Question

Describe how John Paul Jones’ military leadership contributed to the American Revolution. Discuss what effect he may have had on other soldiers fighting in the Revolution. Your answer should be at least one hundred words.

Answer 1

John Paul Jones was the United States' first well-known naval commander in the American Revolutionary War. He made many friends and enemies—who accused him of piracy—among America's political elites, and his actions in British waters during the Revolution earned him an international reputation which persists to this day. As such, he is sometimes referred to as the "Father of the American Navy". He later served in the Imperial Russian Navy, subsequently obtaining the rank of rear admiral.

Answer 2

Shortly after the Revolution began, he was in Philadelphia and through the friendship of Joseph Hewes, a delegate to the Continental Congress, was commissioned as first lieutenant on the Alfred in the Continental navy. Jones proved himself a capable officer in action on the Alfred and on the sloop Providence which he commanded in 1776. The next year Congress sent him to France as captain of the Ranger with orders to attack enemy commerce in British waters. His greatest success on the Ranger came in April 1778 when he sailed from Brest for the Irish Sea and then to Whitehaven. This superb foray saw him fail in his attempt to abduct the Earl of Selkirk, whom he intended to exchange for Americans held by the British, but he captured the sloop of war Drake in a fierce struggle. By May 8, the Ranger was back at Brest with seven prizes and many prisoners, having created a furor in the British press.

. The enemy was the Serapis, one of the British escorts of a large convoy. In the battle, mostly fought in moonlight, the Bonhomme Richard grappled with the Serapis. With the two vessels lashed together, the British captain asked Jones if he wished to surrender and received the famous reply, “I have not yet begun to fight.” Indeed Jones had not, and when the night’s work was done, he accepted the surrender of his enemy.