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Bon Homme Richard John Paul Jones took command in 1779 of a
rebuilt French merchant ship renamed the Bon Homme Richard in honor of
Benjamin Franklin. On September 23, 1779, the Bon Homme Richard engaged
the English Frigate Serapis near Cape Flamborough in the North Sea. This
battle can be found in the history of the most important naval battles. During
the fight the English captain asked Jones if he were ready to surrender. Jones
replied, "Sir, I have not yet begun to fight". After a fierce battle
the Americans captured the Serapis. The Bon Homme Richard,
damaged, sank after the Americans boarded the Serapis. |
