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Chapter VII (IV)

CAREER OF PAUL JONES CONTINUED. - HIS DESCENT UPON THE CASTLE OF LORD SELKIRK - THE AFFAIR OF THE PLATE. - THE DESCENT UPON WHITEHAVEN. - THE BATTLE WITH THE "DRAKE." - LIEUT. SIMPSON'S PERFIDY.

W E NOW come to the glorious part of the career of Paul Jones upon the ocean. Heretofore he has been chiefly occupied in the capture of defenceless merchantmen. His work has been that of the privateer, even if not of the pirate that the British have always claimed he was. But the time came when Jones proved that he was ready to fight an adversary of his mettle; was willing to take heavy blows, and deal stunning ones in return. His daring was not confined to dashing expeditions in which the danger was chiefly overcome by spirit and rapid movements. While this class of operations was ever a favorite with the doughty seaman, he was not at all averse to the deadly naval duel.