In 1765, a 900-ton merchant vessel, DUC DE DURAS, was built in France for the East India Company. The ship was used for trading between France and the Orient. Ten years later, the ship would play a historic role in America's fight for independence.
As the Revolutionary War raged on in the Colonies, the newly founded Continental Congress began gathering a small navy. By cutting down the English war efforts in North America this became immediate success. Those successes prompted the Continental Congress to send Benjamin Franklin, as an Ambassador in 1777, to advise the French Court and garner more European support efforts for the American war. In 1779, the King of France donated to the American cause the DUC DE DURAS,
On February 4, 1779, the Continental Congress placed this fleet under the command of the Captain John Paul Jones. Swiftly, Jones refitted the DUC DE DURAS increasing her firepower to 20 guns a side, and renamed her BONHOMME RICHARD; in honor of both America and France.
Captain John Paul Jones chose the Pen Name of Benjamin Franklin, the Ambassador to France, and author of "Poor Richard's Almanac." This early 18th century journal urged men to seek out roles in the public sphere and shape their own destinies. Clearly, his journal helped forge the will that resulted in the American Revolution.
I remember the “Bonnie” from when we were stationed in San Diego in the 60s.
Most probably a different ship altogether, but the name will continue to live on as long as we have a navy.
‘Face
:o]