Where did we get the saying "I have not yet begun to fight"?

Question

give as much information as possible (this isnt homework for those who want to know)

Answer 1

It is a famous quote attributed to John Paul Jones, of American Revolutionary War fame. Wikipedia says:

In 1779, Captain Jones took command of USS Bonhomme Richard, a merchant ship rebuilt and given to America by the French shipping magnate, Jacques-Donatien Le Ray. On September 23, 1779, the five ship squadron included the 42 gun Bonhomme Richard, 32 gun Pallas, 32 gun Alliance, 12 gun Vengeance and Le Cerf engaged a merchant convoy off the coast of Flamborough Head, in east Yorkshire. The 44 gun British frigate HMS Serapis and the 22 gun Countess of Scarborough counter-engaged, scattering the attacking squadron and allowing the merchants to disengage and attempt escape. Vengeance and Le Cerf unsuccessfully pursued the convoy.

Bonhomme Richard, Pallas, and Alliance engaged the British warships. The 44 gun Serapis engaged the smaller 42 gun Bonhomme Richard. The 32 gun Alliance counter-engaged Serapis. Serapis twice raked Bonhomme Richard with broadsides which cut her mainmast and holed her below the waterline, taking individual hits in return.

With Bonhomme Richard burning and sinking, it is believed her ensign was shot away. The British commander asked if she had struck her colors. Jones has been quoted as saying, “I have not yet begun to fight.” He then rammed Serapis and tied up to her, his marksmen in the rigging clearing the decks of Serapis' so a boarding party was able to cross to Serapis and effect its capture. Meanwhile the 22 gun Countess of Scarborough engaged the 32 gun Pallas and was eventually captured, both ships taking extensive damage.

Answer 2

John Paul Jones captain of the Bonhomme Richard, a decaying battleship, said these words in 1779 while fighting the British.

Answer 3

http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/traditions/html/jpjones.html


On 23 September 1779, his ship engaged the HMS Serapis in the North Sea off Famborough Head, England. Richard was blasted in the initial broadside the two ships exchanged, losing much of her firepower and many of her gunners. Captain Richard Pearson, commanding Serapis, called out to Jones, asking if he surrendered. Jones' reply: "I have not yet begun to fight!"


It was a bloody battle with the two ship literally locked in combat. Sharpshooting Marines and seamen in Richard's tops raked Serapis with gunfire, clearing the weather decks. Jones and his crew tenaciously fought on , even though their ship was sinking beneath them. Finally, Capt. Pearson tore down his colors and Serapis surrendered.


Bon Homme Richard sunk the next day and Jones was forced to transfer to Serapis.

Answer 4

John Paul Jones said it.

Here's the story:

http://www.history.navy.mil/trivia/trivia02a.htm

Answer 5

Try Winston Churchill.

Answer 6

Nathan Hale, after the British naval commander asked for his surrender. not sure of the year.