Born is Scotland, John Paul goes to sea at the age of 12. Later, as a ship's captain, he puts down a mutiny, but kills the ringleader. He must flee to Virginia where he changes his name to John Paul Jones. Through Patrick Henry he becomes involved in the Continental Navy of the American Revolution. After a number of battles near the colonies, he goes to France to see Benjamin Franklin and from there makes a raid on the English mainland. Later he is given a ship from France to attack the Baltic fleet. This leads to the famous Bonhomme Richard vs. Serapis sea battle.