same salute which he was authorized by his Court to return to an Admiral of Holland, or of any other Republic; which was four guns less than the salute given.
“I hesitated at this; for I had demanded gun for gun.
“Therefore, I anchored in the entrance of the bay, at a distance from the French Fleet. But after a very particular inquiry, on the 14th, finding that he had really told the truth, I was induced to accept of his offer; the more so as it was in fact an acknowledgment of American Independence.
“The wind being contrary and blowing hard, it was after sunset before the Ranger got near enough to salute La Motte Picquet with thirteen guns, which he returned with nine.
“However, to put the matter beyond a doubt, I did not suffer the Independence (an American brig that was with Paul Jones) to salute till next morning, when I sent the Admiral word, that I should sail through his Fleet in the brig, and would salute him in open day.
“He was exceedingly pleased, and returned the compliment also with nine guns.”
Paul Jones thus had the singular honor of being the first to hoist the original Flag of Liberty on board the Alfred; first probably to hoist the Stars and Stripes, which still wave in pride as our national emblem; and first to claim for our Flag the courtesy from foreigners due to a Sovereign State.
Alexander S. Mackenzie (Retold)