John Paul Jones Complained of Crews

In the early months of the American Revolution, Robert Morris, who was largely responsible for the financial affairs of the fledgling nation received a peevish letter from Capt. John Paul Jones concerning the navy's inability to maintain adequate crews. Men were deserting in order to enlist on board the more lucrative privateering ships and Jones, the World Almanac recalls, warned that "unless the private emolument of individuals in our Navy is made superior to that in Privateers, (America's Navy) never can become respectable ... and without a Respectable Navy - Alas America!"

I found a newspaper clipping of the article above in a box of papers and other mementos. I know neither the date published nor the newspaper, but it most likely was in the Cedar Rapids Gazette. - NCK