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...
12The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 17 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress We received your several Letters from Nantes and Portsmouth. We shall be glad to see you here, as soon as is consistent with your Affairs, in order to consult with you on the Matters mention’d in your Instructions from the Congress, &c. We are, with Esteem Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servants Addressed: To / John Paul Jones Esqr / Nantes Endorsed: Paris...
13The Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 22 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter from Brest of August the 15th is before us, and We are very sorry to hear that Reports so groundless are circulated to your Disadvantage. However We trust they will do you no lasting Injury, as Insinuations so grossly false seldom hurt any but the Maker and Propagator. We write this Letter that you may have it in your Powers to assure any Body you think proper, that, so far from...
14From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 8 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress (two) I received your Favours of the second and 4th Inst. I am sorry for the Accidents that have obliged your little Squadron to return & refit; but hope all may be for the best. Some Days since, Mr Chaumont handed to me the Substance of a Letter in French, which contained heads of the Instructions that M. De Sartine wish’d me to give you. I...
15From 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...
16From Thomas Jefferson to John Paul Jones, 31 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to acknolege the receipt of your favor of Mar. 20 with the several papers it inclosed, which were duly communicated to the President. No proof was necessary to satisfy us here of your good conduct every where. In answer to your request to obtain and transmit the proper authority of the U.S. for your retaining the order of St. Anne conferred on you by the Empress, I can only say that the...
17From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 1 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: National Archives; two copies: Library of Congress I have received a Letter from the Board of Admiralty, containing their Orders for the Return of the Alliance, a Copy of which is annex’d for your Government; and I hereby direct that you carry the same into Execution with all possible Expedition. With great Regard, I am, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Sert. Notation: From...
18From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 3 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library This is to authorize & require you to receive & accomodate in your Ship as Passengers the honourable Arthur Lee & Ralph Izard, Esquires, late Ministers of the Congress at the Courts of France & Toscany. I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant Notations in different hands: Dr. Franklin’s order for our Passage / March 3d. 1780 Two weeks earlier BF had agreed to...
19The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 23 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives A pilote being wanted to conduct an Advice Boat to America, if you have in your Ship a suitable Person that can be spared, the Commissioners request, that you would permit him to go on that Service. We have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants. Endorsed: from the American...
20The Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 16 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 16 June 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:137–138 . Jones was ordered to prepare for a voyage to America on which he would harass the British as much as possible, specific mention being made of the vulnerability of the Newfoundland fishery and the transports passing back and...
21From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 1 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): National Archives I have the Pleasure of informing you that it is propos’d to give you the Command of the great Ship we have built at Amsterdam. By what you wrote to us formerly, I have ventur’d to say in your Behalf, that this Proposition would be agreable to you. You will immediately let me know your Resolution: which that you may be more clear in taking, I must inform you of...
22From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 22 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 12th. and one preceding. I am glad you took mine of the 5th as it was intended in friendship— It had appeared to me, that you hurt your own Views, and weaken’d your own hands by a censorious [quarellous?] Disposition that obstructed your Acquisition of … … at your Request and to prevent Mischief, the orders were not caried into Execution, I...
23From 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...
24The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 16 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, June 16, 1778: You will return to America as soon as possible, meanwhile keeping your destination secret. Embrace any opportunity to take prizes or harass the enemy, even if it means going out of your way; the Newfoundland fisheries are one objective, and another is transports on the coast or returning to...
25From 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...
26From George Washington to John Paul Jones, 2 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
Should this letter reach you in time, the purport of it is, to beg your care of the enclosed to the Marqs de la Fayette; and to inform you that all the letters, Memorials, and Papers of every kind which had been transmitted to me as President General of the Society of the Cincinnati, were forwarded (not expecting to attend it myself) to the last General meeting holden in this City but how they...
27The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 25 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: Library of Congress; AL (draft) and copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives <Passy, May 25, 1778: We congratulate you on your success and safe return. Until we hear about an exchange of prisoners we advise you to keep yours securely confined. If we can get an equal number of American seamen to man the Drake she will add to your strength, whereas sending...
28From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 14 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Delaware In compliance with the within Recommendation of M. de Sartine, I do hereby desire you to admit M. Chamillard de Varville to the Command en second of the French Voluntiers on board the Bonhomme Richard. Wishing you every kind of Success and Prosperity, I have the Honour to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
29From 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...
30From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 9 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress I received your Favour of the 1st Instant, I have made the Application you desire in behalf of the Officer who wishes to have leave to go with you, and for the Americans who are come from Senegal, and I hope for a favourable Answer. I need not tell you that I wish you a good Voyage, and all the Success that I am sure you...
31From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 25 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library; copies: Archives Nationales, Library of Congress, National Archives I return herewith the Papers you communicated to me yesterday. I perceive by the Extract from M. de Sartine’s Letter, that it was his Intention all the Charges which had accru’d upon the Serapis & Countess of Scarborough should be deducted from the Prize-money payable to the Captors, particularly the...
32From 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...
33From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 17 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives; two copies: Library of Congress Having been informed by several Gentlemen of & from L’Orient, that it is there generally understood the Mutiny on board your Ship has been advised or promoted by the honourable Arthur Lee Esqe, whom I had ordered you to receive as a Passenger; I hereby withdraw that Order, so far as to leave the Execution of it to your Discretion; that...
34From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 28 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress You may remember I once Spoke to you concerning some young American Gentlemen, who had come to France with Views of being employ’d as Mid Shipmen in three Ships of War which Commodore Gellon of S. Carolina was sent to procure in Europe. Tho’ That Design is not likely to Succeed, they continue to have as I understand, the laudable Desire of improving themselves in...
35From 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...
36From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 4 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : United States Naval Academy Museum; copy: Library of Congress I am honoured with yours of the 24th. past. I have delivered your Letters to the M. de Castries & M. de Chaumont, and shall strongly sollicit the Payment of the Prize money, which I understand is not yet received from the King. I hope soon to see an End of that Affair, which has met with so many unaccountable Obstructions.— I...
37From 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...
38From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 8 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; copy: Library of Congress I received your Favour of the 3d Inst. I find the Arms are to be sent in one of the Kings Ships. I inclose an Order for the Cannon which you say You can take as Ballast. The other Particulars of your Letter I shall endeavour to answer to morrow. With great Esteem I am, Dear Sir, your most obedient & most humble Servant. A muster...
39The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 10 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, August 10, 1778: We are not authorized by Congress to allow deductions from the seamen’s prize money or their advances. As for your stores and furniture, M. Simpson will undoubtedly deliver your private property upon request. We cannot advise you regarding your indemnification, but we...
40The Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 10 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 10 June 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:135 . The Commissioners requested a list of Jones’ prisoners for a possible exchange and noted the arrival of Jones’ account of his differences with the Ranger’s crew, about which he would soon receive their opinion. The request for a...
41From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 19 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 14th, & communicated to the Marquis what related to him. I send you enclosed two more Commissions, which I have found since your Departure. It is difficult to revoke Commissions once given, and there might be some Inconvenience in French Officers retaining those Commissions unrevoked after the occasion of giving them is past; I therefore...
42The Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 22 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have received your Letter of the 16th. and have written to Captain Whipple to appoint a Court Martial for the Tryal of Lieutenant Simpson provided there are a sufficient Number of officers to constitute one. We are This however is not to make any Change in the Command of the Ranger untill the Tryal is over, nor then unless the Judgment of that Court is against him. We are. LbC ( Adams...
43From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 8 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: National Archives; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I wrote to you on the 15th past, since which I have not had the Pleasure of hearing from you. I have just received a Letter from M. De Sartine, of which the inclosed is a Copy. You will see in it that the Cruise is ended; and the Ship Alliance dismissed, with an Injunction that none of the King’s Subjects...
44William Temple Franklin to John Paul Jones, 5 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress My Grandfather who is still obliged to keep his Bed and unable to write, directs me to send you the enclosed Extract of a Letter, he last Night recd from Dr Cooper of Boston. We desire much to know when you will be able to put again to Sea; That you may have a prosperous Voyage, is the sincere Wish of, Your very affectionate Friend Addressed:...
45From George Washington to John Paul Jones, 25 November 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your letter of the 18th of July from Paris enclosing certificates in favor of Captns Stack & Macarthy. I pray you to be assured that I should have pleasure in doing justice to the merits of these Officers, and obliging you if the power of deciding lay with me. But, though I am in sentiment with the Gentlemen who have declared in favor of the pretensions of Captns...
46From 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...
47The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 17 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress We have heard of your arrival at Brest with a prize, and are surprisd that you have not given us an Account of that and of your other proceedings. We desire you will not take any measures relative to the prizes and prisoners you may have made except in securing them, nor incur any considerable expence without our orders. Upon the receipt of this you will...
48From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 31 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
L and copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 14th by Mr Dryburugh. I had also another from Mess. Gourlade and Moylan acquainting me that they had received the Ransom Money about 200£ sterling, as paid to me, agreable to the Bill of Ransom; and had given my Acct. Credit for that Sum. This lays me under a Difficulty, for I am thus become accountable for that Sum to the People of the...
49From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 21 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received a few Days since a Letter from M. De Sartine which I have mislaid, or would send you a Copy you have however the answer enclosed, by which you will perceive the purport of it. This Day the Captain of the Madame has been with me, and left an account of the Advances, which appeard to me very high, and I proposed to return the Men; but he seem’d not to desire...
50From George Washington to John Paul Jones, 15 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
My partial acquaintance with either our naval or commercial affairs makes it altogether impossible for me to account for the unfortunate delay of those Articles of Military Stores and Cloathing which I have been informed have been so long provided in France. Had I have had any particular reason to have suspected you of being accessory to that delay, which I assure you has not been the case, my...
51From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 16 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I last Night heard of your arrival at Groa, But have no Letter yet from you. I write this line to acquaint you that I propose to send the alliance out again as soon as Possible that she may be prepared accordingly. As to sheathing her with Copper, I have not the Cash necessary. I have now only time to add, that I am with great Esteem Dear sir, &c. Bancroft apparently...
52From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 30 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress Being arrived at Grois, you are to make the best of your Way, with the Vessels under your Command, to the West of Ireland; and establish your Cruise on the Orcades, the Cape of Dirneus, and the Dogger Bank: in order to take the Ennimies Property in those Seas. The Prizes you may make, send to Dunkirk, Ostend, or Bergen in...
53From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 6 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives I received your Favours of the 24th and 31st of August. I am told by Mr. C. that Mr. S. is sorry you did not go with M. D’Orvilliers. He had sent Orders for that Purpose, and your staying at L’Orient occasion’d your missing the Opportunity. Your Letter was sent to the Prince de Nassau. I am confident something will be done for you, tho’ I don’t yet know what. Dr....
54From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 9 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress I wrote to you per last Post, under Cover to M. Moylan. With this you will receive another letter or two for America. I have just received yours of the 4th. I am sorry you waited for the Pacquets by Mr Gourlade as they only contained News Papers; but you could not know that. A Gentleman who says he is to sail with you sets off tomorrow, and...
55From 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...
56From 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...
57The Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 3 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 3 June 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:123–124 . The Commissioners, as a result of letters from Lt. Thomas Simpson and appeals by others on his behalf, determined that Jones’ treatment of Simpson was too harsh and desired that Simpson be allowed to give his parole and return...
58From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 27 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress I have this Minute received yours of the 23d. The Letter you mention having sent me by the last Post, inclosing the necessary Papers to explain Circumstances, is not come to Hand; so that I am much in the dark about your present Situation. I only learn by other means, that the Alliance is gone out of the Port, and that you are not likely to...
59The American Commissioners to [John Paul Jones], 15 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives Whereas we understand that Capt. Jones has in View to strike a Stroke upon the Enemy that may be greatly to their Damage, but in its nature not probably profitable to his Ship’s Company, unless some Reward be received from the Congress adequate to the Service done, And we being of Opinion that Rewards in such Cases are not only necessary for Encouragement, but are...
60From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 17 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Archives Nationales, Library of Congress To the Honorable Captain John Paul-Jones Commodore in the service of the United-States of America. In pursuance of a Resolution of Congress of the first of November 1783. a Copy wereof is hereunto annexed, I do hereby authorize and direct you to solicit as Agent for payment and satisfaction to the officers and crews citizens or subjects of the...