Paul Jones’s Great Victory – the “Bonhomme Richard” and the “Serapis”

Celebrating the heroic actions of John Paul Johns nearly 100 years after they occurred.

“One of history’s most remarkable single-ship actions..” (DuPuy & DePuy) took place on the evening of September 23rd, 1779. The U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard under Captain John Paul Jones engaged H.M.S. Serapis during the Battle of Flamborough Head off the coast of Yorkshire. Despite being heavily damaged and outgunned by the larger Serapis, Jones famously called out “I have not yet begun to fight!” after being called upon to surrender.

This wood engraved print capturing the victory was based on an illustration by J.O. Davidson and published in the July 14, 1877 issue of Harper’s Weekly. Jones, wielding a cutlass and pistol, can be seen in the center of the image, surrounded by wounded sailors, tattered rigging, and broken cannon.