John Paul Jones

Where men of fine feeling are concerned there is seldom misunderstanding.

I may sink, but I'll be damned if I strike! This was what some of his sailors, reported in British newspapers at the time, claimed he had said; Jones's official report merely stated that he had answered "in the most determined negative".

I have not yet begun to fight!

I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way.