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When the Continental
Congress authorized the creation of the Navy in 1775, the British
had 10 times more warships. Capturing British merchant vessels and
disrupting commerce was a key element of American strategy, and
it proved exceptionally effective.
In one of the most famous naval engagements of all time, John Paul
Jones, sailing off the east coast of England, attacked two British
frigates, the SERAPIS and COUNTESS OF SCARBROUGH, which were escorting
a convoy of merchant ships. Jones was heavily out-gunned and the
battle lasted over 31/2 hours.
The Americans lashed their ship alongside the SERAPIS and the naval
engagement became a fierce hand-to-hand battle. Over 300 Americans
were lost. As his ship was sinking, Jones answered a British call
for surrender with the immortal words: "I have not yet begun
to fight!" and rallied his men to win a decisive victory.
Transferring his crew to the captured SERAPIS as the BONHOMME RICHARD
went down, Jones sailed into a Dutch harbor, flying this distinctive
flag.
See the Flag
Size and Pricing Guide...
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