John Paul Jones First Unemployed

John Paul Jones was an unemployed naval officer in America when the Revolutionary war broke out. Fitting out the ship Alfred (the first ship purchased by congress), Jones became friends with two important delegates who were prominent in organizing the Continental navy. He obtained a commission in December 1775, through their efforts, as that ship's senior first lieutenant. But it was not until Jones was given command of the ship Providence later in 1776, that he started earning a reputation for success that was to have no equal in the Continental navy, the World Almanac recalls.

I found a newspaper clipping of the article above in a box of papers and other mementos. It almost certainly appeared in the Cedar Rapids Gazette, date unknown. - NCK