9781422280195

The Destruction of the Drake Here are edited extracts from the diary of John Paul Jones, one of the finest captains of the Continental Navy. They relate to the destruction and capture of the British Royal Navy vessel Drake during the War of 1812:

The captain of the Drake prepared to sail. His boat was sent out with an officer and a telescope to reconnoiter the Ranger . I took advantage of this occasion to disguise my ship. I masked my guns and had my crew remain out of sight. The Ranger having the air of a merchantman, the boat from the Drake was deceived, drew alongside, and was captured. I did not start engaging the enemy until they were within pistol range. At this distance, a lively action was sustained for an hour and five minutes, after which the English frigate lowered her flag. The Drake was heavily damaged in her masts and rigging; she lost 42 men either killed or wounded during the action. With the Ranger , the Drake , and one other prize, I ran westward of Ireland and arrived at Brest, France, on May 7, having been absent only 28 days and having taken more than 200 prisoners.

This painting depicts the capture of the Drake by the Continental ship Ranger after a sea battle.

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