Sir Richard Pearson (1731–1806) was a British naval officer who was captain of the ship HMS Serapis during the American Revolution.

He was subsequently unable to obtain a commission because his senior officers twice died before they could fulfil their promises.

This famous action ended in Pearson surrendering the Serapis to Jones but not before his spirited defence had covered the escape of the valuable convoy.

John Paul Jones was later asked how he felt about the captain whom he had defeated in battle being knighted, and he reportedly said: "I'd like to meet him on the high seas again; I'll make him a lord!"

Pearson was portrayed by Peter Cushing in the film John Paul Jones (1959).