast tea. From Scotland, Jones sailed across the Irish Sea to Carrickfergus, where the Ranger captured the HMS Drake after delivering fatal wounds to the British ship s captain and lieutenant.
In September 1779, Jones fought one of the fiercest battles in naval history when he led the USS Bonhomme Richard frigate, named for Benjamin Franklin, in an engagement with the 50-gun British warship HMS Serapis. After the Bonhomme Richard was struck, it began taking on water and caught fire. When the British captain of the Serapis ordered Jones to surrender, he famously replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” A few hours later, the captain and crew of the Serapis admitted defeat and Jones took command of the British ship.
One of the greatest naval commanders in history, Jones is remembered as a “Father of the American Navy,” along with fellow Revolutionary War hero Commodore John Barry.
Revolutionary War Commander John Paul Jones sets out to raid British ships
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/john-paul-jones-sets-out-to-raid-british-ships?cmpid=email-hist-tdih-2023-0410-04102023&om_rid=21539c69abde70e4e3fda02b9d14d1819c3badeaf5a2bcab48a023eefe0cd3d2
On April 10, 1778, Commander John Paul Jones and his crew of 140 men aboard the USS Ranger set sail from the naval port at Brest, France, and head toward the Irish Sea to begin raids on British warships. This was the first mission of its kind during the Revolutionary War. Commander Jones, remembered as […]
=========================================================================================
Jones exemplified the determination of the fledging United States.
I am not sure that other countries write history quite the way that Americans do. There is great delight taken in raising a character to even greater heights. Victors do write the history and Americans create heroes perhaps better than others. Even isolated events are used to glorify the efforts.
Once again this history site is incomplete and engages in historical idolatry. That's fine but do we know whether Jones' statement was actually made or did the propaganda arm of the insurrectionists embellish? That's a serious question and not intended to be a dig. There was a propaganda war ongoing throughout the conflict and the rebels were particularly good at communicating the actions of the British and painting them as heinous.
I don't think that this article mentioned that Jones' ship, the Bonhomme Richard, sank to the bottom of the sea.
As well, can we learn whether Jones' efforts were strategically important to the war effort? Was the RN cowed into submission? Was the blockade of North American ports altered by the actions of a rebel ship on the other side of the ocean?
Was this a one off or were the British islands under siege from a grand armada throughout the conflict.
And I think that Jones accomplished some other things on the NA side of the ocean prior to the event described. How significant were they? What else did he do?
Let's put some meat on this instead of engaging in puffery to enhance this one man's effect on the progress of the war.
Cheers,
George
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NYGiant
home
USA
|
Posts: 953
Joined: 2021
|
|
|
|
John Paul Jones sets sail to raid British shipping.
|
Quote:Quote:
On April 10, 1778, Commander John Paul Jones and his crew of 140 men aboard the USS Ranger set sail from the naval port at Brest, France, and head toward the Irish Sea to begin raids on British warships. This was the first mission of its kind during the Revolutionary War.
Commander Jones, remembered as one of the most daring and successful naval commanders of the American Revolution, was born in Scotland, on July 6, 1747. He became an apprentice to a merchant at 13 and soon went to sea, traveling first to the West Indies and then to North America as a young man. In Virginia at the onset of the American Revolution, Jones sided with the Patriots and received a commission as a first lieutenant in the Continental Navy on December 7, 1775.
After departing from Brest, Jones successfully executed raids on two forts in England's Whitehaven Harbor, despite a disgruntled crew more interested in “gain than honor.” Jones then continued to his home territory of Kirkcudbright Bay, Scotland, where he intended to abduct the earl of Selkirk and then exchange him for American sailors held captive by Britain. Although he did not find the earl at home, Jones' crew was able to steal all his silver, including his wife's teapot, still containing her breakfast tea. From Scotland, Jones sailed across the Irish Sea to Carrickfergus, where the Ranger captured the HMS Drake after delivering fatal wounds to the British ship s captain and lieutenant.
In September 1779, Jones fought one of the fiercest battles in naval history when he led the USS Bonhomme Richard frigate, named for Benjamin Franklin, in an engagement with the 50-gun British warship HMS Serapis. After the Bonhomme Richard was struck, it began taking on water and caught fire. When the British captain of the Serapis ordered Jones to surrender, he famously replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” A few hours later, the captain and crew of the Serapis admitted defeat and Jones took command of the British ship.
One of the greatest naval commanders in history, Jones is remembered as a “Father of the American Navy,” along with fellow Revolutionary War hero Commodore John Barry.
Revolutionary War Commander John Paul Jones sets out to raid British ships
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/john-paul-jones-sets-out-to-raid-british-ships?cmpid=email-hist-tdih-2023-0410-04102023&om_rid=21539c69abde70e4e3fda02b9d14d1819c3badeaf5a2bcab48a023eefe0cd3d2
On April 10, 1778, Commander John Paul Jones and his crew of 140 men aboard the USS Ranger set sail from the naval port at Brest, France, and head toward the Irish Sea to begin raids on British warships. This was the first mission of its kind during the Revolutionary War. Commander Jones, remembered as […]
=========================================================================================
Jones exemplified the determination of the fledging United States.
I am not sure that other countries write history quite the way that Americans do. There is great delight taken in raising a character to even greater heights. Victors do write the history and Americans create heroes perhaps better than others. Even isolated events are used to glorify the efforts. Once again this history site is incomplete and engages in historical idolatry. That's fine but do we know whether Jones' statement was actually made or did the propaganda arm of the insurrectionists embellish? That's a serious question and not intended to be a dig. There was a propaganda war ongoing throughout the conflict and the rebels were particularly good at communicating the actions of the British and painting them as heinous. I don't think that this article mentioned that Jones' ship, the Bonhomme Richard, sank to the bottom of the sea. As well, can we learn whether Jones' efforts were strategically important to the war effort? Was the RN cowed into submission? Was the blockade of North American ports altered by the actions of a rebel ship on the other side of the ocean? Was this a one off or were the British islands under siege from a grand armada throughout the conflict. And I think that Jones accomplished some other things on the NA side of the ocean prior to the event described. How significant were they? What else did he do? Let's put some meat on this instead of engaging in puffery to enhance this one man's effect on the progress of the war. Cheers, George
It doesn't matter if the Bonhomme Richard sank to the bottom of the sea. What matters is that Jones was the victor , against a superior ship , of a superior Navy, and won the battle.
Was it due to better marksmanship? or better gunnery? or more skillful maneuvering of his ship? Who knows.
Bottom line, the United States won the battle. Or is someone going to say that though the British captain of the Serapis surrendered, the English won the battle because the American warship sank?
Any takers?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OpanaPointer
St. Louis
MO USA
|
Posts: 1891
Joined: 2010
|
|
|
|
John Paul Jones sets sail to raid British shipping.
|
And Jones went on to be the first American sailor to make Admiral.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George
Centre Hastings
ON Canada
|
Posts: 13377
Joined: 2009
|
|
|
|
John Paul Jones sets sail to raid British shipping.
|
Quote:Quote: Quote:
On April 10, 1778, Commander John Paul Jones and his crew of 140 men aboard the USS Ranger set sail from the naval port at Brest, France, and head toward the Irish Sea to begin raids on British warships. This was the first mission of its kind during the Revolutionary War.
Commander Jones, remembered as one of the most daring and successful naval commanders of the American Revolution, was born in Scotland, on July 6, 1747. He became an apprentice to a merchant at 13 and soon went to sea, traveling first to the West Indies and then to North America as a young man. In Virginia at the onset of the American Revolution, Jones sided with the Patriots and received a commission as a first lieutenant in the Continental Navy on December 7, 1775.
After departing from Brest, Jones successfully executed raids on two forts in England's Whitehaven Harbor, despite a disgruntled crew more interested in “gain than honor.” Jones then continued to his home territory of Kirkcudbright Bay, Scotland, where he intended to abduct the earl of Selkirk and then exchange him for American sailors held captive by Britain. Although he did not find the earl at home, Jones' crew was able to steal all his silver, including his wife's teapot, still containing her breakfast tea. From Scotland, Jones sailed across the Irish Sea to Carrickfergus, where the Ranger captured the HMS Drake after delivering fatal wounds to the British ship s captain and lieutenant.
In September 1779, Jones fought one of the fiercest battles in naval history when he led the USS Bonhomme Richard frigate, named for Benjamin Franklin, in an engagement with the 50-gun British warship HMS Serapis. After the Bonhomme Richard was struck, it began taking on water and caught fire. When the British captain of the Serapis ordered Jones to surrender, he famously replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” A few hours later, the captain and crew of the Serapis admitted defeat and Jones took command of the British ship.
One of the greatest naval commanders in history, Jones is remembered as a “Father of the American Navy,” along with fellow Revolutionary War hero Commodore John Barry.
Revolutionary War Commander John Paul Jones sets out to raid British ships
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/john-paul-jones-sets-out-to-raid-british-ships?cmpid=email-hist-tdih-2023-0410-04102023&om_rid=21539c69abde70e4e3fda02b9d14d1819c3badeaf5a2bcab48a023eefe0cd3d2
On April 10, 1778, Commander John Paul Jones and his crew of 140 men aboard the USS Ranger set sail from the naval port at Brest, France, and head toward the Irish Sea to begin raids on British warships. This was the first mission of its kind during the Revolutionary War. Commander Jones, remembered as […]
=========================================================================================
Jones exemplified the determination of the fledging United States.
I am not sure that other countries write history quite the way that Americans do. There is great delight taken in raising a character to even greater heights. Victors do write the history and Americans create heroes perhaps better than others. Even isolated events are used to glorify the efforts. Once again this history site is incomplete and engages in historical idolatry. That's fine but do we know whether Jones' statement was actually made or did the propaganda arm of the insurrectionists embellish? That's a serious question and not intended to be a dig. There was a propaganda war ongoing throughout the conflict and the rebels were particularly good at communicating the actions of the British and painting them as heinous. I don't think that this article mentioned that Jones' ship, the Bonhomme Richard, sank to the bottom of the sea. As well, can we learn whether Jones' efforts were strategically important to the war effort? Was the RN cowed into submission? Was the blockade of North American ports altered by the actions of a rebel ship on the other side of the ocean? Was this a one off or were the British islands under siege from a grand armada throughout the conflict. And I think that Jones accomplished some other things on the NA side of the ocean prior to the event described. How significant were they? What else did he do? Let's put some meat on this instead of engaging in puffery to enhance this one man's effect on the progress of the war. Cheers, George It doesn't matter if the Bonhomme Richard sank to the bottom of the sea. What matters is that Jones was the victor , against a superior ship , of a superior Navy, and won the battle. Was it due to better marksmanship? or better gunnery? or more skillful maneuvering of his ship? Who knows. Bottom line, the United States won the battle. Or is someone going to say that though the British captain of the Serapis surrendered, the English won the battle because the American warship sank? Any takers?
Your go-to site is a weak one dedicated to the glorification of events in US history, some important, some rather mundane.
Read my post. Of what significance was this single ship victory? What was the impact on the RN? Was this a one off or did other ships from the Continental Navy strike fear into the hearts of Britons in their homeland? Did this action lead to the suspension of British blockade of North American ports?
What matters is a discussion of Jones' impact on the war? And I did ask for information on what else this man accomplished. That's what matters, not some phrase that he uttered that you have ballooned into something of greater importance than it was. What matters is that we engage in a discussion of historical events and people, not your long suit for all the BS that you toss our way about the depth of your knowledge.
As for Jones, while not confirmed I believe that he had other successes against British shipping in the early days of the war. He and the French ships seized a number of British ships on the eastern side of the Atlantic.
This is an account of some of Jones' exploits and some details of the battle with HMS Serapis. Since you were unwilling to do the work to answer your query, "who knows", I decided to do it for you.
It was a near run thing for both ships with Jones determination outlasting the determination of Captain Pearson of HMS Serapis. There is much more to the contest than you seem willing to explore.
[Read More]
The next step for me would be to find a RN account of the battle. How about you NY? Or is it more fun to just flag wave?
BTW, how much credit shall we give to the French who not only supplied Bonhomme Richard to the rebels but also provided ships and crews to his squadron? France also provided a base of operations for Jones and a port to return prizes seized.
Are you aware the British Captain Pearson was also praised by the RN because his tenacious defence allowed the forty ship merchant convoy under his charge to escape? It was this convoy that was Jones' original target. Captain Pearson came out to challenge Bonnehomme Richard and ordered the convoy to move closer to the shoreline where land based cannon could engage any enemy.
Jones was flying British colours and while Pearson was suspicious, he did not fire when he should or could have.
I am aware that the exploit of Jones was a great morale booster for the rebels and that it was used well by the rebels as propaganda. It must have boosted the confidence of the fledgling Continental Navy as well. But that is not the whole of it as you can see, though I can see that that is where you would like the discussion to end.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NYGiant
home
USA
|
Posts: 953
Joined: 2021
|
|
|
|
John Paul Jones sets sail to raid British shipping.
|
Mentioning the French is a diversion, since there were no French ships in this battle.
Bottom line...The Americans won, no matter how you try and spin it. And the British lost.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George
Centre Hastings
ON Canada
|
Posts: 13377
Joined: 2009
|
|
|
|
John Paul Jones sets sail to raid British shipping.
|
|
Quote: Mentioning the French is a diversion, since there were no French ships in this battle.
Bottom line...The Americans won, no matter how you try and spin it. And the British lost.
I don't think that I am spinning anything but you seem to have limited interest in history despite your boasting.
US - 1
GB - 0
That's the box score for today, history fans. Nothing more to see here.
One, single, British ship lost to another ship from the rebel navy. Britain was not defeated. That would come later. And actually there was a French ship involved and when the captain closed and fired he hit Bonhomme Richard, perhaps purposefully. Captain Jones always felt that he did it on purpose because he wanted the prize too. Jealousy among the pirates, I guess. :
Jones was actually travelling in a squadron that consisted of Bonhomme Richard and Pallas, Vengeance, and the Alliance. Look up the Alliance. That's the ship that fired into Bonhomme Richard and Serapis.
EDIT: Check that. The Alliance was part of the Continental Navy but it was captained by a French naval officer who had joined the rebel side. Alliance was a French ship donated to the rebels. So I will correct myself. No French navy ships involved. However, I note that HMS Serapis had two ships firing at it even if one, Alliance, may have also been firing at Bonhomme Richard.
Your response is wearisome but so predictable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NYGiant
home
USA
|
Posts: 953
Joined: 2021
|
|
|
|
John Paul Jones sets sail to raid British shipping.
|
Quote:Quote: Mentioning the French is a diversion, since there were no French ships in this battle.
Bottom line...The Americans won, no matter how you try and spin it. And the British lost. I don't think that I am spinning anything but you seem to have limited interest in history despite your boasting. US - 1 GB - 0 That's the box score for today, history fans. Nothing more to see here. One, single, British ship lost to another ship from the rebel army. Britain was not defeated. That would come later. And actually there was a French ship involved and when the captain closed and fired he actually hit Bonhomme Richard. Captain Jones always felt that he did it on purpose because he wanted the prize too. Jealousy among the pirates, I guess. : Jones was actually travelling in a squadron that consisted of Bonhomme Richard and Pallas, Vengeance, and the Alliance. Look up the Alliance. That's the ship that fired into Bonhomme Richard and Serapis. Your response is wearisome but so predictable.
What is interesting is that the crew of the Bonhomme Richard forecast the American nation as the crew represented a variety of nationalities and languages, hailing from the American colonies, France, Scotland, Ireland, England, Italy, Norway, and even India.
Actually, we can dispense with the daily box-score and just go to the final result. The Americans won their War for Independence and eventually formed the Arsenal of Democracy. The British lost a colony, but gained a valuable ally in 20th Century wars that threatened the existence of Great Britain.
I await your knee-jerk reaction.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
