Wednesday, September 26, 2012

"I have not yet begun to fight!"

23 September 1779: Continental Frigate Bonhomme Richard vs HMS Serapis.

I missed an important anniversary earlier this week. On 23 September 1779, the American Frigate Bonhomme Richard, commanded by John Paul Jones, engaged a larger British Frigate, HMS Serapis, commanded by Captain Richard Pearson off Flamborough Head, England. Seeing that the Bonhomme Richard had been nearly destroyed by enemy fire, Pearson called for surrender. 


Instead of surrendering Jones replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” Emerging victorious, Jones captured Serapis and transferred his crew to it, while the Bonhomme Richard sank into the sea.




Live Long and Prosper....

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