The reception of Paul Jones by the Congress at Philadelphia was one
suitable to his great services. On the 27th of February, Congress passed
a resolution reciting that “The Congress entertains a high sense of the
distinguished bravery and military conduct of Paul Jones, Esq., captain
in the navy of the United States, and particularly in his victory over
the British frigate Serapis, on the coast of England, which was attended
with circumstances so brilliant as to excite general applause and
admiration.
“That the Minister Plenipotentiary of these United States at the Court
of Versailles communicate to His Most Christian Majesty the high
satisfaction Congress has received from the conduct and gallant behavior
of Captain Paul Jones, which have merited the attention and approbation
of His Most Christian Majesty, and that His Majesty’s offer of adorning
Captain Jones with the cross of the Order of Military Merit is highly
acceptable to Congress.”
[Illustration: _Paul Jones._
(Drawn from a Portrait.)]
On the 28th of March, Congress passed another resolution severely
censuring Captain Landais, who had then been court-martialed and
dismissed the navy, and saying of Paul Jones, after enumerating his
actions: “Ever since Captain Paul Jones first became an officer in the
service of these States he hath shown an unremitted attention in
planning and executing enterprises calculated to promote the essential
interests of our glorious cause. That in Europe, although his expedition
through the Irish Channel in the Ranger did not fully accomplish his
purpose, yet he made the enemy feel that it is in the power of a small
squadron, under a brave and enterprising commander, to retaliate the
conflagrations of our defenseless towns. That, returning from Europe, he
brought with him the esteem of the greatest and best friends of America,
and hath received from the illustrious monarch of France that reward of
warlike virtue which his subjects receive by a long series of faithful
services or uncommon merit. That the conduct of Paul Jones merits
particular attention and some distinguished mark of approbation from the
United States, in Congress assembled.”
On the 14th of April the distinguished mark of approbation was granted,
in the form of the thanks of Congress, as follows:
“That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be given
to Captain Paul Jones, for the zeal, prudence, and intrepidity with
which he has supported the honor of the American flag; for his bold and
successful enterprises to redeem from captivity the citizens of the
States who had fallen under the power of the enemy; and, in general, for
the good conduct and eminent services by which he has added luster to
his character and to the American arms.
“That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be also
given to the officers and men who have faithfully served under him from
time to time, for their steady affection to the cause of their country
and the bravery and perseverance they have manifested therein.”
Following this, there were numerous letters from eminent patriots, and a
truly affectionate one from Lafayette, ending with: “As to the pleasure
of taking you by the hand, my dear Paul Jones, you know my affectionate
sentiments and my very great regard for you, so that I need not add
anything on that subject.”
Greatest of all, came a letter from Washington himself, which said:
“Delicacy forbids me to mention _that particular one_, which has
attracted the admiration of all the world.... That you may long enjoy
the reputation you have so justly acquired, is the sincere wish of,
“Sir, your most obedient servant,
“Geo. Washington.”
Upon the official examination of his report, Paul Jones proudly
answered, in response to an interrogatory, “I have never borne or acted
under any other commission than that of the Congress of America.” His
accounts also showed that he had not up to that time received a penny
either as pay or subsistence.
Upon a beautiful spring day, the French minister, M. de Luzerne, gave a
grand _fête_ at Philadelphia, for the purpose of investing Paul Jones
with the cross of the Order of Military Merit, sent him by the King of
France. All the Congress was invited, and all of the army and navy
officers then in Philadelphia were present in full uniform, besides the
leading citizens of Philadelphia, and entertainment was especially
provided for the sailors who had served under Paul Jones, as well as the
officers. The guests assembled in the afternoon, and at four o’clock
precisely M. de Luzerne and Paul Jones walked together to the center of
the lawn, under a grove of noble trees. The scene was brilliant and
beautiful, the white dresses of the women and the bright Continental
uniforms of the men showing bravely against the green turf. On a tall
flagstaff floated together the Stars and Stripes and the _Fleur-de-lis_
of France. Conspicuously massed together were the brave blue jackets who
had served under Paul Jones and his officers, in full uniform, with the
ever-loved Dale at their head. A military band played inspiring airs as
M. de Luzerne and Paul Jones advanced to the center of the great circle.
Paul Jones, wearing the full uniform of an American captain and his
gold-hilted sword, and carrying in his hand his blue-and-gold cap, was a
picture of manliness and modesty. His face was pale, but his eyes were
gleaming. He had fought for glory, and glory had been lavished upon him.
The French ambassador, in a loud voice, spoke:
“Patriots: His Most Christian Majesty, whom I have the honor to serve,
desiring to show his affection for the cause of America, and for the
gallant and shining conduct of Captain Paul Jones, has directed me, as a
knight of the Order of Military Merit, to confer upon Captain Paul Jones
the cross of this noble order. This has never before been given to any
man not a citizen of France. But were it not for Paul Jones’s devotion
to America, well might France claim him as her son, so well has he
served her cause and that of her allies.” Then, turning to Paul Jones,
he held up a splendid jeweled cross, and said:
“Therefore, I, in the name of my master, the king, do now invest you
with this cross; and may you live long to wear this glorious emblem!” A
roar of cheers broke forth and resounded through the still and lovely
air. The “hoorays” of the blue jackets, led by handsome Bill Green, were
heard over all the rest, and Danny Dixon, the picture of a sailor, in
his smart and handsome uniform, suddenly began to dance a hornpipe in
the excess of his delight.
A mist came before Paul Jones’s eyes. The affection, the respect, and
the admiration of the people he had tried to serve was inexpressibly
sweet to him, and as he caught sight of “Old Glory,” that floated
proudly in the golden sunset light, he could say to his own heart, “I
promised to attend that flag with veneration, and I have done it to the
best of my power, and without fear or reproach.” Next him stood Dale,
his best beloved friend and lieutenant. Paul Jones laid his hand on
Dale’s shoulder, and together they watched the inspiring scene.
“My captain,” said Dale, after a moment, “I have a feeling here”—he
touched his breast—“which tells me that when the day of conflict is
over, and our country takes her stand as the greatest republic upon the
earth, you will be ranked first among those who maintained her honor on
the seas; and the name of Paul Jones will be linked with so much glory
that every American sea officer will envy those who can say with pride,
as I do, ‘_I served under Paul Jones!_’”
THE END.
FOOTNOTES
[1]This was the first flag of the Revolution—a pine tree with a
rattlesnake under it, bearing the bold motto, “Don’t tread on me.”
[2]The songs in this story are not original.
[3]Meaning his appointment to command the American ships in foreign
waters.
[4]This incident is historically true.
[5]Cooper mentions the peculiar tenderness of Dale’s tone, when, in his
latter days, he spoke of his old captain as “Paul.”
Transcriber’s Notes
--Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public
domain in the country of publication.
--Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and
dialect unchanged.
--In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the
HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)