1John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 9 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
It is my duty to forward to you the within Memorial of Facts from Gentlemen whom the fortune of War made Prisoners to the American Arms under my command. In their application to me they observe that “I am well acquainted with their situation.” The late treatment which these unfortunate Men have met with appears to me to carry with it a degree of severity which cannot be Justified by reason nor...
I have the honor to inform you that this day Arrived here a Virginia Pilot boat from Boston in 23 days. The master reports—that Comte Destaing had saild from thence a fortnight before on a Secret destination—that the Summerset was lost on Cape Cod, the materials saved and the Crew Prisoners —that the Providence, Boston, and Ranger were Arrived having taken two or three Merchant Vessels—That...
3John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of acquainting you that in obedience to Orders from the Honorable the Marine and Secret Committees of Congress, bearing date the 9th ulto, I immediately repaired here in Order to proceed in the French Ship Amphitrite from hence to Charlestown South Carolina and thence to France. The intention of the Secret Committee was first to avail of...
4John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 30 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honor of writing to you from hence the 3d day of June last Copy whereof is here inclosed. Congress have thought fit to put the new Sloop of War therein mentioned, now called the Ranger under my command, and have authorized Genl. Whipple, Colo. Langdon and myself to appoint the Officers. When I took this command, the middle of last month, I found...
5John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed you have copies of letters which I had the honor of writing you from Portsmouth the latter of which could not have reached your hands as I understand that the mail was destroyed. I sailed from Portsmouth the 1st. Ulto. and arrived safe in this River in the Ranger the 2d. Current having taken two brigtines from Malaga laden with Fruit for London. I...
6John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : National Archives I had the honor of writing to you yesterday by post under cover by Mr. Williams. I inclosed copies of two letters which I wrote you previous to my departure from Portsmouth, together with a plan which I drew up at Philadelphia on the Regulation and Equipment of our infant Navy. I now inclose you a letter which I had the honor to receive in charge from the Secret...
7To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I take the liberty of inclosing two introductory letters Addressed to you in behalf of my Lieutenant, who since his embarkation into the service in July last under my Command hath behaved with becoming dilligence and Attention to duty. Should I have the honor of being called to Paris or should any Alteration immediatly take Place in my Command I shall have an...
8John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 23 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Boston Public Library Your esteemed favor of the 17th. I have recived. I wish to leave the Ranger in such a situation as to expect to find her nearly ready for Sea on my return, as I think it will be for the intrest of the Service that I should then proceed with her alone Unless an Additional force can be very soon procured. Should circumstances Admit, an Additional force may be...
9John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 27 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inform you that from Paris I reached this place in 56 hours. As I have in my possession repeated Orders from Congress to Afford Aid and protection to the American Commerce, I conceive it to be my duty to give my best protection and safe conduct to the Squadron with Supplies now nearly in readiness to sail from hence, until they are at...
10John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 10 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Harvard University Library, National Archives (two) I had the honor of writeing to you from Nantes the 27th ulto. The affair of Quiberon (which I did not then know of) is now in every Brokers mouth. Strange! that nothing can remain Secret. Should I find that Force likely to depart within a few days I will Avail myself of its protection, especially...
11John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 4 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum Inclosed I send you Copies of my Letters since the 10th February. As the Port of Brest is so crowded with Shipping that the Ranger was prevented from entering into it I thought it the most expiditious to return here to clean her bottom which is now effected. On surveying the Masts it has been concluded that they...
12John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 9 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; AL : American Philosophical Society, United States Naval Academy Museum; copy: National Archives <Brest, May 9, 1778: I arrived last night with the British warship Drake , and will soon give you an account of the cruise. I have almost two hundred prisoners, but there is danger they may be surrendered without an exchange. I plan to refit the Drake as fast...
13John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 16 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; AL : United States Naval Academy Museum; copy: National Archives <Brest, May 16, 1778: The local admiralty will apparently delay the sale of the Ranger ’s prizes; I therefore have to draw on you through M. Bersolle for 24,000 l.t. to distribute among my officers and men. They need to provide for their families in America, who will expect clothing, etc., by...
14To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 18 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Princeton University Library; AL (draft): National Archives; copies: Library of Congress , United States Naval Academy Museum The within letter addressed to the Countess of Selkirk which I leave open for your perusal will I hope apologize for the liberty I take when I request you to forward it via Holland. Two copies are already forwarded, one of which under cover to the Post Master at...
15John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 27 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL : National Archives, United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, May 27, 1778: Here is the promised account of my late expedition. I sailed from here on April 10; after the 14th I took a series of prizes, and bad weather frustrated me in a number of projected attacks. On the morning of the 23rd I landed at Whitehaven and burned shipping; if we could have...
16To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 1 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; AL : United States Naval Academy Museum Accept my grateful Thanks for your much esteemed favor of 27th. Ultimo. Such a mark of your good opinion and approbation really affords me the most heartfelt Satisfaction. It shall always be my Ambition to do my Duty as far as my Judgement and small Abilities may Enable me. But you will...
17John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; AL : United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, June 3, 1778: I promise never again to draw on you for supplying my men with necessities; you do not think, I hope, that I touched a dollar for my own purposes. On my way from America I took two brigantines. Messrs. Morris and Williams sold one in Nantes, and the captors...
18To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 6 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; AL : United States Naval Academy Museum Your much esteemed favor of the 1st. Current, which I received last Night lays me under a most singular Obligation: I cannot but be deeply sensible of the Honor which is confered upon me by the Proposition; and I really think it affords a very fair prospect of Success. In a few days the...
19John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 10 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; two copies: National Archives < Ranger , Brest, June 10, 1778: One of the Ranger ’s prizes was, I understand, sold in Bordeaux by Messrs. Delap. I wrote to request that the captors’ share be sent to Mr. Williams at Nantes, so that it might be divided before the Ranger left, but my letter was not answered. Please give orders for the money to be remitted...
20John Paul Jones: Questions for the American Commissioners, [after 20 June 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society I ask the Commissioners Whither they do or do not mean that the Ranger should depart before her Prizes are Realized? Whither the advances paid to the seamen must be deducted from their Prize Money, and at what Rate? And whither it is not inexpedient for a ship that is Crank, that sails slow, and that is of a triffling force, to pursue a tract where there is...
21John Paul Jones: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [3 July 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Harvard University Library <[July 3, 1778: ] I came to Paris when I learned on good authority that the minister wanted to speak with me on a matter of great utility to the United States. Permission to sell the prizes, or an exchange of prisoners, was not in immediate prospect; and something had to be done to assuage the Ranger’s crew. The minister pledged me to reveal his plan to no one,...
22John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 4 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum When Congress thought proper to order me to France it was proposed that the Ranger should remain under my direction and be Commanded by a Lieutenant, and as the French Ministry have now in contemplation Plans which promise Honor to the American Flag, the Ranger might be very Useful to...
23John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, [16 July 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives (two), Massachusetts Historical Society When I took Lieutenant Simpsons Parole I did not expect to have been long absent from America: but as circumstances have now rendred the time of my return less certain, I am willing to let the dispute between us drop for ever by giving up that parole which will...
24John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 2 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives, University of Virginia Library <Passy, August 2, 1778: Captain Jones requests the commissioners to supply him with copies, or allow him to copy, the following letters: M. de Sartine’s letter to the commissioners about Capt. Jones, their answer, the commissioners’ letter to Lieut. Simpson resulting from Capt. Jones’s proposition in...
25John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 6 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum <Passy, August 6, 1778: By a resolve of Congress the seamen engaged on the Ranger were given forty dollars each, and the landsmen twenty dollars advance in continental bills. They have also been supplied with slops, and received a small cash advance at Nantes last winter. I consider it my duty to represent these...
26John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 15 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives (two), United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 15, 1778: I have been here five days and have neither seen nor heard from Lt. Simpson; but Mr. Hill reports the general rumor that I have been turned out of the service, that Simpson has replaced me with a captain’s commission, and that my letter to you of July 16 was only...
27To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 24 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copies: United States Naval Academy Museum, Library of Congress Had I indulged my inclination since my return here I should have already troubled you with sundry letters. I must not however abuse the indulgent liberty which you gave me at parting. And I have therefore been the more troublesome to my good Friend Doctor...
28John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 28 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 28, 1778: M. de la Prévalaye, who commands here in the absence of the comte d’Orvilliers, has just told me that he can no longer furnish a guard for the Ranger prisoners detained aboard the Patience . Unable to depend on the Ranger ’s officers, I had arranged for a guard with...
29John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 30 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 30, 1778: My friend M. de la Porte, intendant, has now agreed to furnish a vessel and send the Ranger ’s prisoners to England, if you consent. This offer is too generous to refuse. The guard will be discontinued unless you procure an order from the minister. As for the...
30To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 31 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum Since my return here I have written several letters to Doctor Bancroft, to none of which I have yet received any Answer, tho’ the first was dated the 14th. and left Brest by the next mornings Post. This has made me Apprehend that he is absent from Paris as I know he purposed going to...
31To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 14 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Your much esteemed favor of the 6th. at 5 AM. I received the 8th. That kind letter from your Hand at so early an Hour adds much to former Obligations, but more especially as it found me in need of such Cordials; for I have yet received no other letter from the Eastward since the 17th. before...
32To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 18 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum The Fleet hath this day returned here, having been absent a Month and done nothing; for I call taking a small Tender and a small Privateer Nothing. A Frigate, the Juno, of 32 Guns 12 pounders is also Arrived and has brought in the English Frigate the Fox that was formerly taken by our...
33To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 21 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum This serves only to cover my letters to the Duke De Chartres and his Squire as mentioned in my last. Unless you entirely Approve of these letters I beg you to suppress them. If you Approve them I could wish it may be consistent and convenient for you to see, or Write a line to, the...
34To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 24 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum Altho’ the Ministers letter respecting me to Comte D’Orvilliers was not well timed, Yet I think it my Duty to thank him for his intentions. It has been hinted to me that a Lieutenant who has been with the D. De C-- expects to Command the Fox thro’ that Intrest. If this be true I am...
35To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 19 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, United States Naval Academy Museum I hope you will find the within letters entirely free from asperity or ill Nature. I have been and am, in the Eyes of Brest and of the French Fleet, considered as having incurred your Displeasure and being consequently in Disgrace. The Commissioners’ refusal of my Bill, my Journey to Paris...
36To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 1 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives, United States Naval Academy Museum The inclosed letter for M. de Chaumont will I hope have your approbation. I wish it were possible that the first plan could be pursued—or if it is postponed, it is perhaps a delicate point, but I wish I could have some assurance that the Indien will not be put under the command of another, but...
37To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 27 October [i.e., November] 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum If Mr. Amiel had attempted my life I could not have been more surprised than I have been this day by his telling me that “it is your advice to Mrs. Amiel that he should immediatly proceed from hence to Nantes in order to take passage with her for America”—because “he may possibly...
38John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 9 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <Lorient, December 9, 1778: I forward the enclosed memorial from gentlemen who were taken prisoner under my command. They observe that “I am well acquainted with their situation.” Their present treatment is incompatible with reason, law, and humanity. Of the two hundred prisoners on board the Patience , only one hundred thirty...
39John Paul Jones to Franklin and John Adams, 9 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Dartmouth College Library; copy: National Archives <Lorient, December 9, 1778: A Virginia pilot boat arrived in twenty-three days from Boston. Her captain reports that comte d’Estaing had sailed on a secret mission a fortnight before, that the Somerset was lost on Cape Cod and her crew made prisoners, that the Providence, Boston , and Ranger arrived with prizes, that the Raleigh was...
40To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 6 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The mystery which you so delicately mention in your much esteemed favor of the 24th. Ulto.— it has been my intention for more than Twelve Months past to communicate to you; which however I have put off from time to time on reflecting that the Account must give you more pain than pleasure:—yet had I not, on my sudden departure from hence for Paris,...
41To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 1 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copies: United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives The letter which I had the honor to receive from your Excellency to day together with your liberal and noble minded instructions would make a Coward brave.— You have called up every sentiment of public virtue in my breast and it shall be my pride and ambition in...
42To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 2 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives The within paper I have this moment recd.— It comes from some unfortunate Men who were made Prisoners when the Gallant Montgomery fell in his attack on Quebec.— I am so much indisposed to day that I am obliged to write to you in Bed— I have however Sent to ask if the Commandant if he can...
43To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 14 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day received your esteemed letter of the 9th—The Alliance arrived here the 12th. and the Sensible is this day arrived at Port Louis (at the entrance of this Harbour)—There is also this day arrived here a Cutter of 18 Guns from Cherbourg—this last I hope will be added to the Armament—the Pallas with the rest of the small Vessels from Nantes have...
44To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 26 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I had the honor to receive your kind and polite letter of the 19th. I have waited with impatient expectation of seeing the Marquis here.— The Bon homme Richard the Alliance, the Pallas, the Scerf & the Vengeance are now ready in the Road for the Embarkation of the Troops— I have sent Officers and Men to Brest for the Leveller and I expect the...
45To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 18 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum I have this moment Anchored here. M. de Chaumont will communicate to you the Object of my present destenation as well as inform you where I mean to anchor about Ten days hence to receive your final Orders.— I have had a most disagreeable Task to compose Affairs on board the Alliance— The two principal Officers Lieutenants...
46To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 1 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, United States Naval Academy On the 19th. Ulto. the American Squadron under my command, consisting of the Bon homme Richard of 42 Guns, the Alliance of 36 Guns, the Pallas of 30 Guns, the Cerf of 18 Guns and the Vengeance of 12 Guns, sailed from hence with a Convoy of Merchant Ships and Transports...
47To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 2 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to acquaint you that this day arrived the Alliance & Pallas and joined me in the Road of Groa with a Brigantine belonging to Dublin and bound homewards from Bordeaux with a Cargo of Wine & Brandy.— About noon the Wind changed and we have availed ourselves of the Opportunity to enter the Port. The Bon homme Richard & the Alliance are now at...
48To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 4 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honor to write you the 2d. an account of the arrival of the Alliance & Pallas with an Irish Brigantine which they brought in as a Prize.— Captain Landais has reported that Vessel as being destined for America, so that I shall suffer no further step to be taken without your approbation. I have the satisfaction to inform you that the damage of the...
49To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 5 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Princeton University Library I embraced the Opportunity which presented itself to write to you by the Captain of the Epervier who arrived here the day before, it is believed, from Martinico and as he went off express Undertook to deliver my letter to you at Passy on his way to Paris.— I have now the honor to forward a letter from Captn. Landais with Copies of the Papers that respect the...
50To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 9 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum I should have acknowledged sooner the receipt of Your Orders dated the 30th. Ulto. which I recd. the 7th. Curr. but waited for the letter which yours alludes to from M. de Chaumont which has but this moment appeared and except the Name of a Merchant contains nothing New. I have had...