1Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 27 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, July 27, 1778: I wrote you from Nantes that I was planning to sail on the Providence . Mr. Livingston arrived from Paris informing me that you had appointed him to command the Ranger , but gave that post to me when Capt. Jones delivered up my parole. Your letters to Capt. Whipple and Mr. Schweighauser also arrived; Whipple ordered me on the 24th to...
2Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you by Captain Niles, that on receiving an answer from Captain Whipple, I shou’d immediately follow his instructions, his letter came to hand the 12th, I embarked at Brest the 15th. and arrived here the 17th Instant, and am now to proceed for America in the Providence, where I hope to have the pleasure of being immediately bro’t to trial. I tho’t my...
3Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, July 3, 1778: Thank you for your interposition on my behalf. Captain Jones has released me from prison to sail for America, but holds me suspended until a court martial summons us to meet face to face. I enclose a copy of my parole. Immediately upon my release I inquired of Mr. Williams at Nantes about vessels bound to America; several are bound to...
4Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 8 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy : American Philosophical Society <Brest, May 8, 1778: After the capture of the English warship Drake , Capt. Jones appointed me to take her to Brest. I enclose a copy of his instructions. On May 5, while she was in tow, he ordered me to cast her loose and—so we all understood—make my own way to port. We were chased by a brig, tried to rejoin the Ranger , and did so early in the...