His uncle provided for his and his brother's education at Richmond Academy until the expense of private school became a burden.

He was furloughed home and advised to study geography, navigation, and surveying so that his chances of getting an active assignment would improve.

On December 23, 1826, Jones signed a treaty with Queen regent Kaʻahumanu and other chiefs of Hawaii on behalf of the young Kamehameha III.

Delays in Expedition departure dates, and various other disagreements, led to Jones (and certain scientists, including botanist Asa Gray) declining the position in December 1837.

[13] Hearing that Royal Navy officer Lord George Paulet had occupied the Hawaiian Kingdom, he sailed there and arrived July 22, 1843.

The king was restored July 31, and Jones tried to hasten peace by hosting all parties to dinner aboard his ship.

[17] For the next two years, during the chaotic Gold Rush days, Jones provided a U.S. Navy presence in the San Francisco area while the United States debated what to do with the newly acquired California Territory.

[18] In 1850, in a politically charged court-martial shortly after White-Jacket was published, Jones was found guilty on three counts mostly related to "oppression" of junior officers and relieved of command for two-and-a-half years.