John Paul Jones Becomes A Privateer

We all know that Benedict Arnold was treated poorly by Congress and turned traitor - going from the hero of Saratoga to one of the most hated names in history. John Paul Jones received equally poor treatment from Congress as well from the French. I don't see him abandoning the Colonies cause but what if he finally had enough and decided to become a privateer instead?

Given his track record I easily see one or more merchants eagerly providing him a ship. His reputation will quickly get him a crew, especially as now they're going after rich merchantmen and not warships.

Given that Bon Homme Richard versus Serapis was about the only meaningful victory the US Navy won during the war (not forgetting the convoy Serapis was protecting got away, mostly due to Jones' fellow captains shirking their duty) how does this affect both the war in general and the US Navy in the long term? It's often said that Jones gave the USN its first traditions...
 
So, after his victory over the Serapis? I'd say no effect; there were many privateers, they failed to meaningfully change the course of the war. Though he might indeed be bolder than most, and accomplish some things
 
Actually before the Serapis. Given his reputation I can easily see him getting a force of privateers together. He attacks the convoy's escort while the others pounce on prize after prize, as commodore his ship will share in the collected prize money. I can easily see him being successful enough to really give the RN fits...
 
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Actually before the Serapis. Given his reputation I can easily see him getting a force of privateers together. He attacks the convoy's escort while the others pounce on prize after prize, as commodore his ship will share in the collected prize money. I can easily see him being successful enough to really give the RN fits...

If he is skilled enough, he might gut the convoy without fighting the escort. Fighting the escort is not profitable, and privateers typically don't carry the metal to do it. However, I have a book on American privateering during the War of 1812, and one privateer commander managed to capture (And escape with) 9 out of the 10 ships of a convoy escorted by an RN frigate. Unfortunately, it doesn't give details of how it was done.
 
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