October 1779 Published Issue of “The Gentleman's Magazine” London, with a Contemporary Firsthand Account of the Naval Battle between the Bonhomme Richard versus HMS Serapis by Captain Richard Pearson of the Serapis, plus other period information, 50 pages Complete, Fine.
This important historic account of the famous naval engagement between the Continental Navy vessel BONHOMME RICHARD under the command of Captain John Paul Jones and the HMS SERAPIS, commanded by Captain Richard Pearson as related here in 'The Gentleman's Magazine', 50 pages, measuring about 8” x 5”, London, for the October 1779 Issue, disbound with reinforced spine. The extensive detailed published letter received from British Capt. Pearson is located starting on page 483 titled, “Capt. Pearson’s Account of his Engagement.” It was written from his confinement aboard a French warship on October 6th, 1779, being only 13 days after the famous battle. In his letter Pearson writes in detail describing the naval engagement. He provides details of the crippling of Paul Jones' Bonhomme Richard, the bloodshed and destruction that rained upon the Serapis, and lists the number of dead and wounded. Pearson was considered a hero in Britain after the battle. He was knighted, and received presents from the merchants and the freedoms of several towns. Jones was later asked how he felt about Pearson being knighted, and reportedly replied: “I'd like to meet him on the high seas again; I'll make him a lord!” Also reported in a list of Ships in the French Navy and news of the War in America. Some minor right edge chipping from use on the first two pages, overall very clean and complete.