SUPERSEDED IN RANK--PROTESTS VAINLY AGAINST THE INJUSTICE--ORDERED TO
COMMAND THE RANGER--HOISTS FIRST AMERICAN FLAG.
The period between the termination of his last cruise and his
assignment to his next important command was employed by Jones in
vigorous and proper protests against the arbitrary action of Congress,
which had deprived him of that position on the navy list which was his
just due, were either merit, date of commission, or quality of service
considered. To the ordinary citizen the question may appear of little
interest, but to the professional soldier or sailor it is of the first
importance. Indeed, it is impossible to conceive of properly
maintaining an army or navy without regular promotion, definitive
station, and adequate reward of merit. To feel that rank is temporary
and position is at the will of unreasonable and irresponsible
direction is to undermine service.
The same injustice drove John Stark, of New Hampshire, to resign the
service with the pithy observation that an officer who could not
protect his own rights was unfit to be trusted with those of his
country. It did not prevent his winning the fight at Bennington,
though. The same treatment caused Daniel Morgan to seek that
retirement from which he was only drawn forth by his country's peril
to win the Battle of the Cowpens. And, lastly, it was the same
treatment which, in part at least, made Arnold a traitor. Then, as
ever, Congress was continually meddling with matters of purely
military administration, to the very great detriment of the service.
Jones has been censured as a jealous stickler for rank, a quibbler
about petty distinctions in trying times. Such criticisms proceed from
ignorance. If there were nothing else, rank means opportunity. The
range of prospective enterprises is greater the higher the rank. The
little Scotsman was properly tenacious of his prerogatives--we could
not admire him if he were not so--and naturally exasperated by the
arbitrary course of Congress, against which he protested with
all the vehemence of his passionate, fiery, and--it must be
confessed--somewhat irritable nature. On this subject he thus wrote to
the Marine Board at Philadelphia:
"I am now to inform you that by a letter from Commodore Hopkins, dated
on board the Warren, January 14, 1777, which came to my hands a day or
two ago, I am superseded in the command of the Alfred, in favour of
Captain Hinman, and ordered back to the sloop in Providence River.
Whether this order doth or doth not supersede also your orders to me
of the 10th ult. you can best determine; however, as I undertook the
late expedition at his (Commodore Hopkins') request, from a principle
of humanity, I mean not now to make a difficulty about trifles,
especially when the good of the service is to be consulted. As I am
unconscious of any neglect of duty or misconduct, since my appointment
at the first as eldest lieutenant of the navy, I can not suppose that
you have intended to set me aside in favour of any man who did not at
that time bear a captain's commission, unless, indeed, that man, by
exerting his superior abilities, hath rendered or can render more
important services to America. Those who stepped forth at the first,
in ships altogether unfit for war, were generally considered as
frantic rather than wise men, for it must be remembered that almost
everything then made against them. And although the success in the
affair with the Glasgow was not equal to what it might have been, yet
the blame ought not to be general. The principal or principals in
command alone are culpable, and the other officers, while they stand
unimpeached, have their full merit. There were, it is true, divers
persons, from misrepresentation, put into commission at the beginning,
without fit qualification, and perhaps the number may have been
increased by later appointments; but it follows not that the gentleman
or man of merit should be neglected or overlooked on their account.
None other than a gentleman, as well as a seaman both in theory and
practice, is qualified to support the character of a commission
officer in the navy; nor is any man fit to command a ship of war who
is not also capable of communicating his ideas on paper, in language
that becomes his rank. If this be admitted, the foregoing operations
will be sufficiently clear; but if further proof is required it can
easily be produced.
"When I entered into the service I was not actuated by motives of
self-interest. I stepped forth as a free citizen of the world, in
defense of the violated rights of mankind, and not in search of
riches, whereof, I thank God, I inherit a sufficiency; but I should
prove my degeneracy were I not in the highest degree tenacious of my
rank and seniority. As a gentleman I can yield this point up only to
persons of superior abilities and superior merit, and under such
persons it would be my highest ambition to learn. As this is the first
time of my having expressed the least anxiety on my own account, I
must entreat your patience until I account to you for the reason which
hath given me this freedom of sentiment. It seems that Captain
Hinman's commission is No. 1, and that, in consequence, he who was at
first my junior officer by eight, _hath expressed himself as my senior
officer_ in a manner which doth himself no honour, and which doth me
signal injury. There are also in the navy persons who have not shown
me fair play after the service I have rendered them. I have even been
blamed for the civilities which I have shown to my prisoners, at the
request of one of whom I herein inclose an appeal, which I must beg
leave to lay before Congress. Could you see the appellant's
accomplished lady, and the innocents their children, arguments in
their behalf would be unnecessary. As the base-minded only are capable
of inconsistencies, you will not blame my free soul, which can never
stoop where I can not also esteem. Could I, which I never can, bear to
be superseded, I should indeed deserve your contempt and total
neglect. I am therefore to entreat you to employ me in the most
enterprising and active service, accountable to your honourable board
only for my conduct, and connected as much as possible with gentlemen
and men of good sense."
The letter does credit to his head and heart alike. Matter and manner
are both admirable. In it he is at his best, and one paragraph shows
that the generous sympathy he ever felt for a prisoner could even be
extended to the enemies of his country, so that as far as he
personally was concerned they should suffer no needless hardship in
captivity. Considered as the production of a man whose life from
boyhood had been mainly spent upon the sea in trading ships and
slavers, with their limited opportunities for polite learning, and an
entire absence of that refined society without which education rarely
rises to the point of culture, the form and substance of Jones'
letters are surprising. Of this and of most of the letters hereafter
to be quoted only words of approbation may be used. A just yet modest
appreciation of his own dignity, a proper and resolute determination
to maintain it, a total failure to truckle to great men, an absence of
sycophancy and hypocrisy, a clear insight into the requirements of a
gentleman and an effortless rising to his own high standard without
unpleasant self-assertion, are found in his correspondence.
Considering the humble source from which he sprang, his words, written
and spoken, equally with his deeds, indicate his rare qualities.
It is probable that no disposition existed in Congress to do him an
injustice--quite the reverse, in fact; but the claims of the
representatives of the several States, which were insistently put
forth in behalf of local individuals aspiring to naval station from
the various colonies in which the different ships were building, were
too strong to be disregarded. The central administration was at no
time sufficiently firm for a really strong government, and
conciliation and temporization were necessary. It was only by the very
highest quality of tact that greater difficulties were overcome, and
that more glaring acts of injustice were not perpetrated. So sensible
were the authorities of Jones' conduct, so valuable had been his
services on his last two cruises, that while they were unable at that
time, in spite of his protests, to restore him to his proper place in
the list, as a concession to his ability and merit orders were given
him assigning him to the command of the squadron consisting of the
Alfred, Columbus, Cabot, Hampden, and Providence, to operate against
Pensacola.
This was virtually creating him commander-in-chief of the naval
forces, for outside the ships mentioned there were but few others
worthy of consideration. Natural jealousy had, however, arisen in the
mind of Hopkins, the commander-in-chief, at being thus superseded and
ignored through one of his own subordinates by Congress, with which
his relations had become so strained that he affected to disbelieve
the validity of the order assigning Jones to this duty, and, refusing
to comply therewith, retained the ships under his command. The matter
thereupon fell through.
Finding all efforts to secure the squadron and carry out these orders
fruitless, Jones journeyed to Philadelphia for the purpose of
emphatically placing before the Marine Committee his grievances. There
a further shock awaited him.
"My conduct hitherto," he writes on this subject in the memorial
addressed to Congress from the Texel years after, "was so much
approved of by Congress that on the 5th of February, 1777, I was
appointed, with unlimited orders, to command a little squadron of the
Alfred, Columbus, Cabot, Hampden, and sloop Providence. Various
important services were pointed out, but I was left at free liberty to
make my election. That service, however, did not take place; for the
commodore, who had three of the squadron blocked in at Providence,
affected to disbelieve my appointment, and would not at last give me
the necessary assistance. Finding that he trifled with my applications
as well as the orders of Congress, I undertook a journey from Boston
to Philadelphia, in order to explain matters to Congress in person. I
took this step also because Captain Hinman had succeeded me in the
command of the Alfred, and, of course, the service could not suffer
through my absence. I arrived at Philadelphia in the beginning of
April. But what was my surprise to find that, by a new line of navy
rank, which had taken place on the 10th day of October, 1776, all the
officers that had stepped forth at the beginning were superseded! I
was myself superseded by thirteen men, not one of whom did (and
perhaps some of them durst not) take the sea against the British flag
at the first; for several of them who were then applied to refused to
venture, and none of them has since been very happy in proving their
superior abilities. Among these thirteen there are individuals who can
neither pretend to parts nor education, and with whom, as a private
gentleman, I would disdain to associate.
"I leave your excellency and the Congress to judge how this must
affect a man of honour and sensibility.
"I was told by President Hancock that what gave me so much pain had
been the effect of a multiplicity of business. He acknowledged the
injustice of that regulation, said it should make but a nominal and
temporary difference, and that in the meantime I might assure myself
that no navy officer stood higher in the opinion of Congress than
myself."
The complete news of his displacement and supersession in rank does
not appear to have reached him before this. His efforts to secure the
restoration of his rank proving useless, he applied for immediate sea
duty. The next attempt on the part of the Marine Committee to gratify
Jones's wish for active service, and avail themselves of his ability
at the same time, took the shape of a resolution of Congress
authorizing him to choose the best of three ships which it was
proposed to purchase in Boston, which he was to command until some
better provision could be made for him. He was ordered to that point
to fit out the ship. During this period of harassing anxiety he gave
great attention to formulating plans and making suggestions looking to
a more effective organization of the new naval establishment.
To Robert Morris, chairman of the committee, on different occasions,
he communicated his views on this important subject in a series of
valuable letters, of which the following are pertinent extracts:
"As the regulations of the navy are of the utmost consequence, you
will not think me presumptuous, if, with the utmost diffidence, I
venture to communicate to you such hints as, in my judgment, will
promote its honor and good government. I could heartily wish that
every commissioned officer were to be previously examined; for, to my
certain knowledge, there are persons who have already crept into
commission without abilities or fit qualifications; I am myself far
from desiring to be excused. From experience in ours, as well as from
my former intimacy with many officers of note in the British navy, I
am convinced that the parity of rank between sea and land or marine
officers is of more consequence to the harmony of the sea service than
has generally been imagined... I propose not our enemies as an example
for our general imitation; yet, as their navy is the best regulated of
any in the world, we must, in some degree, imitate them, and aim at
such further improvement as may one day make ours vie with and exceed
theirs."
With regard to the difficulty of recruiting seamen, some of whom,
finding the merchant service or coasting trade was broken up, had
entered the army at the beginning of the war, while many more had
engaged in privateering--a much more profitable vocation than the
regular service--he says:
"It is to the least degree distressing to contemplate the state and
establishment of our navy. The common class of mankind are actuated by
no nobler principle than that of self-interest; this, and this alone,
determines all adventurers in privateers--the owners, as well as those
whom they employ. And while this is the case, unless the private
emolument of individuals in our navy is made superior to that in
privateers, it can never become respectable, it will never become
formidable. And without a respectable navy--alas! America. In the
present critical situation of affairs human wisdom can suggest no more
than one infallible expedient: enlist the seamen during pleasure, and
give them all the prizes. What is the paltry emolument of two thirds
of prizes to the finances of this vast continent? If so poor a
resource is essential to its independence, in sober sadness we are
involved in a woeful predicament, and our ruin is fast approaching.
The situation of America is new in the annals of mankind; her affairs
cry haste, and speed must answer them. Trifles, therefore, ought to be
wholly disregarded, as being, in the old vulgar proverb, penny wise
and pound foolish. If our enemies, with the best establishment and
most formidable navy in the universe, have found it expedient to
assign all prizes to the captors, how much more is such policy
essential to our infant fleet! But I need use no arguments to convince
you of the necessity of making the emoluments of our navy equal, if
not superior, to theirs. We have had proof that a navy may be
officered on almost any terms, but we are not so sure that these
officers are equal to their commissions; nor will the Congress ever
obtain such certainty until they in their wisdom see proper to appoint
a board of admiralty competent to determine impartially the respective
merits and abilities of their officers, and to superintend, regulate,
and point out all the motions and operations of the navy."
In another letter to Robert Morris he writes:
"There are no officers more immediately wanted in the marine
department than commissioners of dockyards, to superintend the
building and outfits of all ships of war; with power to appoint
deputies, to provide, and have in constant readiness, sufficient
quantities of provisions, stores, and slops, so that the small number
of ships we have may be constantly employed, and not continue idle, as
they do at present. Besides all the advantages that would arise from
such appointments, the saving which would accrue to the continent is
worth attending to. Had such men been appointed at the first, the new
ships might have been at sea long ago. The difficulty now lies in
finding men who are deserving, and who are fitly qualified for an
office of such importance."
We are surprised at the clear insight of this untrained, inexperienced
Scotsman, whom, by the way, I shall hereafter call an American. Most
of his recommendations have long since been adopted in our own navy
and other navies of the world. His conclusions are the results of his
long and thorough professional study, his habits of application, his
power of comprehension and faculty of clear and explicit statement.
His observations would do credit to the most trained observer with
large experience back of his observation.
Another curious letter to a former friend on the island of Tobago,
written at this time, which deals with certain investments in property
with balances due him from his various trading ventures, contains the
following statement:
"As I hope my dear mother is still alive, I must inform you that I
wish my property in Tobago, or in England, after paying my just debts,
to be applied for her support. Your own feelings, my dear sir, make it
unnecessary for me to use arguments to prevail with you on this tender
point. Any remittances which you may be enabled to make, through the
hands of my good friend Captain John Plainer, of Cork, will be
faithfully put into her hands; she hath several orphan grandchildren
to provide for."
All of which plainly indicates that, though a citizen of another
country and the bearer of another name, he still retained those
natural feelings of affection which his enemies would fain persuade us
were not in his being.
While waiting at Boston for the purchase of the ships referred to, he
was selected by Congress to command a heavy ship of war, a frigate to
be called the Indien, then building at Amsterdam, which undoubtedly
would be the most formidable vessel in the American service. This
would be not only a just tribute to his merit, but would also solve
the difficulty about relative rank, for he would be the highest
ranking officer in Continental waters, and there could be no conflict
of authority. He was directed to proceed at once to Europe to take
command of this ship. The Marine Committee sent the following letter,
addressed to the commissioners of the United States in Europe, to Paul
Jones, for him to present to them on his arrival in France:
"Philadelphia, _May 9, 1777_.
"Honourable Gentlemen: This letter is intended to be delivered to you
by John Paul Jones, Esquire, an active and brave commander in our
navy, who has already performed signal services in vessels of little
force; and, in reward for his zeal, we have directed him to go on
board the Amphitrite, a French ship of twenty guns, that brought in a
valuable cargo of stores from Messrs. Hortalez & Co.,[4] and with her
to repair to France. He takes with him his commission, and some
officers and men, so that we hope he will, under that sanction, make
some good prizes with the Amphitrite; but our design of sending him
is, with the approbation of Congress, that you may purchase one of
those fine frigates that Mr. Deane writes us you can get, and invest
him with the command thereof as soon as possible. We hope you may not
delay this business one moment, but purchase, in such port or place in
Europe as it can be done with most convenience and dispatch, a fine,
fast-sailing frigate, or larger ship. Direct Captain Jones where he
must repair to, and he will take with him his officers and men toward
manning her. You will assign him some good house or agent, to supply
him with everything necessary to get the ship speedily and well
equipped and manned; somebody that will bestir himself vigorously in
the business, and never quit it until it is accomplished.
"If you have any plan or service to be performed in Europe by such a
ship, that you think will be more for the interest and honour of the
States than sending her out directly, Captain Jones is instructed to
obey your orders; and, to save repetition, let him lay before you the
instructions we have given him, and furnish you with a copy thereof.
You can then judge what will be necessary for you to direct him in;
and whatever you do will be approved, as it will undoubtedly tend to
promote the public service of this country.
"You see by this step how much dependence Congress places in your
advices; and you must make it a point not to disappoint Captain Jones'
wishes and expectations on this occasion."
At the same time the committee sent the following letter to Jones
himself:
"Philadelphia, _May 9, 1777_.
"Sir: Congress have thought proper to authorize the Secret Committee
to employ you on a voyage in the Amphitrite, from Portsmouth to
Carolina and France, where it is expected you will be provided with a
fine frigate; and as your present commission is for the command of a
particular ship, we now send you a new one, whereby you are appointed
a captain in our navy, and of course may command any ship in the
service to which you are particularly ordered. You are to obey the
orders of the Secret Committee, and we are, sir, etc."
The Amphitrite, which was to carry out Jones and the other officers
and seamen to man the proposed frigate, was an armed merchantman. The
French commander of the Amphitrite, however, made great difficulty
with regard to surrendering his command to Jones, and even to
receiving him and his men on board the ship, and through his
persistent and vehement objections this promising arrangement likewise
fell through. Jones continued his importunities for a command,
however, his desire being then, as always, for active service.
Finally, by the following resolutions passed by Congress on the 14th
of June, he was appointed to the sloop of war Ranger, then nearing
completion at Portsmouth, New Hampshire:
"_Resolved_, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen
stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars,
white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.
"_Resolved_, That Captain Paul Jones be appointed to command the ship
Ranger.
"_Resolved_, That William Whipple, Esquire, member of Congress and of
the Marine Committee, John Langdon, Esquire, Continental agent, and
the said John Paul Jones be authorized to appoint lieutenants and
other commissioned and warrant officers necessary for the said ship;
and that blank commissions and warrants be sent them, to be filled up
with the names of the persons they appoint, returns whereof to be made
to the navy board in the Eastern Department."
At last, having received something tangible, he hastened to Portsmouth
as soon as his orders were delivered to him, and assumed the command.
It is claimed, perhaps with justice, that his hand was the first to
hoist the new flag of the Republic, the Stars and Stripes, to the
masthead of a war ship, as it had been the first to hoist the first
flag of any sort at the masthead of the Alfred, not quite two years
before. The date of this striking event is not known.
It is interesting to note the conjunction of Jones with the flag in
this resolution; an association justified by his past, and to be
further justified by his future, conduct, and by the curious
relationship in which he was brought to the colors of the United
States by his opportune action upon various occasions. The name of no
other man is so associated with our flag as is his.