After the Declaration of Independence had been written, argued, agreed upon and signed, Benjamin Franklin was sent by Congress to seek to negotiate a loan from the King of France. This was needed to keep the Revolutionary Army of George Washington in service.

At the same time, Franklin’s friend, John Paul Jones was in Le Havre asking the French King for some warships. Jones’ written letters were to no avail.

Benjamin Franklin prepared to sail back to Pennsylvania after his loan was granted and a treaty with France were finally signed.

Franklin boarded a ship at the harbor at Le Havre, but left a package behind for his friend John Paul Jones. In the package was a personally inscribed book which had translated Franklin’s “Poor Richard’s” sayings into French. Ben had specifically marked one page which had the saying: “If you would have your business done, go—if not—send.”

Jones read the marked adage and took Franklin’s advice. He made a special journey to Versailles to meet personally with the King. King Louis answered his request by outfitting Jones with three ships!

Captain John Paul Jones christened his flagship La Bonhomme Richard, which is Poor Richard in French. And it was on that ship that Jones fought with the British Man-O-War, the Serapis. The British wanted Jones to surrender. But here Jones would coin the phrase, which became the navy catch phrase of the war: “I have not yet begun to fight.”