The Ballad of John “Mad Jack” Percival, a legend in the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marine. By Joseph Michael Kelly

John Percival was one of the U.S. Navy’s most legendary sailors. Like many naval officers of his era, he first learned his craft in the merchant marine before earning fame for his courage and extraordinary seamanship. A hero of the War of 1812, he fought pirates, explored distant seas, protected American shipping, and later commanded the USS Constitution on her only voyage around the world. His remarkable life inspired generations of sailors and even famous American authors.