John Paul Jones – 1747-1792

Jones was a Scots sailor and ship’s master, who, after killing a mutinous crew member, fled to America in 1775 and, at the outbreak of the revolution, joined the Continental Navy. He raided British commerce, capturing numerous ships. On September 23, 1779, he attacked a large merchant fleet under escort by the British warships Serapis and Countess of Scarborough. Outgunned, Jones fought a 3.5-hour battle, replying to a British surrender demand with “I have not yet begun to fight!” He captured Serapis and the Countess of Scarborough, but lost his own Bonhomme Richard.