(1747 - 1792), American naval officer of the Revolutionary War (war for American independence from Britain, 1775 - 1781). In a naval battle off the coast of England (1779), Jones captured the British warship Serapis although his own vessel, the Bon Homme Richard was sunk. In response to a British demand for surrender during the battle, Jones is said to have replied: "I have not yet begun to fight!" —Freedom Congress Glossary (approved 5- 9-90)