John Paul Jones and the New American Navy essays

John Paul Jones and the New American Navy essays John Paul Jones became a hero to America during the Revolutionary War. Considered the Father of the American Navy, he was the war's first naval commander, leading a navy that at the time, barely existed. He became a strategic captain and had a reputation as a hot-tempered leader. John Paul Jones, originally named John Paul, was born on July 6th, 1747 on the estate of Arbigland, which is located in the southwest region of Scotland. He attended school in the nearby small village, Kirkbean. He was drawn to the sea at a young age, spending much time at Casethorn, a port on the Solway Firth. This was where he first boarded a vessel at age thirteen. The vessel brought him to Whitehaven where he began a seven year seaman's apprenticeship. The Friendship brought him on his first voyage to Barbados, as well as Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he learned Upon his return to Whitehaven he was released from his apprenticeship early due to the financial issues of his leader. He then became third mate on the ship King George, which was part of the slave trade. He didn't last long in this industry because he strongly disagreed with the poor treatment of the slave. After quitting the slave trade, he returned home on the John of Kirkcubright. He was forced to take command after the ship's captain and first mate became ill with fevers that eventually took their lives. The owners then appointed him master for the next trip to America. It was on this ship that John Paul had been accused of whipping the ships carpenter, which reportedly led to his death. Once John returned to Kirkcubright he was arrested for murder, then later acquitted. John Paul began working in the commercial business in the West Indies for awhile until he killed a man for leading a mutiny against him. He was forced to flee to Virginia, where he changed his name to John Jones, which led to ...