Part of the romance and power of John Paul Jones's role in Revolutionary history is the probably apocryphal story of his having flown the first American flag over his vessel Bon Homme Richard. From that ship, according to often-repeated stories, the flag fell into the ocean, was rescued by young Lt. James Stafford, and given to him by Jones in thanks for his bravery. His daughter, Sarah Smith Stafford became the flag's owner and then willed it to her brother Samuel Bayard Stafford. It was eventually donated to the Smithsonian Institution, which exhibited it until the 1930s when it was determined not to be authentic and removed from view.
From the description of Sarah Smith Stafford Collection, 1877-1895. (New-York Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 480070596
