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The words of Lamartine about the great profession in which Paul Jones served gloriously, and the language of Cooper regarding Paul Jones himself, may be quoted. Lamartine says: “Among the illustrious men who have filled the foremost ranks in great contests, men have always been most dazzled and interested by the heroes of the sea.... The variety and extent of natural and acquired faculties which must of necessity be united in one individual to constitute a great seaman, astonish the mind and raise the perfect sailor beyond all comparison above all other warriors.”

Cooper says: “In battle, Paul Jones was brave; in enterprise, hardy and original; in victory, mild and generous; in motives, much disposed to disinterestedness, although ambitious of renown and covetous of distinction; in his pecuniary relations, liberal; in his affections, natural and sincere; and in his temper, except in those cases which assailed his reputation, just and forgiving.” Moreover, he was a true and patriotic American, and, except Columbus, the Admiral of the Ocean Seas, Paul Jones was the very boldest man who ever sailed blue water.