John Paul Jones in Kherson
A Brief History

     John Paul Jones (1747-1792), a national hero of the USA, one of the founders of the American Naval Forces, the leader of the Congress fleet during the War for Independence in North America (1775-1783), and contradmiral of the Russian fleet (1788). Napoleon subsequently considered if Jones had not died so early he would have managed to defeat the English fleet at Trafalgar. The life of the American naval commander, rich with adventures, has been an inspiration for many writers, for example, Cooper's book "Pilot", Dumas'  "Captain Paul", H. Melville, R. Kipling and other authors.
     By 1788, Russia was on the verge of a war with Turkey and Sweden and desperately required skilled and brave seamen. Ekaterina II decided to invite Jones to Russian service. The answer was short: "I agree, I’m on my way". On the evening on April, 23rd, 1788, he arrived in St. Petersburg.
     A reception took place in the magnificent Tzarskoselsky palace. The USA fleet commander left tsarina’s boudoir as an admiral of the Russian Navy. "The Empress has accepted me with the most courteous honors, greater, possibly, than any other foreigner could have been accepted into Russian service" — Jones wrote to his friend General P. Lafayette. "Her majesty often talked to me about the United States.  She was convinced that the American revolution should generate others and not influence other government" (Russia and the USA: Becoming of Attitudes. 1765-1815, — Moscow, 1980, P. 169). By the way, Jones was the first who brought the Constitution of the USA and the Declaration on independence to Russia. May the 7th, 1788, he left for Kherson. There he was received by the Grand Duke G. A. Potyomkin. Straight on the next day on his arrival to Kherson "an admiral Paul Zhones" had been appointed "to command a squadron of Estuary sailing vessels". (Materials for history of Russian fleet. 1895, v. XV, p. 118). The main target of campaign 1788 in the south of Russia was Ochakov — "southern natural Kronstadt", as it was named by Ekaterina II. All land forces were in command of A. V. Suvorov. The main force on the sea near Ochakov was under John’s command: two linear ships "Vladimir" and "Alexander", 4 frigates and 8 smaller vessels. Together with a rowing flotilla which was under command of German prince Nassau Zigen and had been on Russian navy service, it should provide blockade of a fortress from the sea. The first, that Johns had done was meeting A. V. Suvorov. "Yesterday here we met up with Paul Johns as old friends", Suvorov wrote. (Suvorov A. V. Documents.— Moscow, 1951, p. 441).
     The Turkish fleet under Оchakov totaled 10 ships, 6 frigates, 47 galleys and many small vessels. Using so significant superiority, Turks set a target to destroy Russian fleet in Estuary Dneprobugsky completely.
However it was too much for them. Despite of complex relations which had developed between two Russian admirals — American Johns and German Zigen, strategies of Russian forces in the Estuary were more than successful. Both admirals, differed enterprise, resoluteness and competed among themselves, had appeared at height.
     The Turkish fleet in battles on June, the 7th, 17th, and 18th , 1788 near Ochakov had suffered serious defeat. Losses the Turk in estuary had made 1763 persons. Our side had 85 dead and wounded. For such a brilliant victory Johns was rewarded by St. Anna's award.
     The place of battle is in 18 miles away from Kherson fortress downstream Dnepr.