They ought to make bracelets that say WWJPJD. What Would John Paul Jones Do ? Among the pantheon of greats such as George Washington and Ben Franklin, John Paul Jones has his place. Just finished reading the two volume biography by Augustus C. Buell on Paul Jones. It is entitled: Paul Jones: Founder of the American Navy and was published by Charles Scribner's Sons in New York in 1900. John Paul Jones timeline is remarkable:
1. He went to sea as a sailor starting at age 12.
2. He became a shipmate at age 17.
3. He became a Captain at age 20 in the merchant service of the North Atlantic.
4. Upon inheritance, he became a Virginia planter before age 26.
5. He became a Naval Lieutenant at age 28.
6. He became a Commodore at age 32.
7. By age 33 he became world famous in the most celebrated sea victory up to that time in the capture of the British ship Serapis as his own was on fire and sinking (he uttered the famous words, "I have not yet begun to fight" when asked if he was striking colors to give up).
8. He was knighted by the King of France and given a sword.
9. He became an Admiral in the Russian Navy.
10. He died at age 45 and counted among his friends and acquaintances many illustrious figures including George Washington, Ben Franklin (whom he named a ship after), the King of France Louis VXVI, Empress Catherine the Great of Russia and the Marquis de Lafayette.
He wrote and spoke English and French fluently. He proved an extremely able diplomat in international negotiations with France, Holland, and Denmark out of necessity over prize ships. He led with character versus fear (throwing away feared tools of discipline on ships like the cat of nine tails whip). Among his personal traits: honesty, respectful diplomacy, loyalty, and courage. He overcame the most remarkable obstacles with grace and dignity including a false criminal allegation in Russia, his own ship firing on him (the Alliance) in the battle of the Serapis and refusing to assist him afterwards, jealous colleagues who intrigued and sometimes succeeded in taking his ships and crew from him (but never succeeding in the long run), false reports of war victories (giving credit for his wins to others which he stood his ground on correcting), and huge disappointments such as preparing and supervising construction of the largest war ship ever to be built in America (called teh America) which he was to captain only to have it given away to France. His company was much sought after due to his charm, manners and enlightening conversation. Women from Great Britain, America and France adored him. He exercised as much wisdom in life as he showed courage in battle. His words convey remarkable judgment. He remarked to French Navy Officer Kersaint, "... in human affairs the sources of success are ever to be found in the fountains of quick resolve and swift stroke; and it seems to be a law inflexible and inexorable that he who will not risk cannot win." Outmanned and outgunned, he won many battles on the sea, capturing many ships due to his bravery, intelligent strategy and sheer will to win. He was an excellent judge of character. In his journal of 1791, he wrote "... truth and courage are twin traits; and, on the other hand, so are cowardice and falsehood alike inseparable." Despite the British and Tories destroying his Virginia plantation in the American Revolution, in his travels to Great Britain after the war he always demonstrated the utmost respect and forgiveness. He had two sisters living in America during the outbreak of the American Revolution. One, with British loyalties, returned to Scotland. Hurt by the tension between the sisters, he advised both of the Pope's Universal Prayer which he lived by:
"Teach me to feel another's woe;
To hide the faults I see;
That mercy I to others show;
Such mercy show to me."
A study of John Paul Jones' life teaches one that courage, truth, hard work and moral principles are what makes great men. Great accomplishments don't make great men. It is rather, great men achieve great accomplishments. The son of a humble, poor Scottish gardener grew up to become the most famous man to ever sail the seas. What an honor it is for the United States to have John Paul Jones be the Father of our Navy. What a treasure for all humanity to learn from John Paul Jones. His astonishing victories, tremendous accomplishments, and renown courage will forever be a beacon that good character accomplishes the unthinkable.
