To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 6 June 1778
From John Paul Jones
ALS: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; AL: United States Naval Academy Museum
Drake, Brest June 6th. 1778.
Honored and dear Sir
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 return of a letter from Mr. Schweighauser2 will I hope enable me to leave Affairs here so as to Attend you at Paris. I shall be happy in opportunities to prove by my Conduct, how much I wish to merit the continuance of your Confidence and that of the Prince.3
It gives me pleasure to hear of the Arrival of the Providence Frigate at Nantes; and as I believe the Boston is not yet departed from Bourdeaux, if you approve it, they can Rendezvous here, which may enable us to regulate any disorders that may exist;4 and perhaps it may be more expedient that the Force should be United than kept seperate. I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of great Esteem and Respect Sir Your very Obliged, very Obedient and very humble Servant
Jno P Jones
His Excellency Doctor Franklin.
Notation: P. Jones Brest 18. may 1778.5
2. In reply to one from Jones of June 4 (National Archives; U.S. Naval Academy Museum). If Schweighauser did send an answer, it is apparently missing.
3. The draft here adds in the margin: “De Naussau who was to have embarked under my Command.”
4. The draft here adds in the margin: “on board [the Ra]nger.”
5. See the notation on the letter of that date.