1Thomas Simpson to the Commissioners, 8 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Its extremely disagreeable to me, that my first address to you, shou’d be on such an occasion, as the following detail, which is that immediately on the capture of the English Ship of war Drake, off the harbour Carrickfurgus, in Ireland Captn. Jones was pleased to appoint me (his first Lieutenant,) to the command of her for Brest, giving me instructions, a correct copy of which I inclose, and...
2Thomas Simpson to the Commissioners, 25 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I addressed you on the 8th. of this Instant on a very disagreeable affair, not recieving any answer, or order from your Honours, I concluded my letter had miscarried, or your attentions were required on greater objects, and therefore was determined to rest a while, until you might be at leisure, to think on the matter, I had wrote you of. But the treatment I have since recieved from Captn....
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 Commissioners, 27 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you from Nantes that I had arrived there, and was to take my passage for America in the Providence, the 25. Mr. Livingston arriving from Paris informed me that you had appointed him to the command of the Ranger, but on Captain Jones delivering up my parole, you were pleased to honour me with that appointment. Your Honours letters to Captain Whipple, and Mr. Schweighasser coming to...
5Thomas 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...
6Thomas 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...
7Thomas Simpson to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am to Acknowledge the receipt of your favor from Passi of the third of last month, for which, and your kind interposition in my behalf, I return you my most sincere thanks, Captain Jones has released me from Prison, and has permitted me to go for America, but holds me suspended until called upon by a court martial to meet him face to face: a copy of the Parole brought to me in the prison by...
8Thomas 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...