John Paul Jones in the Ranger receives the first salute to the
Stars and Stripes, Quiberon Bay, France, 14 February 1778.
Extract from the Continental Congress
Journal, 14 June 1777
“RESOLVED, That the Marine Committee
be empowered to give such directions
respecting the Continental ships of war in
the river Delaware as they think proper in
case the enemy succeed in their attempts
on said river.
“RESOLVED, That the flag of the
thirteen United States be thirteen stripes,
alternate red and white; that the union be
thirteen stars, white in a blue field,
representing a new constellation. “The
Council of the State of Massachusetts Bay
having represented by letter to the
president of Congress that Captain John
Roach, some time since appointed to
command the Continental ship of war
Ranger, is a doubtful character and ought
not to be entrusted with such a command;
therefore
“RESOLVED, That Captain John Roach
be suspended until the Navy Board for the
eastern department shall have enquired
fully into his character and report thereon
to the Marine Committee
“RESOLVED, That Captain John Paul
Jones be appointed to command the said
ship Ranger.”
Figure 4-1.— History, heritage, Navy.
4-2
