  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.” Paul Jones. 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. |
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