By MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL DECATUR AND SOMERS LITTLE JARVIS PAUL JONES [Illustration: _The guns broke loose._] PAUL JONES BY MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL AUTHOR OF LITTLE JARVIS, MIDSHIPMAN PAULDING, CHILDREN OF DESTINY, MAID MARIAN, THROCKMORTON, ETC. [Illustration: Publisher Logo] D. APPLETON-CENTURY COMPANY INCORPORATED NEW YORK LONDON 1936 Copyright, 1893, By D. APPLETON AND COMPANY. _All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher._ Printed in the United States of America. INTRODUCTION. “The fame of the brave outlives him; his portion is immortality.” _From the funeral discourse pronounced over Paul Jones._ The writer feels the most sincere diffidence in making use of the mighty name and personality of Paul Jones, who, as Cooper justly says, was not only a great seaman but a great man. An excuse, however, is not wanting. It is justifiable and profitable to bring before the eyes of American youth this heroic figure, and if it be done inadequately, the fault is not in the intention. It is not too much to say that the achievements of Paul Jones, the ranking officer in the Continental marine, had much to do with placing the American navy upon that lofty plane of skill and intrepidity which can only be matched by England, the Mistress of the Seas.