John Paul Jones

Jones, John Paul (1747–92), Scottish-born U.S. naval hero of the Revolution. He raided British ships during the war for independence, capturing the Drake, a British warship, and the Serapis (1779). During the battle with the Serapis, Jones was the commander of the Bon Homme Richard. When the Richard was badly damaged, Jones was asked to surrender, but told the British commander, “Sir, I have not yet begun to fight!”

See also: Revolutionary War in America.