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