Jean-Paul de Saumeur (1598 — 20 December 1667), often called Chevalier Paul was a French admiral and naval officer who served in several Mediterranean campaigns. Despite his very modest origins, he was attracted very young to the Navy. After having been a simple seaman on behalf of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, from which he was excluded for having killed his corporal, he became a privateer in the Mediterranean Sea then joined the Royal Navy at the request of Richelieu and fought during the whole Franco-Spanish War (1635-1659). His numerous victories earned him the appointment of lieutenant-general and vice-admiral of the Levant. He is named a knight of grace and commander by the great master Martin de Redin. He ended his career in 1666 by transporting to Lisbon the princess of Sav