AMERICA'S FIRST NAVY POSTER
Portsmouth, NH

John Paul Jones Wants YOU! This document that appeared as a handbill and in the NH Gazette in 1777. Paul Jones was looking desperately for a crew for the Continental Navy ship RANGER. See the actual poster and read the text. Would you sign on to travel 3,000 miles to attack the "invincible" Royal Navy?

READ: Recruiting for the Ranger, 1777

Great Encouragement for Seamen

ALL GENTLEMEN SEAMEN and able-bodied LANDSMEN who have a Mind to distinguish themselves in the GLORIOUS CAUSE of their Country, and make their Fortunes, an Opportunity now offers on board the Ship RANGER, of Twenty Guns (for France) now laying in Portsmouth, in the State of New-Hampshire, commanded by JOHN PAUL JONES Esq; let them repair to the ship's Rendezvous in Portsmouth, or at the Sign of Commodore Maxley, in Salem, where they will be kindly entertained, and receive the greatest Encouragement. -- The Ship Ranger, in the Opinion of every Person who has seen her is looked upon to be one of the best Cruizers in America. -- She was ever calculated for sailing faster, and making good Weather.

Any Gentlemen Volunteers who have a Mind to take an agreeable Voyage in this pleasant Season of the Year, may, by entering on board the above Ship Ranger, meet with every Civility they can possibly expect, and for a further Encouragement depend on the first Opportunity being embraced to reward each one agreeable to his Merit.

All reasonable Travelling Expences will be allowed, and the Advance-Money be paid on their Appearance on Board.

In CONGRESS, March 29, 1777.

Resolved,
THAT the Marine Committee be authorized to advance to every able Seamen, that enters into the Continental Service, any Sum not exceeding FORTY DOLLARS, and to every ordinary Seaman or Landsman, any Sum no exceeding TWENTY DOLLARS, to be deducted from their future Prize-Money.

By Order of Congress,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.

DANVERS; Printed by E. Russell, at the House late the Bell-Tavern.

John Paul Jones' Ranger Recruiting Handbill July 1777

READ & COMPARE ANOTHER VERSION
Appeared in Portsmouth Newspaper in July 1777

JONES July 1777 "WANT AD"
IN PORTSMOUTH NEWSPAPER

The Freeman's Journal (NH Gazette), Portsmouth, N.H., July 26, 1777.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SEAMEN

Whereas the seamen of these States have for some time past been discouraged from entering into the navy, by thinking they have hitherto been unfairly dealt with in respect of prize money, and the regular payment of wages: Therefore, to remove all cause of future complaint, I will be answerable to every person who may enter to serve under my command, for the punctual and regular payment of wages. And I will also, with the consent and approbation of officers and men, appoint an agent for the prizes, whose duty it shall be to see the captors part sold to the best advantage, and to make punctual, just and regular payments to every person concern'd.

Every seaman in the navy is entitled to eight dollars per month wages, with an advance of forty dollars at entry on board. Every marine or landsman is entitled to six dollars & two thirds per month wages, with an advance of twenty dollars at entry on board. Every private person, who may loose a limb or be disabled in engagement, will receive two hundred dollars smart money; if kill'd, his wife or family will receive it. Every person, who may be disabled in engagement, will receive half pay during life or an allowance proportioned to the injury sustained. The pay is extended to persons in captivity, provided they return to the service as soon as possible. The captors share one half of all merchant ships, and of all effects taken by sea or land, without resistance; they share the whole of all ships of war, & of all privateers authorized by his Britannic Majesty to war against these States. They will also receive a bounty of twenty dollars for every carriage gun then mounted, and of eight dollars per head for every man then on board and belonging to such prizes. There are ten shares set apart for the most deserving, with various Advantages, grounded upon resolves of Congress. Persons of abilities will be promoted in proportion to their diligence and merit;-and no equal encouragement can be given in privateers.

The Continental Ship of war Ranger at Portsmouth under my command is in readiness for sea. Such persons as think proper to enter, are requested to apply on board, or at the Ship's rendezvous where they will receive further information.

Portsmouth, July 26, 1777. John Paul Jones