With a valuable prize and more than one hundred and forty prisoners of war to look after, Paul Jones was now forced to give up his intention of cruising around Scotland. After taking a vessel off Malin Head he became further handicapped, and determined to make for Brest without additional delay.
And now came that long-dreamed-of and hoped-for hour when he was to enter a French port bringing a ship superior to his own--one belonging to the finest navy afloat, a feat which had never before happened in the history of naval warfare. As he sailed through the outer roads of Brest he was met by an escort of French warships, whose crews cheered lustily when they learned the identity of his prize.
It was past midnight when the _Ranger_ let go anchor. Everything then seemed quiet, but like wildfire the news of the daring captain's return spread over the town. When daylight broke the quays were swarming with people, and the harbor was dotted with boats bearing passengers, all of whom were eager to catch a glimpse of the vanquished _Drake_ and her conqueror.
The next morning Captain Paul Jones woke up to find himself famous--almost overwhelmed with the praise and attentions of the naval officers of Brest as well as of all France. The Duc De Chartres was the first to come aboard, brimming with congratulations, and for the two days the _Ranger_ lay in the harbor her decks thronged with officers of the French fleet and citizens who were eager to rejoice with the conqueror.
Then the other side of the picture began to show; the stern realities of France's disturbed political condition had to be faced. The _Ranger_, with her splendid prize, had gone to the deckyard for repairs, and the problem of feeding and clothing the three hundred men constituting his own crew and that of the _Drake_ had to be met by Paul Jones. The Congress still owed him £1500 which he had advanced out of his own pocket for paying the crews of his former ships, the _Providence_ and the _Alfred_, and this outlay had depleted his funds to such an extent that he had very little money left, so little that he now saw he would have to draw upon the commissioners a draft for 24,000 livres, which Congress had given him. To his annoyance the three commissioners promptly dishonored his draft. As a result, the merchant with whom he had contracted to refit the _Ranger_ and the _Drake_, as well as to supply his crew and prisoners with provisions, declined to extend further credit.