1747-1792. Scottish-born American naval
officer in the War of Independence 1775.
Heading a small French-sponsored squadron in
the Bonhomme Richard, he captured the British
warship Serapis in a bloody battle off
Scarborough 1799. Jones was born in
Kirkcudbright, Scotland. He was originally a
trader and slaver but became a privateer
1775, and then a commodore. After the War of
Independence, he joined the Russian navy as a
rear admiral 1788, fighting against Turkey,
but lost the Empress Catherine's favour and
died in France.