Memorial to a Naval Officer with a Connection to the American Revolution

Near

this Place are deposited

the Remains of

THOMAS PIERCY Esquire

A Captain in the Royal Navy

of distinguished Merit in his Profession.

Which on no occasion was more conspicuous

than on the 23^rd of Sept^r. 1779

when, in conjunction with

Sir RICHARD PEARSON,

He valiantly engaged a very superior

French Force under the Command of

PAUL JONES;

The event of which unequal Combat was security to a

Numerous Convoy sent under their Protection;

tho' it was unfortunately attended with loss of Liberty to

both the Commanders who had so gallantly stood forth

in their defence.

On his return from Captivity his services were

gratefully acknowledged by the RUSSIA COMPANY,

and the Corporations of HULL and SCARBOROUGH,

and were rewarded with advancement by his

SOVEREIGN.

On the 22^nd of Sept^r. 1793,

He departed this Life

In the 63^rd Year of his age;

To the great sorrow and regret

of his numerous Friends

and acquaintance,

Of none more than of his

affectionate Widow

who caused this Monument

to be erected to his

Memory.

The battle of September 23, 1779, mentioned here is the well-known American Revolutionary War engagement between HMS Serapis under Captain Richard Pearson and the Bon Homme Richard (the refitted East Indiaman Duc de Duras) under John Paul Jones, during which Captain Pearson called out to Jones asking if he surrendered, and Jones replying "I have not yet begun to fight!" Jones ended up receiving Pearson's surrender, following which he abandoned his own sinking ship and took command of the Serapis under American colors.