11John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 9 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to acquaint you that I arrived here last Night and brought in with me the British Ship of War Drake of 20 Guns with English Colours inverted under the American Stars. I shall soon give you the particulars of my Cruise in the mean time you will see some Account of it in a letter of this date from Comte D’Orvilliers to Monseigneur De Sartine. I have brought in near Two hundred...
12To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 12 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress; copy: Archives de la Marine On the 23d. day of September 1779 in Sight of Flamborough Head on the East Coast of England I discovered a Fleet under British Colours and made the Signal for Chase with the necessary preparation for Battle.— The Bon Homme Richard of 40 Guns which I then commanded in Person came up with and Hailed the largest Ship of the fleet. The...
13To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 19 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I am by this day’s Post, honored with yours of the 13th Currt. which appears to have been intended to have been forwarded by Mr. Carnes. I esteem myself particularly obliged by that mark of your attention; but, as there is no mention made of my Letter to you of the 31st. Ult. I presume it has miscarryed, and it is therefore that I have now written the foregoing Copy. The 6th. of this month,...
14To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 26 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Having wrote you fully respecting the Denmark business by Mr. Littlepage, with the papers necessary to finish it, I now have the honor to transmit you the extract of my journal that you wish to communicate to the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres, on the subject of the medal with which I am honored by Congress. I have only at present to inform you that I returned here from the Black...
15To 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...
16To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 11 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I had the honor to write your Excellency a line from the Hague on the 8th.— His Excellency the French Ambassador and the Agent have no doubt marked the situation of Affairs with respect to the Squadron, as concerned with this Government and with the Enemy.— I am doing every thing in my Power towards fulfiling the Advice which I...
17John 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...
18To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 5 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The following is the best Information I am able to give you in Compliance with the Letter dated at Paris the 3d. of August 1785 which you did me the Honor to address to me at L’orient. The Boussole and the Astrolabe, two Gaberts [gabares] of 600 Tons each, sheathed with Copper, and equipped in the best Manner, sailed from Brest the 1st. of August 1785, under the Command of Messrs. de la...
19To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 24 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to address you a confidential Letter the 4th. Ult. enclosing one for Madame T. I here enclose another Letter for that worthy Lady, of which I request your particular care. I should have embarked in the Packet that will sail for Havre to morrow morning. But an account having arrived here, that the English Fleet is out and was seen steering to the Westward, and that a British...
20To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 30 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum Since my last the Irish Brigantine the Three Friends from Bordeaux taken by the Alliance has sunk at her Anchors in this Road. This unfortunate Accident happened about Eleven in the fore noon the Day before yesterday, and the Prize Master and People declare that the Vessel made no...
21To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 23 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives I return you enclosed the Letter addressed to you by John Jackson Pilot of Hull, dated at Hull the 16th. of October 1780. The Certificate joined with that Letter is (at least in substance) a Copy of the one I gave him at the Texel after his Arm had been amputated and he had recovered. It does not however I observe take notice that a second Pilot Boat came...
22To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 3 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honor of hearing from you last, my health has not permitted me to set out for Denmark. From the information I took at the Hotel of the Baron de Blome, I understood he was to arrive from the waters the 30th ult., so that I thought it better to wait till I could see him than to forward your letter. His servants arrived at the time that he was himself expected, and informed that...
23To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 25 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I am honored with your Excellencies letter of the 19th.— I feel your reasons for Urging frugallity, and as I have not hitherto been among the most extravagant Servants of America so you may depend on it my regard for you will make me particularly Nice in my present situation. It will give me very great pleasure to be able to...
24To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 18 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives I have duly received your Excellencies dispatches of the 4th and 9th Current.— The Wind is Fair, the Pilot on Board, and the Ship will be under Sail at day Break.— Mr. Gourlade nor M. de La Grave have not yet appeared.— I will Steer as directly as possible for our Ports.— Enclosed is a receipt from Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan...
25John 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...
26John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Being informed from good authority that the Minister desired much to converse with me on a subject of great utility to the United States of America —as there was then no prospect of obtaining permission to sell the prizes—or of getting the prisoners exchanged soon, I thought it for the interest of the Service that I shoud come myself to Paris. It was necessary too that some measure shoud be...
27To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 14 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you herewith the Rolls of the Bon-Homme-Richard and Alliance; with Copys of the other Papers in French respecting the Prize-Money of the Squadron I commanded. They are numbered from 1 to 23, and I have left them open for your inspection. I rely on the good effect of your Observations that will accompany them, with the Papers in your Hands, to Congress, and have no doubt but that my...
28To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 18 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Copenhagen, 18 Mch. 1788 . Was presented at court the previous day by the French minister, La Houze, and had a “polite and distinguished reception”; talked with the queen, who has “a dignity of Person and deportment, which becomes her well, and which she has the secret to reconcile with great affability and ease”; the princess royal commands “that homage which artless Beauty and good nature...
29John 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...
30John 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...
31To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 31 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to write you a line the 26th from this place, where I am arrived a short time ago from the Black sea. I send enclosed an extract of the journal of my campaign in 1779, as you desired; and I now enclose an extract of a letter I wrote you by Mr. Littlepage . I have heard nothing from him since he left me. I know only that he arrived at Warsaw, but am quite uncertain about his...
32To George Washington from John Paul Jones, 9 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
Accounts having arrived and being credited here, that the British Fleet was out, and had been seen steering to the Westward, and that a British Squadron was cruising in the north Sea, I was advised by my Friends not to embark in the French Packet that sailed hence the 25. Ult. I am sorry to have lost that opportunity as those accounts are now contradicted. I shall embark to morrow, in an...
33To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 12 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum The Bowsprit of the Bon homme Richard, having been landed and examined is found not only Sprung in 2 places but in several others much decayed and Rotten:— It is therefore condemned as being Unfit for future Service.— The Old Bowsprit mentioned in my last is now Undergoing a Survey and...
34To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 29 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; two copies and transcript: National Archives Previous to the appearance of your Excellency’s letter of the 8th: Current, I had forwarded thro’ the hands of M. Dumas the Certificates which you required respecting Captain Landais; And the Serapis was ready for Sea when the French Ambassador sent for me a Second time to meet him at Amsterdam.— I hope my...
35John 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,...
36To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 20 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I embrace the occasion of a young Gentleman, just arrived here Express from St. Petersburg, and who sets out immediately Express for Paris , to transmit you the foregoing Copy of my last of the 18th. I have written to Norway and expect a satisfactory Answer. The minister of France is surprised to have had no object from Versailles respecting me . I pray you and so does he to push that point...
37John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 28 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment been with Mons. De la Prévalaye by Accident. That Gentleman you know, Commands here in the Absence of Comte D’Orvilliers. He has told me that as there are now no Ships of War in the Road he can no longer furnish a Guard for the Prisoners taken by the Ranger and now on board the Prize Brigantine Patience. I could have no dependence on the Officers and Marines of the Ranger...
38To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 2 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr Paul Jones has the Honor to accept Doctor Franklin’s kind Invitation for Dinner on Wednesday the 4th. Instant Addressed: A son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin Ministre / Plenipotentiere des Etâts-Unis / en son Hotêl à Passy / près Paris. The Duke of Dorset was also among the “grande Compagnie” dining with BF on this date: BFB ’s journal, entry of Aug....
39John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 16 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
As there is an appearance that the Sales of the Rangers prizes will be greatly protracted thro’ the claims of the Admiralty here—I have been under the necessity of drawing on you this day a Bill at five days sight in favor of Monsieur Bersolle for Twenty four thousand Livers—which I mean to distribute among the brave Officers and Men to whom I owe my late Success. It is but reasonable that...
40To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 23 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Marquis de la Fayette was so obliging as to translate and enforce my two last Letters, which I had the honor to communicate to you of the 6th. and 13th. Current, to the Marechal de Castries, on the subject of the Prize-money due to the Officers and Men who served in the Squadron I commanded in Europe. But, from a Letter written the 29th. of May 1780...
41To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 13 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society It is but this moment that the Court martial has finished the affairs of the Bonhomme Richard and the Alliance being run foul of Each other. I inclose you the Whole proceedings of that Court, Which being the only one of Consequence, it is unnecessary to trouble you With bundles of papers Where the Conclusions have only Amounted to Whipping Which has been...
42To 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...
43To George Washington from John Paul Jones, 25 July 1787 (Washington Papers)
Mr Jonathan Nesbitt, the bearer of this Letter, will deliver to your order the Bust you do me the Honor to accept. I am impressed with a deep sense of the favor you thereby confer on me, and it will be my ambition through the remainder of my Life to merit that mark of your esteem. As Congress has not yet determined some things that regard my return to Europe, I am prevented from embarking in...
44To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 8 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Though I have nothing to communicate to your Excellency of a Public nature, yet I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of repeating to you the grateful Sense I shall ever retain of the kind attention you shewed me while I remained in Europe.— Mr. Barclay, whom Congress have appointed Consul General for the United States in France, will have the honor of...
45To 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...
46To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 6 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I inclose for your Excellencies approbation an extract of a letter that I have received from Sir R Finlay respecting an invention of Bombs that are Calculated to set fire to any Object against which they are discharged from a Cannon.— If they answer the description that I have had they will be an Acquisition of some...
47To 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...
48To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 24 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday received the Letter you did me the honor to write me the 17th. mentioning the difficulty made by the Marechal de Castries in his Letter to you of the 12th. and that you had removed that difficulty by your Answer. I am exceedingly Sensible of the favor you do me by your attention to my situation here; and it gives me great concern that it is not in my Power, at present, to send you...
49To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 25 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Copenhagen, 25 Mch. 1788 . Is sending the present letter in care of the Van Staphorsts at Amsterdam. “My mission here is not yet at an end, but the minister has promised to determine soon and I have wrote to claim that promise.” Before receiving this letter TJ will have been informed by Simolin that TJ’s “proposal to him, and his application on that Idea, have been well received.” Jones has...
50To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 4 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives I have received yesterday yours of the 1st by Express from Versailles and went immediately down to Port Louis where I was told that the powder is ready but that a considerable part of the Small Arms are not expected there before the 15th.— The necessary Arrangement to receive them will in the meantime be made on board the...
51To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 24 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives I this day received a Letter from M. Gourlade of which the enclosed is an Extract. In consequence I have written the within Letters to the new Minister of the Marine and to M. de Chaumont reclaiming Payment of Prize Money &c. for the Ships Bon Homme Richard and Alliance, while Under my Command last Year.— If you think these Letters...
52John 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...
53To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 13 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two), South Carolina Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I have this day had the honor to receive your Excellency’s Orders of the 6th: Current respecting the Prisoners taken in Merchant Ships and at present on board the Alliance— and I hope that the within Copy of...
54John 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...
55John 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...
56To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 28 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft) and transcript: National Archives I have received your Orders of the 18th. and have written to Nantes for particular information respecting the Anchorage off Noirmontier that I may take measures accordingly.— I am very glad that Doctor Bancroft who has been an Eye and Ear witness to the Situation of Affairs onboard the Alliance can explain to...
57John 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...
58John 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...
59John 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...
60John 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...