On the 28th of March, Congress passed another resolution severely censuring Captain Landais, who had then been court-martialed and dismissed the navy, and saying of Paul Jones, after enumerating his actions: “Ever since Captain Paul Jones first became an officer in the service of these States he hath shown an unremitted attention in planning and executing enterprises calculated to promote the essential interests of our glorious cause. That in Europe, although his expedition through the Irish Channel in the Ranger did not fully accomplish his purpose, yet he made the enemy feel that it is in the power of a small squadron, under a brave and enterprising commander, to retaliate the conflagrations of our defenseless towns. That, returning from Europe, he brought with him the esteem of the greatest and best friends of America, and hath received from the illustrious monarch of France that reward of warlike virtue which his subjects receive by a long series of faithful services or uncommon merit. That the conduct of Paul Jones merits particular attention and some distinguished mark of approbation from the United States, in Congress assembled.”
On the 14th of April the distinguished mark of approbation was granted, in the form of the thanks of Congress, as follows:
“That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be given to Captain Paul Jones, for the zeal, prudence, and intrepidity with which he has supported the honor of the American flag; for his bold and successful enterprises to redeem from captivity the citizens of the States who had fallen under the power of the enemy; and, in general, for the good conduct and eminent services by which he has added luster to his character and to the American arms.
“That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be also given to the officers and men who have faithfully served under him from time to time, for their steady affection to the cause of their country and the bravery and perseverance they have manifested therein.”
Following this, there were numerous letters from eminent patriots, and a truly affectionate one from Lafayette, ending with: “As to the pleasure of taking you by the hand, my dear Paul Jones, you know my affectionate sentiments and my very great regard for you, so that I need not add anything on that subject.”
Greatest of all, came a letter from Washington himself, which said:
“Delicacy forbids me to mention that particular one, which has attracted the admiration of all the world.... That you may long enjoy the reputation you have so justly acquired, is the sincere wish of, “Sir, your most obedient servant, “Geo. Washington.”
Upon the official examination of his report, Paul Jones proudly answered, in response to an interrogatory, “I have never borne or acted under any other commission than that of the Congress of America.” His accounts also showed that he had not up to that time received a penny either as pay or subsistence.
Upon a beautiful spring day, the French minister, M. de Luzerne, gave a grand fête at Philadelphia, for the purpose of investing Paul Jones with the cross of the Order of Military Merit, sent him by the King of France. All the Congress was invited, and all of the army and navy officers then in Philadelphia were present in full uniform, besides the leading citizens of Philadelphia, and entertainment was especially provided for the sailors who had served under Paul Jones, as well as the officers. The guests assembled in the afternoon, and at four o’clock precisely M. de Luzerne and Paul Jones walked together to the center of the lawn, under a grove of noble trees. The scene was brilliant and beautiful, the white dresses of the women and the bright Continental uniforms of the men showing bravely against the green turf. On a tall flagstaff floated together the Stars and Stripes and the Fleur-de-lis of France. Conspicuously massed together were the brave blue jackets who had served under Paul Jones and his officers, in full uniform, with the ever-loved Dale at their head. A military band played inspiring airs as M. de Luzerne and Paul Jones advanced to the center of the great circle. Paul Jones, wearing the full uniform of an American captain and his gold-hilted sword, and carrying in his hand his blue-and-gold cap, was a picture of manliness and modesty. His face was pale, but his eyes were gleaming. He had fought for glory, and glory had been lavished upon him. The French ambassador, in a loud voice, spoke:
“Patriots: His Most Christian Majesty, whom I have the honor to serve, desiring to show his affection for the cause of America, and for the gallant and shining conduct of Captain Paul Jones, has directed me, as a knight of the Order of Military Merit, to confer upon Captain Paul Jones the cross of this noble order. This has never before been given to any man not a citizen of France. But were it not for Paul Jones’s devotion to America, well might France claim him as her son, so well has he served her cause and that of her allies.” Then, turning to Paul Jones, he held up a splendid jeweled cross, and said: