PREFACE. Catherine II.; and was intended for publication if the Russian government failed to do him justice. He felt that it totally failed; but death anticipated his long-contemplated purpose. To this Journal, Mr. Eton, in his Survey of the Turkish Empire, refers, as having been seen by him. It was, however, only the official report, transmitted by Paul Jones to the Admiralty of the Black Sea, that this gentleman could have seen. This singular narrative, which so confidently gives the lie to all the Russian statements of that momentous campaign, is written in French. In the following work the language of the original is as closely adhered to as is admissible even in the most literal translation. Several passages have been omitted, and others curtailed, as they refer merely to technical details, which might have unduly swelled this work, without adding much to its interest. Much of the voluminous official correspondence which passed between Paul Jones and the other commanders during the campaign is also omitted. These pieces justificatives were only intended to corroborate, or elucidate, the narrative; they are, save in a few instances which are cited, not particularly interesting. Besides the above papers and documents, the editor has been furnished with the letters written by Paul Jones to his relations in Scotland, from the time that he was a ship-boy at Whitehaven till he died an Admiral in the Russian service, and the wearer of several Orders. From these materials an attempt has been made to exhibit, for the first time, the real character of this remarkable and distinguished individual, fairly, but liberally, keeping clear of hyperbole and exaggeration on the one hand, and of prejudice and misrepresentation on the other. Of each of these, the reputation, and true character of Paul Jones, have long been the alternate sport or victim. CONTENTS. Commencement of the Revolution. Jones enters the Naval service of the United States. Expedition to Providence under Commodore Hopkins. Expedition to Newfoundland. Organization of the Navy. Intercourse In Paris. Plan of Naval Campaign. Goes to Quiberon. Obtains the first Salute. Cruise on the British coast. Capture of the Drake. Letter to Jones in France. Prisoners and Prize Agents. New plans. Correspon- dence with Dr. Franklin and the Commissioners and the French Minis- PAGE Jones declines the Privateer service. The Bon Homme Richard and a Squadron placed under his command. Sails on a Cruise. The Cruise. The gold Sword. Order of Merit, Landais and Refitting of the Serapis. Sailing of the Alliance. Sailing of the Ariel. Aricl dismasted. Jones and Delia. M. de Sar- Jones in the United States. His Narrative of the Voyage. Trial and dis- missal of Landais. Complimentary report of the American Board of Admiralty. Thanks of Congress. Letter from Washington. Appointed to the command of the America. Disappointed. Return of peace. Jones gocs to Paris. Returns to America. Receives gold medal from Con- gress. Returns to Europe. Enters the Russian service. Goes to St. LIST OF EMBELLISHMENTS. PORTRAIT OF PAUL JONES. FRONTISPIECE. TITLE PAGE. MEDALLION FROM THE CONGRESS MEDAL. THE RICHARD AND SERAPIS. BEGINNING OF THE ACTION. .124 ..125 .128 131 PORTRAIT-COMMODORE DALE PORTRAIT-ROBERT MORRIS ESCAPE OF THE ALLIANCE... 133 ..151 .153 |