John Paul Jones (1747-1792) is sometimes called “The Father of the American Navy.” He was the first well-known naval commander on the American side during the Revolutionary War. Even if his enemies accused him of piracy, he earned an international reputation.

Jones was a sailor of indomitable courage, of strong will, and of great ability in his chosen career…. He was also a hypocrite, a brawler, a rake, and a professional and social climber.

Walter R Herrick, jr. “Jones, John Paul ” in John A. Garraty, Encyclopedia of American Biography (1974) pp 598-599.

William Gilkerson published a book, The Ships of John Paul Jones in 1987. Individual prints from that work can be purchased below.

The Naval War College Museum’s article, THE HUNTED BECOMES THE HUNTER: SLOOP PROVIDENCE AND THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, features William Gilkerson’s painting, Sloop Providence, John Paul Jones. The original oil is displayed in the Museum.