John Paul Jones: Difference between revisions

In [[1779]] Captain Jones took command of the [[USS Bonhomme Richard (frigate)|USS ''Bonhomme Richard'']], a merchant ship rebuilt and gifted to America by French shipping magnate, [[Jacques-Donatien Le Ray]]. On [[September 23]] of that year, the five ship squadron included the 42 gun ''Bonhomme Richard'', 32 gun ''PALLAS'', 32 gun ''Alliance'', 12 Gun ''Vengeance'' and the ''CERF'' engaged a merchant convoy off the coast of [[Flamborough Head]] [[East Yorkshire]] on 23 September 1779. The 44 gun British frigate [[HMS Serapis|HMS ''Serapis'']] and the 22 gun [[Countess of Scarborough|''Countess of Scarborough'']] counter engaged scattered the attacking squadron allowing the merchants to disengage and attempt escape. The ''Vengeance'' and ''CERF'' unsuccessfully pursued the convoy which ultimately escaped.

The ''Bonhomme Richard'', ''Pallas'' and ''Alliance'' engaged the British warships. The 44 gun ''Serapis'' engaged the larger 42 gun ''Bonhomme Richard''. The 32 gun ''Alliance'' counter-engaged the ''Serapis''. 6) The ''Serapis'' twice raked the ''Bonhomme Richard'' with broadsides which cut itsher mainmast and holed her below the waterline taking individual hits in return. John

With Jones''Bonhomme rammedRichard'' burning and sinking, the British demanded his surrender. Jones replied, “I have not yet begun to fight.” He rammed ''Serapis'' and tied up to her, his marksmen in the rigging clearing the decks of the ''Serapis'' of British seaman so a boarding party was able to cross to the ''Serapis'' and effect its capture.

Meanwhile the 22 gun ''Countess of Scarborough'' engaged the 40 gun ''Pallas'' and was eventually captured both ships taking extensive damage.