In the years 1778 and 1779 British commerce suffered severely from the attacks of Paul Jones.

In September of the latter year he cruised along the East coast with the “Bonne Homme Richard,” 40 guns, 375 men; the “Alliance,” 40 guns, 300 men; the “Pallas,” 32 guns, 275 men; and the “Vengeance,” 12 guns, 70 men. On the 20th of September, Bridlington was alarmed by an express stating that Paul Jones was off Scarborough; that evening he was seen by the fishermen of Flamborough, and a fleet of merchantmen crowded into Bridlington bay, and the harbour was soon thronged with vessels, a number being chained alongside the piers. The townsfolks mustered, rudely armed, and supported the two companies of Northumberland Militia, who marched to the quay with drums beating.

The Baltic fleet, with a freight valued at £600,000 pounds, was approaching the coast, convoyed by the “Serapis,” 40 guns, captain, Pearson; and the “Countess of Scarborough,” 20 guns, captain, Piercy. On Thursday, September 23rd, the fleet approached Scarborough, and was warned by the bailiff that the enemy was in the neighbourhood. Captain Pearson then signalled the fleet to bear down upon his lee, but the ships continued their course. About noon a scene of confusion ensued as the leading ships perceived the enemy bearing down upon them. The two captains hoisted all sail, prepared for action, and took the post of danger.

Twilight was closing over waves and cliff when, at about twenty minutes past seven, the “Serapis” challenged the “Bonne Homme Richard,” and saluted him with a cannon shot. The American flag was run up, and the shot returned. Captain Pearson delivered a broadside, which was returned, and for some time the battle was carried on by repeated discharges of cannon. The moon arose with unusual brilliancy, and the natives of Flamborough thronged to the cliffs to witness the exciting scene. Paul Jones attempted to board, but with bayonet, pike, and cutlass the British tars maintained their decks, and the “Bonne Homme Richard” sheered off. An attempt to lay the “Serapis” square with her adversary was foiled, and the “Bonne Homme Richard” was laid across the bows of the “Serapis.” With cannon and small arms a murderous conflict was maintained, then the jib-boom of the “Serapis” gave way, and the ships fell broadside to broadside, with yard-arms locked; swaying and reeling as they ripped up each other’s sides with repeated broadsides, although the muzzles of the cannons touched, and many of the port-lids were torn away.

The night closed in, and the conflict continued. The decks of the “Serapis” were swept by shot, covered with the slain and wounded. For two hours her crew maintained the fight with heroic courage. Combustibles were thrown upon her decks, ten times she took fire; a hand-grenade exploded a cartridge, and the explosion ran along the line of guns where the cartridges lay, abaft the mainmast. Many men were killed or wounded, and the guns remained unfought to the end.

During this murderous work the “Alliance” sailed round and round the combatants, and raked the “Serapis” with successive broadsides.

On a cry for quarter being raised, Captain Pearson boarded the “Bonne Homme Richard,” but at once retired on perceiving a numerous party of the enemy lying in ambush. The battle re-commenced, when the “Alliance” again raked the “Serapis,” inflicting dreadful slaughter, and bringing down the mainmast.

The “Serapis” was little better than a wreck, and the old flag was reluctantly hauled down. Paul Jones received the conquered enemy most courteously. Without the aid of the “Alliance” the “Bonne Homme Richard” would have been captured. She was on fire in two places, the guns on her lower deck were dismounted, and she had seven feet of water in her hold. Out of her crew of 375 men, 306 were killed and wounded. The total loss of the two English ships did not reach half that number. On the following day the “Bonne Homme Richard” was abandoned, and, before all her wounded could be removed, went to the bottom.

The “Countess of Scarborough” fought the “Pallas” and “Vengeance” for upwards of two hours, and only struck when a third vessel bore down upon her.

The King of France presented Paul Jones with a gold-hilted sword, and requested the American Government to sanction the bestowal of the military Order of Merit upon the gallant adventurer.

Captain Pearson was knighted, and was rewarded by the merchants for saving the Baltic fleet. He was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Greenwich, and received the Freedom of the corporations of Hull, Scarborough, Appleby, and Dover.