APPENDIX.

(Page 29.)

"On board of that ship, before Philadelphia, Mr. Jones hoisted the flag of America with his own hands, the first time it was ever displayed."

With respect to this claim so often made on behalf of Admiral Paul Jones, the American editor ventures to publish the following very curious correspondence. It consists of a letter from the late President John Adams to the Hon. John Langdon, Governor of New Hampshire, and the governor's answer. For these documents the editor is indebted to the politeness of Dr. Elwyn of Philadelphia, a grandson of Governor Langdon.

"QUINCY, January 24, 1813.

"DEAR SIR,-I feel an irresistible propensity to compare notes with you, in order to ascertain whether your memory and mine coincide in the recollection of the circumstances of a particular transaction in the history of this country. As it lies in my mind, Captain John Manly applied to General Washington, in Cambridge, in 1775, informed him that British transports and merchant ships were frequently passing and repassing unarmed, and asked leave to put a few guns aboard a vessel to cruise for them. Washington either shrinking from the boldness of the enterprise, or doubting his authority, prudently transmitted the information to Congress in a letter. When the letter was read, many members seemed much surprised; but a motion was made, and seconded, to commit it to a special committee. Opposition was made to this motion, and a debate ensued; but the motion prevailed by a small majority. The committee appointed were John Langdon, Silas Deane, and John Adams. We met and at once agreed to report a resolution authorizing General Washington to 34

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fit and arm one or more vessels for the purpose. A more animated opposition and debate arose upon this report, but the resolution was carried by a small majority. Under the authority of this resolution, Washington fitted out Manly, who soon brought in several prizes, the most important of which was that transport loaded with soldiers, arms, ammunition, and that immortal mortar, which was called the Congress, and finally drove the British army out of Boston and their fleet out of the harbour. This splendid success inspired new courage into Congress. They appointed a new committee, consisting of yourself, Governor Hopkins, Richard Henry Lee, Mr. Gadsden and me, to purchase, arm, and equip, officer and man ships. We met every night, and in a short time, had the Alfred, Columbus, Cabot, Andrew Doria, Providence, &c., at sea, under Commodore Hopkins. The naval enterprise of Congress increased fast. They soon appointed a committee of one from each state, of whom you were one, and ordered twelve frigates to be built. My recollection has been incited by late information from Philadelphia, that Paul Jones has written in his Journal, My hand first hoisted the American Flag;' and that Captain Barry used to say, that the first British flag struck to him.' Both these vain boasts I know to be false; and as you know them to be so, I wish to have your testimony to corroborate mine.

"It is not decent nor just that those emigrant foreigners of the South, should falsely arrogate to themselves merit that belongs to New England sailors, officers and men.

“Late Governor of New Hampshire, Portsmouth.”

"PORTSMOUTH, January 27th, 1813.

"RESPECTED SIR,-I had the honour of receiving by the last mail, your letter of the 24th instant, by which I see your time is taken up, and your mind continually on the stretch, for the support and honour of our beloved country. You request me to call to mind the circumstances of a particular transaction in the history of this country;' to which I answer, that upon reading your correct statement of the proceedings of Congress on our naval matters, the appointment of committees, of which we were a part, the struggle we had to begin our little navy, and the opposition that was made by many members of Congress, brings to my recollection the circumstances that took place in 1775, in all which, as far

as I can recollect, I most perfectly coincide with you. The appointment of Manly, and his successes, must be well known throughout the United States. As to Paul Jones, if my memory serves me, pretending to say that his hand first hoisted the American Flag,' and Captain Barry, 'the first British flag struck to him,' are both unfounded, as it is impressed on my mind that many prizes were brought into the New England States, before their names were mentioned. I am, dear sir, always happy to hear from you, that you are in good health, and able still to continue your pre-eminent services to your country. Mrs. Langdon, who, I am sorry to say, has been very unwell for sometime past, joins me in our most sincere respects to yourself and your good lady, whom we have in grateful remembrance.

"That your last days may be your best and happiest, is the wish of your old friend and humble servant,