The American ballad of "Paul Jones' Victory" goes to a tune which is not "Villikins" but is easily recognized as a relative.

Words and music possibly date from the 1830 or earlier.

TBI reports a broadside from before 1839. A text appeared in the "American Traveler" of Boston (Sept. 21, 1841).

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Sept. 25, 1892) attributes the verses to Lieut. James B. Stafford of the "Bonhomme Richard." Their authority is
Mrs. N. B. Stafford, James' daughter-in-law, who was still in possession of the ship's flag.