1To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 23 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
After the War, I made application to Congress, for authority to return to Europe, to settle with and receive from the Court of France, the Prize-Money due to the Citizens and Subjects of the United-States, who had served under my Orders on board the Squadron which his most Christian Majesty was pleased to equip and support under the Flag of America. Congress passed the enclosed Act for that...
2From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 24 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I had prepared a letter for you to the Count de Vergennes but I think it rather better before we resort to him that the Marechal de Castries should be again applied to and the resolution of Congress and certificate of Mr. Morris presented to his view. I therefore return you the papers left with me yesterday, and your draught of a letter inclosed this morning which is perfectly proper in all...
3To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 29 July 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been with Mr. Clouet, the ordonnateur here, to whom the Marechal de Castries sent Orders the 15th. of this Month to pay into my hands the Money arising to the subjects of the United States from the Prizes taken by the Squadron I commanded in Europe. I find that a French Merchant, Mr. Puchilberg of this place, who opposed Dr. Franklin and did all in his power to promote the Revolt that...
4To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 31 July 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to write you the 29th. of this Month, praying you to address the Court, to prevent Mr. Puchilberg, a French Merchant here, from receiving the Prize-money due to the Subjects of the United-States who served on board the Squadron I commanded in Europe. I have done my Duty, and with great trouble and expence, both of time and money, obtained a settlement in their favor from...
5From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 3 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday your favour of the 29’th, and have written on the subject of it to the Mareshall de Castries this morning. You shall have an answer as soon as I receive one. Will you be so good as to make an enquiry into all the circumstances relative to Peyrouse’s expedition which seem to ascertain his destination. Particularly what number of men and of what conditions and vocations had...
6From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 13 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Supposing you may be anxious to hear from hence, tho’ there should be nothing interesting to communicate, I write by Mr. Cairnes merely to inform you that I have as yet received no answer from the Marshal de Castries. I am in daily expectation of one. Should it not be received soon I shall urge it again, which I wish to avoid however if possible, because I think it better to await with...
7From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 17 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mine of the 13th. informed you that I had written to the M. de Castries on the subject of Puchelberg’s interference. Yesterday I received his answer dated the 12th. In that he says that he is informed by the Ordonnateur that he has not been able to get an authentic roll of the crew of the Alliance, that, in the probable case of there having been some French subjects among them, it will be just...
8To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 17 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I am still waiting for a decision respecting the claim of M. Puchilberg. But I think it my duty to inform you that one or two of the common sailors that served on board the Alliance, when that frigate was under my orders, are now here in a merchant vessel, and, as I am this moment informed, they have been persuaded to write to M. Puchilberg, desiring that their share in the prizes may not be...
9To 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,...
10To 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...
11From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 29 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I receive this moment a letter from the Marechal de Castries of which the inclosed is a copy. Having engaged to him to sollicit orders for the paiment of any parts of this money due to French subjects to be made here, and moreover engaged that in the mean time I will order paiment should any such claimants offer themselves, I pray you to furnish me with all the evidence you can as to what...
12To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 5 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just returned here from Brest, where I have passed several days. I have received your letter of the 29th. ult. with the copy of that written to you by the Marechal de Castries, the 26th, and I have reason to expect in consequence, that my affairs here will be finished as soon as the formalities of the bureau will permit. I shall obtain a roll of the Alliance, conformable to the...
13To 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...
14To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 8 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
As The Baron de Waltersdorff does not return here, as was expected, and I wish to apply, without farther loss of time to the Court of Denmark, for a compensation for the prizes taken by the squadron I commanded in Europe, and given up to the British, by the people in authority at Bergen in Norway; if you approve it, I will assign the powers I received, for that business from Congress, to my...
15From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 8 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I think the method you propose for applying to the court of Denmark for the compensation due for the prizes taken by the squadron you commanded in Europe, is a proper one: therefore I will undertake to write to Mr. Adams on the subject, and have no doubt he will support Doctr. Bancroft in his sollicitations to the Danish minister at London for this purpose. I have the honour to be with the...
16From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 5 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The resolution of Congress of Oct. 29. 1783. is the only one I have seen on the subject of the Danish business. That is directed expressly to ‘the Ministers plenipotentiary of the U.S. at the court of Versailles empowered to negociate a peace.’ It is true that I had the honour of being named in that commission and was preparing to come when we received news of the signature of the preliminary...
17From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 5 January 178[6] (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of inclosing to you a letter with which I am honoured from his Excellency the Marechal de Castries and a Memorial accompanying it, by which it appears that a certain Françoise Rippert claims to be paid 675₶ out of the portions of prize-money due to one Robinson, garde-marine and John Francfort pilot of the squadron which was under your command which sum she says they are...
18To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 6 [January] 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the honor to write me yesterday, enclosing a Letter to you from his Excellency the Marechal de Castries, with a Memorial of a certain François Rippert; who claims to be paid 675₶ out of the portions of Prize-money due to one Robinson Garde-marine and John Frankfort Pilot of the Squadron that was under my Command. In compliance with your request I have...
19To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 28 February 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the kind Note you wrote me this morning, on the occasion of receiving my Bust. I offered it to you as a mark of my esteem and respect, for your virtues and talents. It has been remarked by professed judges, that it does no discredit to the talents of Mr. Houdon; but it receives its value from your acceptance of it, with the assurance you give me of your particular esteem; which...
20From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 27 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honour of seeing you the other evening a letter from the board of treasury is come to hand,1 instructing me to receive the monies which you have collected here for the prizes, with an order justifying your paiment of them to me. There is a paragraph in the letter which looks as if they meant I should settle with you your proportion of these monies. It is not quite explicit, and...
21To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 4 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose for your examination the documents of my proceedings with those of this government, in the settlement I have obtained of the prize-money belonging to the officers and crews of the squadron I commanded in the late war in Europe, at the expense of His Most Christian Majesty, but under the flag of the United States. By these documents I presume you will be convinced...
22From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 5 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now the honour to return you the papers you inclosed for my perusal. I am thoroughly satisfied that no person could so well have settled those matters as yourself. Your particular knowlege of all circumstances relative to them gave you the advantages which no other person possessed. With respect to the allowance to be made you for your trouble, I took the liberty of mentioning to you...
23To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, with Enclosure, 7 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose and submit to your consideration the account I have stated of the prize money in my hands, with sundry papers that regard the charges. I cannot bring myself to lessen the dividend of the American captors by making any charge either for my time or trouble. I lament that it has not yet been in my power to procure for them advantages as solid and extensive as the merit...
24From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 10 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
An opportunity having occurred of writing to America and to England by a person leaving Paris to-day , I have been unable sooner to answer the letter with which you honoured me two days ago. On recurring to the letter of the Board of treasury it becomes more evident to me that it does not empower me to settle the sum to which you are entitled; and that their meaning as to the arrangement they...
25To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 10 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
After what you mentioned to me before your favor of this date, respecting the imperfect powers you have received from the Board of Treasury, I did not expect you to make a settlement with me that should be final for the prize money I have recovered. But as I have produced, and still offer you proofs to support the charges I have made, I naturally flattered myself and I still hope you will do...
26From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 11 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I am perfectly ready to transmit to America any accounts or proofs you may think proper. No body can wish more that justice may be done you, nor is more ready to be instrumental in doing whatever may ensure it. It is only necessary for me to avoid the presumption of appearing to decide where I have no authority to do it. I will this evening lodge in the hands of Mr. Grand the original order of...
27To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 9 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
As it now appears by the reply I have just received from Mr. Adams, dated London the 17th of last month, which I had the honor to communicate to you, that his letter to the Baron de Waltersdorff, respecting my prizes delivered up to the English at Bergen in Norway, in the year 1779, by the court of Denmark, has not been answered; and as the Baron de Waltersdorff is now gone to the West Indies,...
28To 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...
29To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 16 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Having no Roll of the Ariel in my Possession, I am unable to determine the legality of the claim expressed in the Paper you did me the Honor to send for my opinion. The Papers of that Frigate were deposited in the Admiralty at Philadelphia, I think, in April or May 1781, and I remember that some arrangement with Mr. Holker was spoke of by the Board, for the Wages due to the Marines; who being...
30To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 21 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by the letter you sent me from the Count de Vergennes to Baron de la Houze, with your own to the Baron de Blome. An indisposition, that has confined me close for three days, has prevented me from observing to you sooner, that Dr. Franklin, in the letter he wrote me from Havre , says, the offer made by the Baron de Waltersdorff was ten thousand pounds sterling. As you have...
31From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 21 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Commodore Jones. His memory had deceived him as to the sum offered by the court of Denmark to Doctr. Franklin. He has accordingly corrected it in his letter to Baron Blome. He is of opinion, that according to the instructions of Congress, any sum, however small, must be accepted, which shall be offered by that court. He does not apprehend however they will offer...
32To 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...
33To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 4 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Some time after your departure for the South of France I set out to go to Copenhagen; expecting to receive, at Bruxelles, the necessary Funds for my Journey and transactions in the North. I had the mortification to be disappointed; which induced me to turn about and embark in the Packet at Havre de Grace, as the method the most sure and expeditious to procure the necessary supply. I should...
34To 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...
35To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, [ca. 19 December 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
I am just arrived here from England. I left New York the 11th. Novr. and have brought public dispatches and a number of private Letters for you. I would have waited on you immediately instead of writing, but I have several strong reasons for desiring that no person should know of my being here till I have seen you and been favored with your advice on the steps I ought to pursue. I have a...
36[To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 24 December 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 24 Dec. 1787 . Recorded in SJL as received 24 Dec. 1787. Not found.]
37From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 26 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Commodore Jones and returns him the book he was so good as to give him the perusal of. He incloses him a letter he has just received, and asks his information as to the justice of the claim. He will be obliged now to occupy himself some two or three days about commercial arrangements just now made at Versailles and which he must translate, have printed, and...
38From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 24 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The United States of America in Congress assembled having thought proper by their resolve of the 25th of October 1787 to authorize and instruct me finally to settle and conclude all demands of the United States against His Majesty the King of Denmark, on account of their prizes delivered to Great Britain during the late war, and to dispatch yourself or any other agent to the court of Denmark...
39To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 11 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been so much indisposed, since my arrival here the 4th. from the fatigue and excessive cold I suffered on the Road, that I have been obliged to confine myself almost constantly to my Chamber. I have kept my Bed for several Days; but I now feel myself better, and hope the danger is over. On my arrival I paid my respects to the minister of France. He received me with great kindness. We...
40To 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...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 27 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place on the 10th. inst. and expected to have staid here a week only. Since the expiration of that week I have been in constant expectation of leaving it within 2. or 3. days. Such is my expectation at this moment; so that any letter you may be so good as to write me after the receipt of this will find me at Paris. Any one written before that will be unanswered till I get...
44To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 8 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
By my Letters to the Count de Bernstorff, and his Excellency’s Answer, you see that my Business here is at an end.—If I have not finally concluded the Object of my Mission, it is neither your fault nor mine: The Powers I received are found insufficient, and you could not Act otherwise than was prescribed in your Instructions. Thus it frequently happens, that good Opportunities are lost, when...
45To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, with Enclosure, 29 August–9 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Some of my Friends in America did me the honor to ask for my Bust. I inclose the Names of eight Gentlemen, to each of whom I promis’d to send one. You will oblige me much, by desiring Mr. Houdan to have them prepared and pack’d up two and two; and if Mr. Short, to whom I present my Respects, will take the trouble to forward them by good Opportunities via Havre de Grace, writing, at the same...
46To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, with Enclosure, 9 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I wrote you last from Copenhagen, the 8th of April, I have been very much hurried; but my greatest difficulty has not been want of time, but want of a private opportunity to write to you. Mr. Littlepage is now on the point of leaving the army of the Prince Maréchal de Potemkin, and talks of being at Paris in the month of October. I avail myself, therefore, of the opportunity he offers,...
47To 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...
48To 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...
49From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 23 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 20/31 from Petersburg came safe to hand, and is the only proof we have received of your existence since you left Copenhagen. I mention this that, reflecting how and what you have written heretofore, you may know how and what you may write hereafter. I shall put nothing into this letter but what is important to you, and unimportant to any government thro which it may pass. To...
50To Thomas Jefferson from John Paul Jones, 20 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On my return from Russia to Amsterdam in December 1789. I wrote to several Gentlemen in America, particularly to the Vice President and to Mr. Secy. Thomson, enclosing some evidence of the treatment I met with in Russia. I wrote at the same time to the President enclosing a Letter from the Count de Segur. Messrs. Staphorsts & Hubbard undertook to forward my Packets by a Ship then ready to sail...