Editing John Paul Jones (section)

===American colonies===
Sources struggle with this period of Jones's life, especially the specifics of his family situation, making it difficult to pinpoint historically Jones's motivations for emigrating to America. It is not known whether his plans were not developing as expected for the [[Plantation complexes in the Southern United States|plantation]] or if he was inspired by a revolutionary spirit. It is known that he was elected to the [[American Philosophical Society]] in [[Philadelphia]] in 1774.<ref>{{Cite web|title=APS Member History|url=https://search.amphilsoc.org/memhist/search?creator=John+jones&title=&subject=&subdiv=&mem=&year=&year-max=&dead=&keyword=&smode=advanced|access-date=March 29, 2021|website=search.amphilsoc.org}}</ref>

Jones left for Philadelphia shortly after settling in North America to volunteer his services around 1775 to the newly founded [[Continental Navy]], precursor to the [[United States Navy]]. During this time, the Navy and [[Continental Marines|Marines]] were being formally established, and suitable ship's officers and captains were in great demand. Jones's potential would likely have gone unrecognized were it not for the endorsement of [[Richard Henry Lee]], who knew of his abilities. With help from influential members of the [[Continental Congress]], Jones was appointed as a [[First lieutenant|1st Lieutenant]] of the newly converted 24-gun [[frigate]] {{USS|Alfred}} in the Continental Navy on December 7, 1775.<ref>{{aut|Morison, S.E.}} (1999) ''John Paul Jones: A Sailor's Biography''. Naval Institute Press, {{ISBN|1-55750-410-5}}, p. 52</ref> <!--Commissioned on December 7; hoisted his flag in Albert four days earlier according to this source-->