July 13, Portsmouth marks the birth of American Naval hero John Paul Jones. Though Jones did reside in the city for two years while the warship America was being outfitted, it is merely a place where he rested. It is a bit of an exaggeration to call the city his home. However, the naval accomplishments that were made by Jones are something that Portsmouth should be honored to have been part of.
A local historian in the Portsmouth Herald article reporting on the celebration was quoted with describing Jones as a murderer, pirate, slave trader, and rapist. The writer went on to say in an almost cynical tone that Jones “fled” to France, where he died, only to be resurrected as some sort of political crutch by Teddy Roosevelt to back America’s “great white fleet.” This primitive narrative does not do justice to a man of Jones stature, who lived in a bitter time. …show more content…
His duty at sea before the American Revolution was that of a hardy seaman who was promoted over his peers because of his skill and prowess, not his birthright. As a merchant sailor, his actions were consistent with the era. This neither refutes nor excuses his actions.
Considering Jones was first 12 when he started his career at sea he was not a slave trader. He did work on two ships that were involved in the trade. He left the business of slave trading out of hatred. Perhaps out of disgust for the mistreatment of the slaves or the gruesome conditions physically sickened him. Jones actually departed the crew of a slave trading ship midway through the contract, requiring him to find a new way home. He acted more on principles, rather than the smell and physical