History

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"John Paul Jones"

He is called "The Father of The American Navy."
John Paul Jones did battle on oceans very wavy.
We recollect this bold and brave son of freedom.
Jefferson considered him 'our principal' seaman.

The Continental Navy's first ship was Providence.
John Paul Jones commanded it with confidence,
A most victorious vessel of America's Revolution,
It captured or sank 40 British ships on the ocean.

He raided the coasts of Scotland and England.
1778 raids, struck panic on the British Isles and
For decades, British children and people grown
Would be scared hearing tales of 'Pirate' Jones.

This same American Continental Ship, Ranger
Encountered The Drake with a crew full of anger.
The advantage was disputed between strangers.
Victory was soon declared in favor of The Ranger.

Jones also sailed a ship honoring Ben Franklin.
Bonhomme Richard over The Serapis would win.
Words we recall, "I have not yet begun to fight!"
Typified America's Patriotic Spirit in what is right.

Their ships were so close their cannons scraped.
The masts entangled and were torn out of shape.
Blades were unsheathed against ruthless foes.
The havoc made only Heaven really would know.

After 3 hours of fighting, the British surrendered.
The prize was a 50 gun frigate: victory answered.
The battle took place on September 23, 1779.
John Paul Jones with God's help did quite fine.

There is still something lingering in the ocean air
That seems to whisper, "He is here and over there."
He seemed to sail making use of his ship as a pen.
He wrote history on the ocean where God did send.

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