vv >• ^^^ ^^ -: * ^^'^ ^^ o-f/ Vv • • • A^ ^ r ..^ .• .<-^'*. -. <^ '^. o V ^*3 ^. o K/ LIFE AND CHARACTER OF THE CHEVALIER JOHN PAUL JONES, A CAPTAIN IN THE SiTAW OF THZ; UXTZTZ!2> STATES^ DUEIJVG THEIR REVOLUTIONARY WAR. DKiilCATED TO THE OFFICERS OF THK AMEI11CA>." NA^ V fi" Jones, a respectable merchant, now resident at Charleston, S. C.^wa? written from the lips of Mr. Lowden'? mother for that work by T>r. tiiin- can, of Dumfries, Scotland. account; but since our arrival here, the^ repairs and busi- ness of the ship have required my constant attention. I will endeavor to be more punctual hereafter; in the meanwhile, hope you will excuse this omission till I can account for it personally. I pass over what was prior to our arrival at the Capes of Delaware — where we were met by the Hor- net sloop, and Wasp schooner, from Maryland. " On the 1 7th of February, the fleet put to sea with a smart north-east wind. In the night of the 19th, (the gale having increased,) we lost company with the Hornet and Fly, tender. We steered to the southward, without seeing a single sail or meeting with any thing remarkable, till the 1 st of March, when we anchored at Abaco, one of the Ba- hama Islands, having previously brought to a couple of New Providence sloops to take pilots out of them. By these people we were informed that there was a large quan- tity of powder, with a number of cannon, in the two forts of New Providence. In consequence of this intelligence the marines and landsmen, to the number of 300 and up- wards, under the command of Captain Nicholas, were em- barked in the*two sloops. It was determined that thej' should keep below deck until the sloops were got in close to the fort, and they were then to land instantly and take possession before the island could be alarmed. This, how- ever, was rendered abortive, as the forts fired an alarm on the approach of our fleet. We then ran in, and anchored at a small key three leagues to windward of the town, and from thence the Commodore despatched (he marines, with the sloop Providence and schooner Wasp to cover their landing. They landed without opposition, and soon took possession of the eastern garrison, which, after firing a few shot, the islanders abandoned. The next morning the ma- rines marched for the town, and were met by a Messenger from the governor, who told Captain Nicholas, that " the western garrison (Fort Nassau) was ready for his reception, and that he might march his force in as soon as he pleased.- - This was effected without firing a gun on our side — but the governor had sent off 1 50 barrels of powder the night be- fore. Enclosed you have an inventory of the cannon, stores, &;c. which we brought off in the fleet. We continued at New Providence till the 17th ult., and then brought off the governor and two more gentlemen prisoners. Our course was now directed back for the continent, and. after meeting \:i With much bad weather, on the 5th inst., off Block Island, we took the Hawke schooner, of six guns, one of Capt. Wal- lace's tenders, and the bomb brig Bolton, of eight guns and two howitzers. The next morning we fell in with the Glas- gow man of war, and a hot engagement ensued, the particu- lars of which I cannot communicate better than by extract- ing the minutes which I entered on the Alfred's log book. I have the pleasure of assuring you that the commander in chief is respected through the fleet, and I verily believe that the officers and men, in general, would go any length to execute his orders." The same letter contains some excellent observations on the courtesy which ought to prevail among the officers of the navy. Lieutenant Jones remarks — " It is certainly for the interest of the service that a cor- dial interchange of civilities should subsist between supe- rior and inferior officers ; and therefore it is bad policy in superiors to behave towards their inferiors indiscriminately, as though they were of a lower species. Men of liberal minds, who have been long accustomed to command, can ill brook being thus set at nought by others who pretend to claim the monopoly of sense. The rude ungentle treat- ment which they experience creates such heart-burnings as are nowise consonant with that cheerful ardour and spirit which ought ever to be the characteristic of an officer ; and, therefore, whoever thinks himself hearty in the ser- vice, is widely mistaken when he adopts such a line of con- duct in order to prove it, for to be well obeyed, it is neces- sary to be esteemed." He then adds — * " The fleet having been reinforced with '200 men lent from the army, is now in condition for another enterprise, and we expect to embrace the first wind for Rhode Island, where I hope we shall meet with better success, as we un- derstand that the Scarborough is now there. It is proposed to clean the ships at Providence, Rhode Island, so that our detention there will admit of a return of letters from Phila- delphia." The annexed is the memorandum of the engagement with the Glasgow, referred to in a preceding extract. 14 '• At 2 A. M. cleared ship for action. At hali" past two. the Cabot being between us and the enemy, began to en- gage, and soon after we did the same. At the third glass the enemy bore away, and by crowding sail at length got a considerable way a-head, made signals for the rest of the English fleet at Rhode Island to come to her assistance, and steered directly for the harbour. The Commodore then thought it imprudent to risk our prizes, ^c. by pursuing farther, therefore, to prevent our being decoyed into their hands, at half past 6 made the signal to leave otf chase and haul by the wind to join our prizes. The Cabot was disa- bled at the second broadside. The captain being danger- ously wounded — the master and several men killed. The enemy's whole fire was then directed at us, and an unlucky shot having carried away our wheel-block and ropes, the ship broached to and gave the enemy an opportunity of raking us with several broadsides before we were again in condition to steer the ship and return the fire. In the ac- tion we received several shot under water, which made the ship very leaky ; we had besides, the mainmast shot through, and the upper works and rigging very considerably dama- ged ; yet it is surprising that we only lost the 2d lieutenant of marines and four men, one of whom, (Martin Gilhngwa- ter,) a midshipman, prisoner, who was in the cockpit, and had been taken in the bomb brig Bolton yesterday — we had no more than three men dangerously and four slightly wounded." Notwithstanding the success of the enterprise against New Providence, and the alacrity expressed in the letter of Lieut. Jones, of the 14th of April, 1776, for a new expedition, the squadron was not in a condition to put to sea again immedi- ately. The seamen were afflicted with sickness after their return to the continent. Nearly a month had elapsed be- fore the Andrew Doria and Cabot could be prepared for another cruize, which they were to undertake in company, for four weeks, from Rhode-Island. The Alfred and Co- lumbus could not be fully manned for want of men. It be- came necessary to enlist seamen, and this was difficult, as numbers of them had been enrolled for the army. In a let- ter from Lieut. Jones to the Honorable Mr. Hewes, dated at New-York, the 19th of May, 1 776, he represents that " the seamen, almost to a man, had entered into the army before the fleet was set on foot : and I am well informed that there 15 are lour or live thousand seamen now in the land service.'* This class of persons, always amongst the most patriotic, had been thrown out of employment at the commencement of general hostilities with Great Britain, and promptly re- sorted to the standard of their country under General Washington, until arrangements could be made by Congress for giving more scope to their energies on the element to which they had been accustomed. The difficulty of pi-ocuring seamen was not the only one which the infant American navy had to encounter. The unfortunate engagement with the Glasgow produced consi- derable dissatisfaction, and occasioned unfavourable reflec- tions to be cast on the officers of the fleet. Although the behaviour of Lieut. Jones was not particularly called in question, he evidently felt very sensibly the severity of the common animadversions, as every man of spirit and honor necessarily would have felt in a similar situation. Writing on this topic to the Honorable Mr. Hewes, he remarked that his " feelings as an individual were hurt by the censures that had been indiscriminately thrown out." " My station," he observes, " confined me to the Alfred's lower gun-deck, where I commanded during the action ; yet, though the com- mander's letter, which has been published, says, 'all the officers in the Alfred behaved well,' still the public blames me among others for not taking the enemy. But a little con- sideration will place the matter in a true light ; for no offi- cer, under a superior, who does not stand charged, by that superior, for cowardice or misconduct, can be blamed on any occasion whatever." He wrote to Mr. Hewes, " I wish a general inquiry might be made respecting the abilities of officers in all stations, and then the country would not be cheated." Whilst it must be admitted that the expression of these sentiments do credit to Lieut. Jones, it may be no- ted that the dissatisfaction manifested by the public at the failure of our squadron to capture the Glasgow, was, per- haps, nothing more than the effect of that disappointment, which, in every community, is experienced on the want of success in any combat, military or naval. Victory, whether the result of skill or accident, is sure to be applauded, whilst discomfiture or defeat, let it proceed from what cause it may, is uniformly regarded with coldness, if not with condemna- tion. Lieut. Jones, being a subordinate officer, and having no imputation cast upon liim by the Commodore, was in no munuer responsible lor the operations ot the squadron, and. Jinder all the circumstances incident to the action with the Clasgovv, her escape is to be ascribed more to the necessity of preserving the young colonial navy for future and greater services than to any want of capacity or valor in the officers. Two Courts Martial were held on board the Alfred. The consequence of the second one, as far as it alfected Lieut. Jones, was an order for him to take command of the sloop Providence, on the 10th of May 1776. In this armed vessel he arrived at New- York, on the 1 8th of that month, after a passage of thirty-six hours from Rhode-Island, with a re- turn of upwards of one hundred men, besides officers, which General Washington had lent to the fleet at New-London. At New- York he applied himself to the shipping of mariners. The navy of America had just been brought into exist- ence. Rank, and relative duties, both superior and inferior, were to be established ; and these are not, in the freshness of any institution, easily regulated. Naval and military officers are justly tenacious of their rights in this respect. The possession of these rights constitutes their reward for past exertion, and the hope of obtaining and exercising them is an excitement to further efforts. Until precise lines of dis- tinction could be drawn, until the newly appointed officers could be habituated to urbanity in command, and submission in obedience, so essential to the maintenance of order and harmiDny, something of an acrimonious temper would creep in to impair the force of authority, and weaken the ties of social and official intercourse. At the beginning of the re- volution Congress were obliged to act with much wisdom and address in this particular, in relation to the station and ad- vancement of officers in the army as well as in the navy. — In the former, the controlling influence and equity of Gene- ral Washington smothered and concihated many unpleasant differences. In the navy there was no individual of such unrivalled ascendancy. Not but that all were willing to fight for their country ; but rank is an affair of personal honor, in which every one believes himself bound to sustain his claims. Lieut. Jones had an aspiring mind, which impelled him to seek promotion as a means of signalizing himself. His opi- nion of the qualifications requisite in a naval commander, however, was not extravagant, and evinces nothing of an arbitrary disposition. Writing to the Honorable Mr. Hewes. he tells him, " in my opinion, a commander in the navy ought to be a man ot" strong and well connected sense, with a tolerable education, a gentleman as well as a seaman, both in theory and practice : for want of learning and rude ungen- tle manners are by no means characteristic of an officer." There is no officer of the navy of the present day, it is presu- med, who will not concur in the propriety of this delineation of what is required in an accomplished naval commander. Lieut. Jones had been offered the command of the Fly, at Reedy-Island, in the Delaware, previously to the sailing of the expedition against the Bahamas, but declined it, consi- dering her only as a paltry message boat, suitable for a mid- shipman. The command was then given to the lieutenant of the Cabot; and upon this circumstance was founded a claim to priority unfavourable to Jones. The naval service, moreover, began to attract attention, and new applicants pre- sented themselves for appointment. To the Honorable Mr. Hewes, Lieut. Jones unbosomed himself on this delicate subject. " There is little confidence to be placed in reports," said he in his letter of the 19th of May, 1776, to that gentle- man, " otherwise the lieutenants of the fleet might have rea- son to be uneasy when they are told that the several commit- tees have orders to appoint all the officers for the new ships, except only the captains. I cannot think that they will be so far overlooked, who have at first stepped forth, and shown at least a willingness : nor can I suppose that my own con- duct in the service will, in the esteem of the Congress, sub- ject me to be superseded in favor of a younger officer, espe- cially one who is said not to understand navigation." He then adverts to the proffered command of the Fly, and his refusal of it, and proceeds, — " On my appointment to the Providence I was indeed astonished to find my seniority questioned. The Commodore told me he must refer to the Congress. I have received no new commission. I wish the master in dispute may be first cleared up. I will cheerfully abide by whatever you think is right. At the same time I am ready to have my pretensions inquired into by men who are judges. When I applied for a lieutenancy, I hoped, in that rank, to gain much useful knowledge from those of more experience than myself. I was, however, mistaken, for, in- stead of gaining information, I was obliged to inform others. I formed an exercise, and trained the men so well to the use of the great guns in the Alfred, that they went through the motions of broadsides and rounds as exactlv as soldiers ge- C nerally perl'onn the manual exercise.'' This can scarcely be called egotism. Lieut. Jones was unsupported by family (Connexions in this country, and had to rely on his own merit and the disinterested patronage of members of Congress, and other eminent patriots, for promotion. It was, there- fore, but simple justice to himself, whilst he submitted his pretensions to the test of inquiry, to speak of what he had already done of a useful nature to the service. On the 13th of December 1775, Congress had directed that thirteen frigates should be built, which, by a resolution of the 6th June 1776, were denominated the Congress, Ran- dolph, Hancock, Washington, Trumbull, Raleigh, Effing- ham, Montgomery, Warren, Boston, Virginia, Providence, and Delaware. They were ordered to be constructed in different ports of the colonies, and Lieut. Jones was anxious to obtain the command of one of them. " I should esteem myself happy," said he, in a letter to Mr. Hewes, "in being sent for to Philadelphia, to act under the more immediate direction of the Congress, especially in one of the new ships. The largest, and 1 think by far the best of the fri- gates was launched the day after I left Providence ; but, from what I can learn, neither of them will equal the Phila- delphia ships." His wishes, it appears, were not gratified. He was continued in the command of the Providence, which required heaving down, repairing, and refitting, before she could proceed on another cruize. After he had pro- cured as many men as were to be enlisted at New- York, he was ordered back to Rhode Island for instructions. At what precise time Lieut. Jones sailed from thence in search of the enemy, is unknown. He was employed for some time in escorting vessels from Rhode Island into the sound. He was then ordered to Boston, to take under convoy certain vessels, laden with coal for Philadelphia. According to a letter which he wrote to the Honorable Robert Morris, dated on board the Providence, at sea, on the 4th of September 1776, it is manifest that he had been previously to that time, actively engaged in annoying the British trade, and it is believed that, at this time, he acted with unhmited instructions. That letter is remarka- ble on account of two passages in it ; one of which refers to some misfortune which had deeply afflicted him, but which he forbears to explain ; the other to the qualifica- tions of the officers of the' navy, and the relative rank of ofliceis in the land and naval service. The luiuier piovcs that he was a person of much sensibihty and of correct feel- ing. The rank of the officers in the navy was still unsettled ; and Lieut. Jones, fearful that he might be superseded by his juniors, was anxious to remove every pretext for giving to another the precedence which he considered as due to himself. This motive, it is to be presumed, induced him to write to the Honorable Mr. Morris, in the following manner : " I conclude that Mr. Hewes has acquainted you M^ith a very great misfortune which befel me some years ago, and which brought me into North America. I am undei" no concern whatever, that this, 6r any past circumstance of my life will sink me in your opinion. Since human wis- dom cannot secure us from accidents, it is the greatest effort of reason to bear them well." This is a judicious and philosophical reflection, and the effusion of no ordinary mind. The misfortune of which he speaks would not have implicated his moral character, or he would not have en- joyed the confidence and friendship of the Honorable Mr- Hewes, to whom, as Jones informed Mr, Morris, the par- ticulars were known. On the other topic, concerning the capacity and relative rank of officers, Lieut. Jones displayed a laudable zeal for the improvement of the navy. His plan of a previous ex- amination of officers is now actually in practice in the in- vestigation of the proficiency of young midshipmen, which annually takes place. This passage of his letter to Mr. Morris is brief and to the purpose : — ••' As the regulations of the navy," he says, " are of the utmost consequence, you will not think it presumption, if, with the utmost diffidence, I venture to communicate to you such hints as, in my judgment, will promote its honov and good government. I could heartily wish that every commission officer was to be previously examined; for, to my certain knowledge, there are persons who have already crept into commission without abilities or fit qualification : I am myself far from desiring to be excused. From experi- ence in ours, as well as from my former intimacy with many officers of note in the British navy, I am convinced that the parity of rank between sea and land or marine officers, is of more consequence to the harmony of the service, than has generally been imagined. In the British establish- 2U lueiit, aii admiral ranks with a general, a vice admiral with a lieut. general, a rear admiral with a major general, a commodore with a brigadier general, a captain with a colonel, a master and commander with a lieut. colonel, a lieut. commanding with a major, and a lieut. in the navy ranks with a captain of horse, foot, or marines. 1 propose not our enemies as an example for our general imitation, yet, as their navy is the best regulated of any in the world, we must in some degree imitate them, and aim at such farther improvement as may one day make ours vie with, and exceed theirs. Were this regulation to take place in our navy it would prevent numberless disputes and duellings, which otherwise will be unavoidable." From the cruize in which he was engaged, on the 4th of September 1776, he returned to Newport, Rhode Island, on the 7th of October following, and on the 17th again wrote to the Honorable Robert Morris, who had cordially permitted his confidential correspondence. This letter of the 1 7th of October, exhibits the character of Lieut. Jones in so just a light, and in a short compass shows his past suc- cess, his diligence, his sympathy, his liberality, his anxiety for the growth of the navy, and ardent wishes to prosecute the war to a speedy and triumphant issue, that it is but jus- tice to his memory to insert it here entire. Providence Sloop of War at Newport^ ) Rhode-Island, 17 th Oct. 1776. S Honored Sir, 1 wrote to you at sea 4th ult. by the brigantine Sea Nymph, my second prize. I have taken sixteen sail — manned and sent in eight prizes, and sunk, burnt, or des- troyed the rest. The list of prizes, is as follows : 1 The Brigantine Britannia, whaler, "" 3- " Brigantine Sea nymph, West-Indies, 3 " Brigantine Favourite do. 4 " Ship Alexander, Newfoundland, . manned and 5 ■' Brigantine Success, do. j*^ sent in. G '• Brigantine Kingston Packet, Jam. 7 " Brigantine Defiance, Jersey, | 8 '• Sloop Portland, whaler. ) . burnt, or other- ' wise destroyed. i 1 1 The Ship Adventure, Jersey, \ 2 " Brigantine Friendship do. ' 3 " Schooner Jolni, London, 4 '• Schooner Betsey, Jersey, 5 " Schooner Betsey, Hahfax, 6 " Schooner Sea Flower, Canso, 7 " Schooner Ebenezer, do. 8 " .Schooner Hope, Jersey, J I have written from time to time to- the Marine Board, and furnished them with particular accounts of all my pro- ceedings, and I now send copies of my former letters. I arrived here 7th Inst. I would not have lost a day with- out writing to you and to the board, had not the commo- dore proposed to me to take command of an expedition, with the Alfred, Providence, and Hampden, to destroy the fishery of Newfoundland, but principally to relieve a hun- dred of our fellow citizens, who are detained as prisoners and slaves in the coal pits of Cape Breton. All my hu- manity was awakened, and called up to action by this laudable proposal ; and I have been successfully employed in refitting and getting the Providence in readiness, but am under the greatest apprehension that the expedition will fall to nothing, as the Alfred is greatly short of men. I found her with only about thirty men, and we have with much ado enlisted thirty more ; but it seems the privateers entice them away as fast as they receive their month's pay. It is to the last degree distressing to contemplate the state and estabhshment of our navy. The comm(^ class of mankind are actuated by no nobler principle than that of self-in- terest; this, and this alone determines all adventurers in privateers ; the owners, as well as those whom they employ. And while this is the case, unless the private emolument of in- dividuals in our navy is made superior to that in privateers, it never can become respectable; it never will become formidable. And without a respectable navy — alas ! Ame- rica ! In* the present critical situation of affairs, human wisdom can suggest no more than one infalhble expedient : enlist the seamen during pleasure, and give them all the prizes. What is the paltry emolument of two thirds of prizes to the finances of this vast continent.* If so poor a * It will be seen, in the sequel, that, by certain resolutions of Congress, of the 25th of November 1776, Congress assigned two thirds of the value resource is essential to its independency, in sober sadness we are involved in a woful predicament, and our ruin is last approaching. The situation of America is new in the annals of mankind, her affairs cry haste, and speed must answer them. Trifles, therefore, ought to be* wholly dis- regarded, as being in the old vulgar proverb " penny wise, and pound foohsh." If our enemies with the best establish- ed and most formidable navy in the universe, have found it expedient to assign all prizes to the captors, how much more is such policy essential to our infant fleet; but I need use no arguments to convince you of the necessity of mak- ing the emoluments of our navy equal, if not superior, to theirs. We have had proof that a navy may be ofiicered almost on any terms, but we are not so sure that these offi- cers are equal to their commissions ; nor will the Congress ever obtain such certainty, until they, in their wisdom, see proper to appoint a board of admiralty, competent to de- termine impartially the respective merits and abiUties of their oflicers, and to superintend, regulate, and point out, all the motions and operations of the navy. Governor Hopkins tells me, that he apprehends I am ap- pointed to the Andrew Doria; she is a good cruizer, and would, in my judgment, answer much better, were she mounted with 12 six-pounders, than as she is at present, with 14 fours. An expedition of importance may be elfect- ed this winter, on the coast of Africa, with part of the ori- ginal fleet. Either the Alfred or Columbus, with the Andrew Doria and Providence, would, I am persuaded, carry all before them ; and^ive a blow to the English African trade, which would not soon be recovered, by not leaving them a mast standing on that coast. This expedition would be attended with no great expense ; besides, tlie ship and ves- sels mentioned are unfit for service on a winter coast, which is not the case with the new frigates. The small squadron for this service ought to sail early, that the prizes may reach our ports in March or April. If I do nc^t succeed in manning the Alfred, so as to proceed to the eastward, in the course of this week, the season will be lost ; the coal of all captures made by public ships of war to the use of the United Colo- nies. These are the " two thirds" to which Lieut. Jones alludes. The remaining one third was divided into twenty parts, and ordered to be dis- tributed among the captors in the proportions mentioned in n. resolution of the 6th of January 1776. 23 ileet will be gone to Halifax, and the fishermen to Europe. I will not however, remain inactive, but proceed to cruize in the sloop near Sandy Hook. Three of my prizes have arrived here, and one or two more to the eastward. I am, &c. During the time he was at sea, he fell in with the frigate Solebay of 28 guns, near the island of Bermuda, and had a sharp action with her, which lasted several hours. The Pro- vidence carried but 1 2 guns, six-pounders, and Jones was ex- ceedingly fortunate in making his escape from an adversary so decidedly superior in force. Proceeding thence in the direction of Nova-Scotia, he had an encounter near Cape Sa- bles, with the Milford of 32 guns at long shot. Being unable to cope with her, he ran into a small harbour, and destroyed some fishing vessels. He next went to Isle-Madame, de- stroyed the fishing establishments there, and set on fire every vessel he could not take away. In effecting all this destruc- tion of property and loss to the enemy, he was absent not more than six weeks and five days. Some estimate may be formed of the individual profits accruing from the cruize in which Lieut. Jones had been occupied, from the number of his captures, and the follow- ing regulations of Congress for the distribution of prize- money : — In Congress, Jan. 6th, 1776. Resolved, That the commander in chief have one-twen- tieth part of prize-money, taken by any ship or ships, armed vessel or vessels, under his orders and command. That the captain of any single armed ship or vessel have two-twentieth parts for his share ; but if more ships or arm- ed vessels be in company when a prize is taken, then the two-twentieth parts be divided amongst all the said cap- tains. That the captain of marines, lieutenants of the ships or armed vessels, and masters thereof, share together, and have three-twentieth parts divided among them equally of all pri- zes taken when they are in company. That the lieutenants of marines, surgeons, chaplains, pur- sers, boatswains, gunners, carpenters, the masters' mates, and the secretary of the fleet, share together, and have two- twentieth parts and one half of one-twentieth part divided ■2A Hiuong them equally, of all prizes taken when they are in company. That the following warrant and petty officers, viz. (allow- ing for each ship six midshipmen, for each brig four mid- shipmen, and each sloop two midshipmen, one captain's clerk, one surgeon's mate, one steward, one sail-maker, two carpenter's mates, one cook, one cockswain, two sergeants of marines for each ship, and one sergeant for each brig and sloop) have three-twentieth parts divided among them equal- ly; and when a prize is taken by any ship or vessel on board or in company in which the commander in chief is, then the commander in chief's cook or cockswain to be ad- ded to this allotment, and have their shares with these last mentioned. That the remaining eight-twentieth parts and one half of the twentieth part be divided amongst the rest of the ship or ships companies, as it may happen, share and share alike. That no officer or man have any share but such as are actually on board their several vessels when any prize or prizes are taken, excepting only such as may have been or- dered on board any other prizes before taken, or sent away by his or their commanding officers. Congress subsequently altered this regulation, as appears by the subjoined resolution, and probably upon the sugges- tion of Lieut. Jones, as the alteration took place so soon after he had written to Mr. Morris : In Congress, Oct. 30th, 177G. Resolved, That the rank of the officers of marines be the same as officers of similar commissions in the land service. That the commanders, officers, seamen, and marines, in the continental navy, be entitled to one half of merchant- men, transports, and store-ships, by them taken, from and after the first day of November, 1776, to be divided amongst them in the shares and proportions fixed by former resolu- tions of Congress. That the commanders, officers, seamen, and marines, in the continental navy, be entitled to the whole value of all ships and vessels of war belonging to the crown of Great Britain by them made prize of, and all privateers authorised by his Britannic Majestv to war against thp«o «fner 1777, arrived at Nantes in France. From that port Capt. Jones proceeded, on the 13th of February J 778, to QuibcTon Bay, and Brest, where he saluted the Frent!: F Ww^ 4 -J Admual, Count D'Orvilliers, with thirteen guns, which was returned with nine. This was the first salute of honour that the American flag had received from a foreign man- of-war. Jones delayed his salute, until assured from au- thority, that the compliment would be reciprocated. Whilst at Nantes, Capt. Jones was favored by the American Commissioners with a letter of credit for 500 louis d'ors, which proves that he acted in concert with the public authorities of the United States, both at home and abroad. As a document establishing this fact, it is deemed proper to embody it in this account of his life. Passy, Jan. lOth. 1778. Jonathan Williams, Esq. Nantes. Sir, We desire you would advance to Capt. Paul Jones, of the Ranger, five hundred louis d'ors, for which your draft upon us will be paid. We are, Sir, Your most obedient servants, B. Franklin, Silas Dean, Arthur Lee. After considerable delay and many obstacles, most of which he attributed to the want of cordiality in the first lieutenant of the Ranger, and a spirit of mutiny among the crew, he sailed from Brest on the 1 3th of April, on a cruize in the Irish Channel, entered upon a very hazard- ous enterprise against Whitehaven, and spread great ter- ror along the shores of Great Britain and Ireland. On the same day of the descent at Whitehaven, another memorable occurrence took place, which contributed, for a time, to add greatly to the odium which the first had brought on his character, but which in the end enabled him to prove that he was possessed of the most disinterested and heroic qualities. In cruising off the coast of Gallo- way, it occurred to him, that, if he could get into his power a man of high rank and influence in the state, he should be able, by retaining him as a hostage, to ensure to the American prisoners of war more lenient treatment from the British government. Knowing that the Earl of Selkirk possessed a seat in St. Mary's Isle, a beautiful peninsula at i. 43 (he mouth of the Dee, and being ill-informed with regard iv the poUtical connexions of that nobleman, he destined him for the subject of his experiment. It was in this adventure that he permitted the seizure ol the plate of Lord Selkirk, at St. Mary's Isle, which he after- ward purchased and restored. National prejudice has misrepresented this transaction ; and in order to heighten the popular indignation againsi Jones, it has been common to state, that his attempt on the person, and as it was supposed, the property of Lord Sel- kirk, was aggravated by ingratitude, his father having eaten of that nobleman's bread. Nothing can be more false. Neither Mr. Paul, nor any of his kindred, ever was in the earl's employ, or had even the most distant connexion witli his lordship, or his family, and in a correspondence which took place betwixt Jones and Lady Selkirk, relative to the restitution of the plate, a most honorable testimony was grate- fully paid by Lord Selkirk to the Captain's character. In connexion with the attempt upon Whitehaven, was the capture of the British ship of war Drake, of 20 guns. Cap- tain Jones has given so particular an account of these ex- ploits in a letter to the Commissioners of the United States, at Paris, that it will be preferred to any narrative of them that could be framed by another hand : Letter to the American Commissioners at Paris. Brest, May, 27, 1778. Gentlemen, I now fulfil the promise made in my last, by giving you an account of my late expedition. I sailed from Brest 10th of April. My plan was extensive. I therefore, did not, at the beginning, wish to encumber my self with prisoners. On the 14th I took a brigantine be- tween Scylla and Cape Clear, bound from Ostend with a cargo of flaxseed for Ireland, sunk her, and proceeded into St. George's Channel. On the 17th I took the ship Lord Chatham, bound from London to Dublin, with a cargo con- sisting of porter and a variety of merchandise, and almost within sight of her port ; the ship I manned and ordered for Brest. Towards the evening of the day following, the weather had a promising appearance, and the winds being favorable I stood over from the Isle of Man, with an inten- tion to njaji^ a descent at Whitehaven. At 1 o'clock. I 4-1 was off the harbour with a party of volunteers, and had f^ J every thing in readiness to land, but, before eleven, the f^:,. wind greatly increased, and shifted so as to blow directly upon the shore ; the sea increased of course, and it became impossible to effect a landing. This obliged me to carry all possible sail, so as to clear the land, and to await a more favorable opportunity. On the 1 8th, in Glenbue Bay, on the south coast of Scotland, I met with a revenue wherry; it being the common practice of these vessels to board mer- chant ships, and the Ranger then having no external ap- pearance of war, it was expected that this rover would have come alongside. I was, however, mistaken, for, though the men were at their quarters, yet this vessel outsailed the Ranger, and got clear, in spite of a severe cannonade. The next morning, off the Mull of Galloway, I found my- self so near a Scotch coasting schooner, loaded with bar- ley, that I could not avoid sinking her. Understanding that 10 or 12 sail of merchant ships, besides a tender brigantine, with a number of impressed seamen on board, were at anchor in Loughryan in Scotland, I thought this an enterprise worthy attention, but the wind, which at the jQrst, would have served equally well to sail in or out of the Lough, shifted in a hard squall so as to blow almost directly in, with an appearance of bad weather; I was therefore obliged to abandon my project. Seeing a cutter off the lee-bow steering for the Clyde, I gave chase in hopes of cutting her off; but finding my en- deavours ineffectual, I pursued no farther than the rock of Ailsa. In the evening I fell in with a sloop from Dublin, which I sunk to prevent intelligence. The next day, the 21st, being near Carrickfergus, a fish- ing boat came off, which I detained. I saw a ship at an- chor in the road, which, I was informed by the fisherman, was the British ship of war Drake, of 20 guns. I de- termined to attack her in the night. My plan was to overlay her cable, and to fall upon her bow, so as to have all her decks open, and exposed to our musketry, &c. ; at the same time it was my intention to have secured the ene- my by graplings, so that, had they cut their cables, they would not thereby have attained an advantage. The wind was high, and unfortunately, the anchor was not let go so soon as the order was given ; so that the Ranger was brought up on the enemy's quarter, at the distance of hajf 4i> a cable's length. We had made no warlike appearance, ol course had given no alarm : this determined me to cut im- mediately, which might appear as if the cable had parted, and, at the same time, enabling me, after making a tack out of the Lough, to return with the same prospect of advan- tage which I had at the first. I was, however, prevented from returning ; as I with difficulty weathered the light- house on the lee side of the Lough, and as the gale in- creased. The weather now became so very stormy and severe, and the sea so high, that 1 was obliged to take shelter under the south shore of Scotland. The 22d introduced fair wea- ther; though the three kingdoms as far as the eye could reach were covered with snow. I now resolved, once more to attempt Whitehaven ; but the wind became very light, so that the ship could not in proper time, approach so near as I had intended. At midnight I left the ship, with two boats, and thirty-one volunteers. When we reached the outer pier, the day began to dawn. I would not, however, abandon my enterprise ; but despatched one boat under the direction of Mr. Hill and Lieutenant Wal- lingsford, with the necessary combustibles, to set fire to the shipping on the north side of the harbor, while 1 went with the other party, to attempt the south side. I was successful in scaling the walls, and spiking up all the cannon in the first fort. Finding the sentinels shut up in the guard house, they were secured without being hurt. Having fixed senti- nels, I now took with me one man only, (Mr. Green,) and spiked up all the cannon on the southern fort ; distant from the other, a quarter of a mile. On my return from this business, I naturally expected to see the fire of the ships on the north side, as well as to find my own party with every thing in readiness to set fire to the shipping in the south. Instead of this, I found the boat un- der the direction of Mr. Hill and Mr. Wallingsford returned, and the party in some confusion, their light having burnt out at the instant when it became necessary. By the strangest fatality, my own party were in the same situation, the candles being allburnt out. The day too came on apace ; yet I would by no means retreat, while any hopes of success remained. Having again placed sentinels, a light was ob- tained at a house disjoined from the town ; and fire was kin- dled in the steerage of a large ship, which was surrounded 4(} by at least an hundred and fifty others, chiefly Irom two Iv ibur hundred tons burthen, and laying side by side aground, unsurrounded by the water. There were besides, from seventy to an hundred large ships in the north arm of the harbor, aground, clear of the water, and divided from the rest only by a stone pier of a ship's height. I should have kindled fires in other places, if the time had permitted. As it did not, our care was to prevent the one kindled from being easily extinguished. After some search, a barrel of tar was found, and poured into the flames, which now ascended from all the hatchways. The inhabitants began to appear in thousands ; and individuals ran hastily towards us. I stood between them and the ship on fire, with a pistol in my hand, and ordered them to retire, which they did with pre- cipitation. The flames had already caught the rigging, and began to ascend the mainmast : — the sun was a full hour's march above the horizon ; and as sleep no longer ruled the world, it was time to retire. We re-embarked without op- position, having released a number of prisoners, as our boats could not carry them. After all my people had embarked, I stood upon the pier for a considerable time, yet no persons advanced. I saw all the eminences around the town covered with the amazed inhabitants. When we had rowed to a considerable distance from the shore, the English began to run in vast numbers to their forts. Their disappointment may easily be imagined, when they found at least thirty heavy cannon, the instruments of their vengeance, rendered useless. At length, however, they began to fire ; having, as I apprehend, either brought down ship guns, or used one or two cannon, which lay on the beach at the foot of the walls, dismounted, and which had not been spiked. They fired with no direction ; and the shot falling short of the boats, instead of doing us any da- mage, afforded some diversion ; which my people could not help showing, by discharging their pistols, &c. in return of the salute. Had it been possible to have landed a few hours sooner, my success would have been complete. Not a sin- gle ship, out of more than two hundred, could possibly have escaped, and all the world would not have been able to save the town. What was done, however, is sufficient to show, that not all their boasted navy can protect their own coasts ; and that the scenes of distress, which they have occasioned In America, may be soon brought home to their own door. 47 One of my people was missing; and must, I fear, have fall- en into the enemies' hands after our departure. I was pleased that in this business we neither killed nor wounded any person. I brought off three prisoners as a sample. We now stood over for the Scotch shore ; and i landed at noon at St. Mary's Isle, with one boat only, and a very small party. The motives which induced me to land there, are explained in the within copy of a letter which I have addressed to the Countess of Selkirk, dated the 8th inst. On the morning of the 24th, I was again off Carrickfergus, and would have gone in, had I not seen the Drake preparing to come out. It was very moderate, and the Drake's boat was sent out to reconnoitre the Ranger. As the boat ad- vanced, I kept the ship's stern directly towards her ; and though they had a spy-glass in the boat, they came on within hail, and along side. When the officer came on the quarter deck, he was greatly surprised to find himself a prisoner; al- though an express had arrived from Whitehaven the night before. I now understood, what I had before imagined, that the Drake came out in consequence of this information, with volunteers, against the Ranger. The officer told me also, that they had taken up the Ranger's anchor. The Drake was attended by five small vessels full of people, who were led by curiosity to see an engagement. But when they saw the Drake's boat at the Ranger's stern, they wisely put back. Alarm smokes now appeared in great abundance, extend- ing along on both sides of the channel. The tide was un- favorable, so that the Drake worked out but slowly. This obliged me to run down several times, and to lay with cour- ses up, and main-topsail to the mast. At length the Drake weathered the point, and having led her out to about mid- channel, I suffered her to come within hail. The Drake hoisted English colours, and at the same instant, the Ameri- can stars were displayed on board the Ranger. I expected that preface had been now at an end, but the enemy soon after hailed, demanding what ship it was? I directed the master to answer, " the American Continental ship Ranger ; that we waited for them, and desired that they would come on ; the sun was now little more than an hour from setting, it was therefore time to begin." The Drake being astern of the Ranger, I ordered the helm up, and gave her the first broadside. The action was warm, close, and obstinate. Ft 48 lasted an hour and four minutes, when the enemy called foi- quarters 5 her fore and main-topsail yards being both cut away, and down on the cap ; the top-gallant yard and mizen- gaff both hanging up and down along the mast ; the second ensign which they had hoisted shot away, and hanging on the quarter gallery in the water ; the jib shot away, and hanging in the water ; her sails and rigging entirely cut to pieces ; her masts and yards all wounded, and her hull also very much galled. I lost only Lieut. Wallingsford and one seaman, John Dougall, killed, and six wounded ; among whom are the gunner, Mr. Falls, and Mr. Powers, a midship- man, who lost his arm. One of the wounded, Nathaniel Wills, is since dead : the rest will recover. The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded, was far greater. All the pri- soners allow, that they came out with a number not less than a hundred and sixty men : and many of them affirm that they amounted to an hundred and ninety. The medium may, perhaps, be the most exact account ; and by that it will appear that they lost in killed and wounded, forty two men. The captain and lieutenant were among the wounded. The former, having received a musket ball in the head the minute before they called for quarters ; lived, and was sensi- ble some time after my people boarded the prize. The lieutenant survived two days. They were buried with the honors due to their rank, and with the respect due to their memory. The night and almost the whole day after the action being moderate, greatly facilitated the refitting of both ships. A large brigantine was so near the Drake in the afternoon, that I was obliged to bring her too. She belonged to Whiteha- ven, and was bound for Norway. I had thought of returning by the south channel ; but the wind shifting, I determined to pass by the north, and round the west coast of Ireland. This brought me once more off Belfast Lough, on the evening after the engagement. It was now time to release the honest fishermen, whom I took up here on the 21st. And as the poor fellows had lost their boat, she having sunk in the late stormy weather, I was happy in having it in my power to give them the necessary sum to purchase every thing new which they had lost. I gave them also a good boat to transport themselves ashore ; and sent with them two infirm men, on whom I bestowed the last guinea in my possession, to defray their travelling expenses to their proper 4'J home in Dublin. They took with them cue of the Drake's sails, which would sufficiently explain what had happened to the volunteers. The grateful fishermen were in raptures ; and expressed their joy in three huzzas as they passed the Ranger's quarter. I again met with contrary winds in the mouth of the North Channel, but nothing remarkable happened, till on the morn- ing of the 5th, current, Ushant then bearing S. E. by S., distance fifteen leagues, when seeing a sail to leeward steer- ing for the Channel, the wind being favorable for Brest, and the distance trifling, I resolved to give chase, having the Drake in tow. I informed them of my intentions, and or- dered them to cast oflf. They cut the hawser. The Ran- fer in the chase went lasking between N. N. E. and N. N. V. It lasted an hour and ten minutes, when the chase was hailed and proved a Swede. I immediately hauled by the wind to the southward. After cutting the hawser, the Drake went from the wind for some time, then hauled close by the wind, steering from S. S. E. to S. S. W. as the wind permitted, so that when the Ranger spoke the chase the Drake was scarcely percep- tible. In the course of the day many large ships appeared, steering into the Channel, but the extraordinary evolutions of the Drake made it impossible for me to avail myself of these favorable circumstances. Towards noon it became very squally, the wind backed from the S. W. to the W^ The Ranger had come up with the Drake, and was nearly abreast of her, though considerably to the leeward, when the wind shifted. The Drake was, however, kept by the wind, though, as I afterward understood, they knew the Ranger, and saw the signal which she had hoisted. After various evolutions and signals in the night, I gave chase to a sail which appeared bearing S. S. W. the next morning a I; a great distance. The chase discovered no intention tO' speak with the Ranger ; she was, however, at length brought to, and proved to be the Drake. I immediately put Lieut. Simpson under suspension and arrest, for disobedience of my orders, dated the 26th ult., a copy whereof is here en- closed. On the 8th, both ships anchored safe in this Road, the Ranger having been absent only twenty-eight days. — - Could I suppose that my letters of the 9th and 16th current, (the first advising you of my arrival, and giving reference to the events of mv expedition ; the last advising vou of mv 50 draft in favor of Monsieur Bersolle, for 24,000 livres, and assigning reasons for that demand,) had not made due ap- pearance, I would hereafter, as I do now, enclose copies. Three posts have already arrived here from Paris, since Compte d'Orvilliers showed me the answer which he recei- ved from the minister, to the letter which enclosed mine to you. Yet you remain silent. M. Bersolle has this moment informed me of the fate of my bills ; the more extraordi- nary, as I have not yet made use of your letter of credit of the 10th of January last, whereby 1 then seemed entitled to call for half the amount of my last draft, and I did not ex- pect to be thought extravagant, when, on the 1 6th current, I doubled that demand. Could this indignity be kept secret I should disregard it ; and, though it is already public in Brest, and in the fleet, as it affects only my private credit, I will not complain. I cannot, however, be silent when I find the public credit involved in the same disgrace. I con- ceive this might have been prevented. To make me com- pletely wretched, Monsieur Bersolle has told me that he now stops his hand, not only of the necessary articles to refit the ship, but also of the daily provisions. I know not where to find to-morrow's dinner for the great number of mouths that depend on me for food. Are then the continental ships of war to depend on the sale of their prizes for a daily din^ ner for their men ? " Publish it not in Gath !" My officers, as well as men, want clothes, and the prizes are precluded from being sold before farther orders arrive from the minister. I will ask you, gentlemen, if I have de- served all this ? Whoever calls himself an American ought to be protected here. I am unwilling to think that you have intentionally involved me in this sad dilemma, at a time when I ought to expect some enjoyment. Therefore I have, as formerly, the honor to be, with due esteem and respect, gentlemen, yours, &;c. The copy of the letter to Lady Selkirk, to which Capt, Jones alludes, is in the words following. It is couched in terms as politic as gallant : Ranger, Brest, May 8th, 1778. The Right Hon. the Countess of Selkirk. Madam, It cannot be too much lamented, that, in the profession oi" arms, the officer of fine feeling and of real sensibility. 61 should be under the necessity of winking at any action of persons under his command which his heart cannot approve ; but the reflection is doubly severe, when he finds himself obliged, in appearance, to countenance such actions by his authority. This hard case was mine, when, on the 23d of April last^ I landed on St. Mary's Isle. Knowing Lord Selkirk's inte- rest with his king, and esteeming, as 1 do, his private cha- racter, I wished to make him the happy instrument of alle- viating the horrors of hopeless captivity, when the brave are overpowered and made prisoners of war. It was, perhaps, fortunate for you, Madam, that he was from home ; for it was my intention to have taken him on board the Ranger, and to have detained him until, through his means, a general and fair exchange of prisoners, as well in Europe as in America, had been effected. When I was informed, by some men whom I met at land- ing, that his lordship was absent, I walked back to my boat, determined to leave the island. By the way, however, some officers, who were with me, could not forbear expressing their discontent ; observing that, in America, no delicacy was shown by the English, who took away all sorts of move- able property — setting fire, not only to towns and to the houses of the rich, without distinction, but not even sparing the wretched hamlets and milch-cows of the poor and help- less, at the approach of an inclement winter. That party had been with me, the same morning, at Whitehaven ; some complaisance, therefore, was their due. I had but a mo- ment to think how I might gratify them, and at the same time do your ladyship the least injury. I charged the two oflicers to permit none of the seamen to enter the house, or to hurt any thing about it — to treat you, Madam, with the utmost respect — to accept of the plate which was offered — and to come away without making a search, or demanding any thing else. I am induced to believe that I was punctually obeyed : since I am informed, that the plate which they brought awav is far short of the quantity expressed in the inventory which accompanied it. I have gratified my men ; and when the plate is sold, I shall become the purchaser, and will gratify my own feelings by restoring it to you, by such conveyance as you shall please to direct. Had the carl been on board the Ranger the follownig evening, he would have seen the awful pomp and dreadful carnage of a sea engagement ; both affording ample subject for the pencil, as well as melancholy reflection to the con- templative mind. Humanity starts back from such scenes of horror, and cannot sufficiently execrate the vile promo- ters of this detestable war. " For they, 'twas they unsheath'd the ruthless blade, " And Heaven shall ask the havoc it has made." The British ship of war Drake, mounting twenty guns, with more than her full complement of officers and men, *****. The ships met, and the advantage was disputed with great fortitude on each side, for an hour and four min- utes, when the gallant commander of the Drake fell, and victory declared in favor of the Ranger. The amiable lieu- tenant lay mortally wounded, besides near forty of the infe- rior officers and crew killed and wounded. A melancholy demonstration of the uncertainty of human prospects, and of the sad reverse of fortune which an hour can produce. I buried them in a spacious grave, with the honors dne to the memory of the brave. Though I have drawn my sword in the present generous struggle for the rights of men, yet I am not in arms as an American, nor am I in pursuit of riches. My fortune is libe- ral enough, having no wife nor family, and having lived long enough to know that riches cannot ensure happiness. I pro- fess myself a citizen of the world, totally unfettered by the little, mean distinctions of climate or of country, which di- minish the benevolence of the heart and set bounds to phi- lanthropy. Before this war was begun, I had, at an early time of life, withdrawn from sea service, in favor of " calm contemplation and poetic ease." I have sacrificed not only my favorite scheme of life, but the softer affections of the heart, and my prospects of domestic happiness, and I am ready to sacrifice my life also, with cheerfulness, if that for- feiture could restore peace and good will among mankind. As the feelings of your gentle bosom cannot but be con- genial with mine, let me entreat you, Madam, to use your persuasive art, with your husband's, to endeavor to stop this cruel and destructive war, in which Britain never can suc- ceed. Heaven can never countenance the barbarous and immanly practice of the Britons in America, which savages S3 would blush at, and which, if not discontinued, will soon be retaliated on Britain by a justly enraged people. Should you fail in this, (for 1 am persuaded that you will attempt it — and who can resist the power of such an advocate ?) your endeavors to effect a general exchange of prisoners, will be an act of humanity which will afford you golden feelings on a death-bed. I hope this cruel contest will soon be closed ; but should it continue, I wage no war with the fair. 1 acknowledge their force, and bend before it with submission. Let not, therefore, the amiable Countess of Selkirk regard me as an enemy. I am ambitious of her esteem and friendship, and would do any thing, consistent with my duty, to merit it. The honor of a line from your hand, in answer to this, will lay me under a singular obligation ; and if I can render you any acceptable service in France or elsewhere, I hope you see into my character so far as to command me without the least grain of reserve. I wish to know, exactly, the behaviour of my people ; as I determine to punish them, if they have exceeded their liberty. I am, Madam, with sentiments of the highest respect, Your Ladyship's most obedient, humble servant, Paul Jones. On the subject of Capt. Jones' offer to restore the plate taken from the residence of Lord Selkirk, there is a letter from Dr. Franklin, evincing rather a proud disposition in the Scotch peer, and indicative of his disinclination to accept a favor of the kind from Jones. It follows : — Passy, Feb, 24th, 1779. Dear Captaik, Mr. Alexander called here this morning to deliver a little message to be communicated to you, from Lord Selkirk. The purport was, that his lordship had written an answer to your letter : which answer, after having been detained many months in the post-office, had been sent back to him. That, as to the proposition of returning the plate, if it was made by order of Congress, or any public body, he would accept of it, and endeavor to make suitable returns for the favor ; but if by a private person's generosity, the captain's for instance, he could by no means receive it. You will liow judge whether it is worth while to give yourself any /arther trouble about that matter. I am, with great regard, dear Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, B. Franklin. On the 1st of March, 1780, Jones wrote again to Lady Selkirk, as follows : — V Orient, March 1st, 1780. The Right Hon. the Countess of Selkirk, &c. &c. St. Mary's Isle, Scotland. Madam, It is now ten or eleven months since his Excellency Ben- jamin Franklin, Esq. Minister Plenipotentiary for the Uni- ted States of America at the Court of France, communica- ted to me a message from the earl, your husband, in a letter to his friend, Mr. Alexander, at Paris, in substance as fol- lows : — That he, the Earl of Selkirk, had written an answer to the letter that I had the honor to write to your ladyship in May, 1778, from Brest, respecting your plate; which answer, after being detained for several months at London, in the general post-office, had been returned to Scotland. Me, therefore, wished Mr. Alexander to inform the concern- ed, that if the plate was to be restored by Congress, or by any public body, it would be accepted, &c. ; but if, through the generosity of an individual, his delicacy would scruple (o receive it, &;c. The true reason why I have not written to you since I received the above information, has been, because the plate is but now come into my possession from the public agents ; and I have, besides, been, for the greatest part of the time, absent from this kingdom. I have now the satisfaction to inform you, that Congress has relinquished their real or supposed interest in the plate, and, for my own part, I scorn to add to my fortune by such an acquisition. As for the part claimed by the few men who landed with me on St. Mary's Isle, it is of little conse- quence, and they are already satisfied. Thu«s you see. Ma- dam, that the earl's objection is removed. The plate is lodged here, in the hands of Messrs. Gour- lade & Moylan, who hold it at your disposal, and will for- ward it agreeable to your orders, by land or by water to Holland, Ostend, or any other port you think proper. I shall be happy, by my conduct through lite, to merit the good opinion of the Earl and Countess of Selkirk ; for I am, with great esteem and profound respect, Madam, your lady- ship's most obedient and most humble servant. Paul Jones. Paris, Sept. 24thj 1784. To Capt* Paul Jones, Paris. Sir, M. the Count de Vergennes has delivered to me the let- ter which you had written to him, to ask his permission to transport by land from L'Orient to Calais, the plate of Lady Selkirk, which you had permitted to be taken by your peo- ple during the last war, and which you afterward purchased to return to her ladyship. That action, Sir, is worthy of the reputation which you acquired by your conduct, and proves that true valor per- fectly agrees with humanity and generosity. It gives me pleasure to concur in the execution of this honorable proceeding. I have, therefore, given orders to the Farmer's General to permit the transportation of the plate from L'Orient to Calais, free of duty, and you may write to your correspond- ent at L'Orient to deliver it to the director of the posts, who will take upon himself the care of having it transported to Calais, and to fulfil all the necessary formalities. I have the honor to be, &c. De Calonne. The Right Hon. the Count- ) d \r mi. i-ro, ?c i Fans, Nov, Sth, 1784. ess OI OELKIRK. 5 Madam, Since the moment when I found myself under the neces- sity to permit my men to demand and carry off your family plate, it has been my constant intention to restore it to you, and 1 wrote to you to that effect from Brest, the moment I had arrived there from my expedition in the Irish Sea. By the letter which I had the honor to write to Lord Sel- kirk, the 12th of February last, which will accompany this, I have explained the difficulties that prevented the plate from being restored until that time. I had expectation, all the last summer, that opportunities would have offered to o6 send it by sea from L'Orient to London ; but being disap- pointed, I applied to government for leave to transport it through the kingdom by land, and the Duke of Dorset has been so obliging as to write to the custom-house at Dover, requesting them to let it pass to London, without being open- ed. It is now arrived here, and will be forwarded immedi- ately to your sister in London, under the lead that has been affixed to the case that contains it, by the Farmer's General at L'Orient, and the seal of the Duke of Dorset, that has been affixed to it here. The charges to London are paid, and I have directed it to be dehvered at the house of your sister. I could have wished to have ended this delicate business by delivering the plate to you at St. Mary's Isle, in Scot- land ; but I conform to the arrangement made between Lord Selkirk and Mr. Alexander, because I have no person in London whom I can charge with the transportation of the plate from thence. Enclosed is the inventory that I have just received from Mr. Nesbitt, from L'Orient, which I pre- sume you will find to correspond with the one he sent last year to Lord Dare, and with the articles which you put into the hands of my men. I am, Madam, with sentiments of the highest respect. Your Ladyship's most obedient And most humble servant, Paul Jones. From the Count D'Estaing, Commander of the Fleet of His Most Christian Majesty/, Paris, Dec. \Stkj 1785. To Mr. Paul Jones, Commodore in ) the Navy of the United States. 3 Sir, It is impossible not to take advantage of your kindness. Never lend me your Journal again, for I must warn you that I shall read it over and over, and always with renewed plea- sure. It is one of those things which one absolutely wants to know by heart. It is not only a lesson of naval and mili- tary heroism, but, by your conduct to Lord and Lady Sel- kirk, also one of generosity. 1 am very far from regretting the homage which I have been obliged to render to the engagement between the Bon * Homme Richard and the Serapis ; and although I did uqi: suppose, while writing it,* that it might be of any other use than that of procuring an admission into the Society of the Cincinnati, 1 can but be flattered that you have thought it proper to insert it among the pieces which are annexed to your Journal. I have the honor to be, With the most perfect attachment, Your most obedient servant, ESTAING. London, August 4th, 1789, Monsieur le Chevalier Paul Jones, a Paris. Sir, I received the letter you wrote to me at the time you sent off my plate, in order for restoring it. Had I known where to direct a letter to you, at the time it arrived in Scot- land, I would then have wrote to you ; but not knowing it, nor finding that any of my acfjuaintance at Edinburg knew jt, I was obliged to delay writing till I came here ; when, by means of a gentleman connected with America, I was told M. le Grand was your banker at Paris, and would take proper care of a letter for you ; therefore, I enclose this to him. Notwithstanding all the precautions you took for the easy and uninterrupted conveyance of the plate, yet it met with considerable delays : first at Calais, next at Dover, then at London ; however, it at last arrived at Dumfries, and I dare say quite safe, though as yet I have not seen it, being then at Edinburg. I intended to have put an article in the newspapers about your having returned it ; but before I was informed of its being arrived some of your friends, I suppose, had put it in the Dumfries newspaper, whence it was immediately copied into the Edinburg papers, and thence into the London ones. Since that time, I have mentioned it to many people of fa- shion ; and, on all occasions, Sir, both now and formerly, I have done you the justice to tell, that you made an offer of returning the plate very soon after your return to Brest; and, although you yourself was not at my house, but remained at the shore with your boat, that yet you had your officers and * In his recommendation of Capt. Edwanl Stgick for admission into the Society of Cincinnati. H 58 men in such extraordinary good discipline, that your having given them the strictest orders^to behave well, to do no in- jury of any kind, to make no search, but only to bring off what plate was given them ; that in reality they did exactly as ordered, and that not one man offered to stir from his post on the outside of the house, nor entered the doors, nor said an uncivil word ; that the two officers staid not a quarter of an hour in the parlour and butler's pantry, while the butler got the plate together, behaved politely, and asked for nothing but the plate, and instantly marched their men off in regular order, and that both officers and men behaved in all respects so well, that it would have done credit to the best disciplined troops whatever. Some of the English newspapers, at that time, having put in confused accounts of your expedition to Whitehaven and Scotland, I ordered a proper one of what happened in Scot- land to be put in the London newspapers, by a gentleman who was then at my house, by which the good conduct and civil behaviour of your officers and men was done justice to, and attributed to your order, and the good discipUne you maintained over your people. I am. Sir, your most humble servant, Selkirk. So highly did Dr. Franklin, and John Adams, the Ameri- can commissioners to the Court of France appreciate the descent upon Whjtehaven, that they proposed to recommend the persons engaged in it to the Congress, and wrote a letter to Captain Jones to that effect, of which the subjoined is an extract : Extract of a letter from their excellencies, Benjamin Frank- lin, and John Adams, to Captain John Paul Jones, dated Passy, August \Oth, 1778. " We shall recommend the men who landed with you at Whitehaven, to the favor of Congress, because we think they merited it ; but lest our recommendation should mis- carry, we wish you to recommend them, and enclose in your letter an extract of this paragraph of ours. As they have done themselves so much honor in this expedition, perhaps Congress would approve of the deduction of the advance at the time of entry, which they all received from me, being made from their wages in America, that the men may have their prize money here." 59 Captain Jones, indeed, according to a letter which he ad- dressed to the Marine Committee of Congress, was the lirst to suggest to the American commissioners the propriety of rewarding the brave men who had been concerned in that enterprise. Less anxious about his own fortune than that of those who served with him, and merited an extraordinary recompense; he was the invariable friend of the praise- worthy seamen, whose rights he was ever ready to support, and whose interests he never failed to advance, when a fa- vorable opportunity offered itself for his interposition : Brest, August ISth, 1778. To the Honorable the Marine Committee. Gentlemen, It is evident from the above extract, that the letter from which it is taken, was written in compliance with my par- ticular request to the Commissioners. It was my intention from the beginning, to beseech you also to recommend the men who landed with me at Whitehaven, to the bounty of Congress. That service being unprecedented in latter wars, accounts for the extreme difficulty which I found prevailing with the handful of men, who, at last, reluctantly undertook it. — The men, however, have in my judgment well merite,d a reward, and the bestowing it liberally on so few, would, I hope, have a happy effect in prompting others to attempt still greater enterprises, with such spirit and unanimity as will generally ensure success, and lead to the most glorious victory. For me, if I have done my duty, the continued approba- tion of Congress, and the Marine Committee, will make me rich indeed, and far more than reward me for a life of ser- vice devoted from principles of philanthropy, to support the dignity of human nature. The court of France having made application without my knowledge, to the commissioners, that I should remain for a little time in Europe, and they having consented. Con- gress will, I flatter myself, approve of my having also con- sented to oblige a court, who has asked such a trifle, as a favor, and to whom America owes such superior obligations. I will, however, command only under freedom's flag, which I have endeavoured to support since it was first displayed. I will be always ready to return to America, and I hope with GO some improvement, and increase of knowledge in Marine affairs, I am, with unfeigned sentiments of esteem, and grateful respect, Gentlemen, yours, &lc. The Ranger returned from her cruize, and came to anchor in the road of Brest, on the 9th of May 1 778. Unhappy dif- ferences still prevailed between Capt. Jones and his first lieutenant, whom he accused of disobed.ence of orders, and of incessant efforts to introduce insubordination among the seamen. Prior to Capt. Jones's taking command of the Ranger, at Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, his first lieute- nant, whose name was Simpson, had instilled into the minds of the crew, that Jones was not the real commander of the vessel ; that he was, indeed, to have the control during the passage ; but that, on his arrival in France, the command was to devolve on the lieutenant. Disquietudes arose among the men ; Jones and Simpson had personal quarrels ; and to such extremities were these unhappy differences carried, that the expedition against Whitehaven was near miscarrying, and the Drake escaping the capture which awaited her. The enterprises of Capt. Jones being out of the ordinary routine of naval service, the seamen did not al- always relish them 5 and, carrying their notions of civil gov- ernment on board of a man-of-war, thought they had a just claim to be consulted on any occasion when extraordinary duty was to be performed. Jones, on the contrary, was a strict disciplinarian, required every thing to be done in time and place, and enforced rigid obedience to the orders of superiors. It is very probable also, that Lieut. Simp- son, understanding that Jones was repairii g to France to take the command of a vessel of a large class, did really be- lieve that he was there to leave the Ranger under the direc- tion of the lieutenant, who might have supposed that he was to re-conduct her to America. Whatever the impres- sions of Simpson were, and whatever the deportment of Jones, it is certain that great jealousy and animosity prevailed between them, which resulted in the arrest of the former whilst navigating the Drake to a port in France. Capt. Jones accused Lieut. Simpson of disre- garding his instructions and signals, and by the following written order suspended him from command : — 61 By John Paul Jones Esq.^ Captain in the American Kavy, ^'C. Sir, You are hereby appointed Commander of our prize, the Enghsh ship of war, the Drake of 20 guns. You are to put Lieut. Simpson under arrest for disobedience of orders. You are to keep company with me, and to pay punctual attention to the signals delivered herewith for your govern- ment. You are to superintend the navigation and defence of the ship under your command, and to support me as much as possible should we fall in with, and engage, Sny of the enemy's ships. The honor of our flag is much concerned in the preser- vation of this prize, therefore, keep close by me, and she shall not be given tamely up. You will take your station on the Ranger's starboard quarter, at, or about the distance of a cable length. Should bad weather, or any accident, separate you from the Ranger, you are to make the best of your way to France, and I recommend the port of Brest to your pre- ference. You will secure all the books, charts, instruments, and effects belonging to the deceased captain and officers ; &c. for which, this shall be your order. Given on board the American Continental ship of War the Ranger, off Ushant, the 7th day of May, 1778. John Paul Jones. To Lieut. Elijah Hall of the ) American Navy, commanding > the prize ship the Drake. ) I certify the above to be a true copy of the original in my possession. Elijah Hall. Portsmouth, September Zth, 1824. When Capt. Jones on his arrival at Brest with his prize, found it convenient to put the prisoners of war on board the Drake, he deemed it necessary to remove Lieut. Simp- son to a ship lying in the port, called the Admiral, in which he had a good state-room, and liberty to walk the deck. He was, however, quite restless, and sent a message to the officers and crew of the Ranger, that he had been put in prison. This excited a considerable sensation, and such was Simpson's behaviour subsequently, that Jones, upon a representation of the necessity of it, from Count D'Orvif- liers, the French Admiral, actually placed the lieutenant in close confinement. Capt. Jones, nevertheless, cherished no enmity to Lieutenant Simpson. On the contrary, he afterward assented to his liberation ; and, when a question arose as to who should command the Ranger on her return to America, and it was proposed to give it to another, it was Jones who interfered in his behalf, and urged the pro- priety of placing Lieut. Simpson in command, for the pur- pose of navigating her back to Portsmouth. He according- ly took charge of that vessel on the 29th of July 1778, and ar- rived at Portsmouth on the 16th of October following, hav- ing made several prizes on the passage home. The apprehensions which Jones infused along the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland, by the extraordinary boldness of his enterprises against Whitehaven and St. Mary's Isle, and the capture of the Drake, is almost inconceivable. Look-out vessels were constantly kept in motion, the pub- lic attention was immediately turned to the construction of fortifications, troops were called out, and the population on the sea-board was kept in the most fearful state of alarm. The following paragraphs, copied from the Cumberland packet, of the 28th April, 1778, give but a faint idea of the frightful impressions that Capt. Jones had made upon the minds of the British and Irish public. LONDON. From the Cumberland Packet of April 28fA, 1778. " Whitehaven, April ^Sth. — Last Thursday, in conse- quence of the alarm occasioned by the Ranger privateer, Lieut. HoUingsworth, at the request of the merchants, took the command of the Hussar, James Gurley, master, (a crui- zer under the inspection of Charles Lutwidge Esq.) with an intent to dodge the privateer. She sailed about 10 o'clock in the morning, two hours after which she got sight of the privateer, which was then steering to the north-westward, under an easy sail, the wind about N. N. E. and moderate weather. They chased her till they came within two or three miles, spoke a boat and sent her express to Kirkcud- bright, to alarm the coast. About 4 o'clock the ship brought to, being then about a league from Borough-Head. vShe several times altered her position, going off and hauling 63 her wind occasionally, which the Hussar observing, acted in the same manner, being then two or three miles from her, until about seven, when the privateer made all the sail she could to the W. S. W. At half past nine the cruizer lost sight of her, then tacked and stood for Whitehaven, not knowing, (it being night) but she might have stood for this place, in order to do more damage. At day light, perceiving she had not come here, they stood towards Kirkcudbright, hoisted out the boat, and sent her on shore to inquire if any account had been received of her there. The boat returned with intelligence of the pirates having landed about eleven in the forenoon, on St. Mary's Isle, and plundered the house of Lord Selkirk, of plate, &:c. to the amount of 650/. Friday night the Hussar returned, after looking into Wigton Bay,. fully satisfied that the privateer had steered up the South Channel, and consequently quitted these coasts. At the request of the Committee, the Hussar, Capt. Gurly, sailed from hence on Sunday night for Belfast, to inquire into the report of the taking of his Majesty's sloop the Drake, after which, and getting what intelligence he can of the Ranger privateer, (or any other enemy in the channel) he is to return and report the same. And at the request of the Committee, Capt. Perry, and Capt. Sharpe are also on board the Hussar in this necessary expedition. David Freeman, who may in some respects be consider- ed as the saviour of this town, says, " that the captain oi the Ranger declared that the destruction of Whitehaven was his first object ; seizing the person of Lord Selkirk was the next thing he wished, after which he would sail for Brest, and on his passage sink, burn and destroy whatever fell in his way belonging to Great Britain. Other alarming intelligence arrived here on Sunday morning, brought by the Mary Ann, Capt. Robinson, from Belfast. He arrived about nine, and reported on oath, that on Saturday afternoon, he spoke a boat in the Lough of Belfast, belonging to the Draper brig of that place, who informed him that the Drake sloop of war was taken on Friday afternoon, and carried away to the northward. — Soon after he spoke four fishing boats, who all gave the same disagreeable' information, having seen the engagement between her and three privateers, two rigged as ships, and 04 the other a brig. The engagement lasted near two hours. Capt. Robinson further says, that soon after he got clear of the Lough, he saw the above ships to the northward of him, their courses hauled up, and the top-sails on the cap ; but at too great a distance for him to ascertain their force. A vessel from tlip Isle of Man (arrived yesterday) brings an account of the Drake having two companies of soldiers on board ; that she was taken by a privateer (supposed to be the Ranger :) she made a stout resistance, and in the en- gagement lost her bowsprit and fore-top-mast. The account of the Drake being taken was also brought express from the shore to Belfast, at twelve o'clock on Friday night. The Drake sailed from Belfast on Friday morning full of men. Four companies of the militia are now here. The guns at the forts are all cleaned and put into order; some are also planted on the north wall, and the present measures, it is hoped, will be persevered in till the fortifica- tions are thoroughly completed. A committee of gentlemen is appointed, and a subscription opened, for defraying what- ever expenses may be incurred in the defence of the town. Sunday last, a company of gentlemen volunteers were formed for the protection of the town, exclusive of the ten companies of seamen, &;c. The Olive-Branch which arrived her on Sunday last, brings an account of a large man-of-war being in the chan- nel, and standing this way. Saturday last, about twelve at night, a boat full of men , attempted to land at Workington. Same time a cutter stood in between the perches : but being hailed by the peo- ple on guard, who threatened to fire on them, they sheer- ed off." The following anecdote pertinent to the occasion, and illustrating the influence of the terrors inspired by the visit of Jones to the coast of Cumberland, is copied from the work of Mr. Henderson, who, having explored the whole of Scotland, England, and Wales, was perfectly acquainted with that part of the country, which was the scene of Capt. Jones's exploits in 1778. On a reference to Jones's account of his cruize in the Ranger, in a preceding page, it will be seen that the wind did change at the time of the clergyman's extraordinary prayer to the Divinity, which must have con- lirined his parishioners in the belief that their parson was a particular favorite of heaven. " About the time that Jones visited Whitehaven, he went round to the Firth of Forth, and made his appearance off the harbour of Kirkaldy, a noted small town on the borders of Fifeshire (called by the Scotch ' Lang loun o' Kirkaldy ^^ owing to its length.) No other enemy, however formidable, could have created in the minds of the inhabitants, such consternation and alarm as that which then approached, Paul Jones was the dread of all, old and young, (and pam- phlets of his depredations were as common in every house as almanacs.) He was looked upon as a sea-monster, that swallowed up all that came in his power. The people all flocked to the shore to watch his movements, expecting the worst consequences. There was an old Presbyterian minis- ter in the place, a very p^ous and good old man, but of a most singular and eccentric turn, especially in addressing the Deity, to whom he would speak with as much familia- rity as he would to an old farmer, and seemingly without re- spect, as will appear from the following. He was soon seen making his way through the people with an old black oak arm-chair, which he lugged down to low water mark, (the tide flowing) and sat down in it. Almost out of breath, and rather in a passion, he then began to address the Deity, in the following singular way : — Now deed Lord, dinna ye think its a shame for ye to send this vile pireet to rub our folk o' Kirkaldy ^ for ye ken they're a' puir enough already, and hae naething to spaire. They are a' gaily guid, and it wad be apeety to serve them in sic in a wa. The wa the wun blazvs, he'll be here in a jiffi^e, and zuha kens what he may do. He's naiie too guid for ony thing. Meickle^s the mischief he has du7ie already. Ony pecket gear they hae gathered thegither he will gang wi'' the heal oPt ; may burn their hooses, iak their vary claes, and tirl them to the sark ; and waes me ! zvha kens but the bluidy villain might tak their lives. The puir weemen ere maist freightened out o' their wuts^ and the bairns skirling after them. I canna'^ thoHt ! I canna'' thoHt! 1 ^c been lang B.faithfu^ servant to ye^ Laird ; but gin ye d^ma turn the wun about, and blaw the scoundrel out of our gate, I'll na stur a Jit, but will juist sit here, until the tide come? and drduns me. Sae tak yere wull oH,'^ T When Captafin Jones left the United States for France he understood that he was destined eventually to take com- mand of a frigate of the first class, which had been built for the United States in Holland. In this he was disappoint- ed ; and was for some time kept in a situation of inactivity and suspense, ill suited to his genius and disposition. He had been sent for to Paris, and had suggested a number of enterprises to the French ministry; but they were slow in their determinations, and Jones, for a time, considered him- self neglected, and, in some degree, badly treated. His drafts on the American Commissioners, also, had been pro- tested,* and he felt chagrined at the apparent indifference shown to his claims to employment, which was aggravated by an opinion which he entertained that he was regarded at Brest as an officer in disgrace. But Captain Jones was not a man to yield to adverse circumstances. He combated every difficulty, repeated and reiterated his applications to the minister of the French marine, wrote to Dr. Franklin, remonstrated with Mr. Arthur Lee, addressed himself to in- lluential persons about the French court, and actually wrote a spirited letter to the King of France, Louis XVL, which doubtless had its effect. His feelings and thoughts under the various embarrassments which he endured, his views and reflections, from the period of his arrival at Brest after the capture of the Drake, whilst at Paris, and on his return to Brest from that capital until his appointment to the command of the Bonhomme Richard, and his return from the cruize which ended in the capture of the British frigate Serapis, are so well expressed in the subjoined letters and documents, that no apology is requisite for their insertion. No writer can so well portray the incidents of any trans- action as an intelligent individual who is personally con- cerned in it, who originates it, and under whose control it is consummated. Captain Jones was particularly attentive in committing to paper every public event of his life. Was remarkably clear in his explanations, and extremely precise in communicating his sentiments to those with whom he cor- responded : * The commissioners explained to Commodore Jones that thoy had nei- ther authority nor funds to make the advances of money Avhichhe required. They, however, did all in their power, and even exceeded their instructions ?n assistin^^hiitt. 4^ 67 Ranger, Brest, Marofi 3]st, 1778. M. De Sartine, Minister, and Secretary of j State for the Marine Department. Honored Sir, As I have not the honor of being known to you, I hope you will pardon the liberty I take of enclosing the copy of a letter from the secret committee of Congress to the Ameri- can commissioners in Europe. I must, however, acknow- ledge that the generous praise which is therein bestowed on me by Congress, far exceeds the merit of my services. My reason for laying this letter before you is because I am destined by Congress to command a frigate of a very large construction lately built at Amsterdam, — and as politi- cal reasons made it necessary for that frigate to become French property, I am now induced to hope that on her ar- rival in France, she will again become the property of America, and of course be put under my command. The within extract of a letter dated 10th Feb. last, to the American commissioners, will I hope prove to you the real satisfaction with which I have anticipated the happy al- liance between France and America. — I am, Sir, convinced that the capture of Lord Howe's light ships and frigates in America and the destruction of the enemy's fishery at New- foundland, which might be easily effected this summer, would eflfectually destroy the sinews of their marine, for they would afterward be unable to man their fleet : — and as to their army in America that must fall of course. I should be ungrateful did I forget to acknowledge the po^ lite attentions and favors which I have received from Compte d'Orvilliers, M. De la Porse, M. la Motte Picquet, and every officer in this place. The Admiral Count d'Orvilliers has, I doubt not, commu- nicated to you a project of mine. I am, Sir, ambitious of being employed in active and enterprising services ; — but my ship is of too small a force, and does not sail so fast as / could wish. If I am successful, I will return to France, and hope for your countenance and protection. I have addressed you. Sir, with the same freedom which has ever marked my correspondence with Congress. — The inter- ests of France and America are the same ; and, as I hope to see the common enemy humbled, I shall be happy if I can fur- nish any hint whereby that event can be efTected, meantime, I have the honor to be, with profound respect, &c. # Brest, June 1st, 1778* His Excellency, Benjamin Franklin. Honored, and Dear Sir, Accept my grateful thanks for your much esteemed favor of 27th ult. Such a mark of your good opinion, and appro- bation really affords me the most heartfelt satisfaction. It shall always be my ambition to do my duty as far as my judgment and small abilities enable me ; — but you will see by the within papers, that my roses are not without thorns ; and, perhaps, it will seem romance that I have succeeded, which I am sure I should not have done, had I not been my own counsellor. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to render es- sential services to America, in any measure which you may find caipedient. Should I be able to lead my present crew, it can be done only by the seldom failing bait for sordid minds, great viezus of interest, , If in bringing about the plan you propose, I may take the liberty to assure them of the protection of the French flag, in the channel, against enemies of superior force, with the free liberty to attack, and take under that sanction, such of the enemy's ships of war, or merchantmen as may be met with of equal or inferior force, perhaps I may succeed and gain them over by that means, nor will it be necessary to tell them our real object. If I am not at liberty to give them such assurances, and their home-sickness should continue, I could wish that such officers as may appear dangerouslij ill, might have liberty to lay down their commissions and warrants, — and that others may be given to men of stronger nerves, who would be too proud to think themselves servants by the year. I believe many such may be found among American subjects in France. If it should be consistent to order the Boston frigate here from Bourdeaux, perhaps such exchanges might be made, as would be for the interest and harmony of the service ; and we might perhaps be able to assemble a sufficient number of officers to form a court. The Due de Chartres has shown me sundry attentions, and expressed his inclination to facilitate my obtaining the ship built at Amsterdam. 1 believe I could easily obtain letters to the same effect, from the principal people here, but shall take no step without your approbation. If the prisoners should be exchanged in Europe, 1 believe it would be possible to man that ship with Americans. I could have manned two such with French volunteers since 1 arrived. The Ranger is crank, sails slow, and is of a trifling force. Most of the enemy's cruizers arc more than a match, yet I mean not to complain. — I demand nothing ; and although I know that it was the intention of Congress to give me that ship, I am now ready to go wherever the service calls me. If two or three fast sailing ships could be collected, there is a great choice of private enterprises, some of which might succeed, and add more to the interest and honor of America, than cruizing with twice the force. It appears to me to be the province of our infant navy to surprise, and spread alarms with fast sailing ships. — When we grow stronger, we can meet their fleets, and dispute with them the sovereignty of the ocean. These are my private sentiments, and are therefore submitted with the utmost diffidence to your supe- rior understanding. I have the honor to be, of the Brest Fleet. 3 Honored and Dear Sir, ^ When you kindly proposed that I should accompany you on board the Bretagne, I had ijeen ordered from Paris for a private expedition. I was, indeed, sorry that I could not then think myself at liberty to accept your very polite and friendly offer. ' Though I have not, to this moment, received a word from the minister since I returned here, yet 1 have understopd, from a friend at Paris, that M. de Sartine at last agreed that I should embark with you. On receiving this informa- tion, I immediately applied to M. de la Prevalaye for a pas- sage in the first ship, to join the fleet; but he says he will 7y not permit my embarkation without orders from the minis- ter, or from you. This, my dear Sir, is the principal reason why I now trouble you. I was ambitious of the honor of attending you on the first campaign, where you acquired so much glory ; but M. de Sartine would not then permit me to go. I must now, therefore, beg the favor of you, should you send in anj"^ vessel with letters, that you will give directions to M. de la Prevalaye, to permit my embarkation to join you. I ar- dently wish to attend you with my eyes, even to the pinna- cle of fame, and to learn from so great and good a general. how I may hereafter ascend the slippery precipice, beyond which the edifice is erected. Brest, September 1 3th, 1778. M. DE Sartine. Honored Sir, When His Excellency Dr. Franklin first informed me thai you had condescended to think me worthy your notice, I took such pleasure in reflecting on the happy alliance be- tween France and America, that I was really flattered, and entertained a gi'ateful sense of the honor which you propo- sed for me, as well as the favor which the king proposed for America, by putting so fine a ship of war as the Indien under my command, and under its flag, with unlimited orders. In obedience to your desire, I came to Versailles ; and was taught to believe, that my intended ship was in deep water, and ready for sea. But, when the prince returned, I received from him the account, that the Indien could not be got afloat under three months. To employ this interval usefully, I offered to accompany Compte D'Orvilliers, as a volunteer, which you thought fit to reject. " I had, then, the satisfaction to find, that you ap- proved, in general, of a variety of hints for Private enter- prises, which I had presented for your consideration, and was flattered with assurances from M. le Ray de Chaumont and Bodwain, that three of the finest frigates in France, with two tenders, and a number of troops, should be immediately put under my command, and I should be at liberty to pur- sue such of my projects as I thought proper. But this fell to nothing, in the moment when I thought that the king's signature only was wanting. 7ti Auolher iiiteiior armament, from L' Orient, was proposed, to be put under my command, which was by no means equal to the services that were expected from it ; for speed and force, both requisite, were wanting. Happily for me, this also failed, and I was saved from a dreadful prospect of ruin and dishonor. I had so entire a reliance that you would require nothing of me inconsistent with my rank and honor, that the moment you commanded, I came down with such haste, that, although my curiosity led me to look at the armament at L' Orient, yet I was but three days from Passy till I reached Brest. — Here, too, I drew a blank. But when I saw the Lively, it w^as no disappointment, as that ship, in sailing and equip- ment, is far inferior to the Ranger. My only disappointment here, is being precluded embark- ing with Compte D'Orvilliers, in pursuit of marine know- ledge. I am not a mere adventurer of fortune. Stimulated by reason and philanthropy, I laid aside the enjoyments of pri- vate life, and embarked under the flag of America when it was first displayed. In this line, my desire of fame is infi- nite ; and I must not so far forget my ow^n honor, and what I ow^e to my friends and to America, as to remain inactive. My rank knows no superior in the American marine. I have, long since, been appointed to command an expedition with five of its ships, and I can receive orders from no junior or inferior oflicer whatever. I have been here in the most tormenting suspense, for more than a month since my return, and agreeable to your desire, as mentioned to me by M. de Chaumont. Circular letters were sent the 8th of last month from the English Admiralty, because they expected me to pay another visit with four ships. Therefore, I trust, that if the Indien is not to be got out, you will not substitute a force unequal in strength and sailing to the enemy's cruizing ships. I do not wish to interfere with the harmony of the French marine ; but if I am still thought worthy your attention, I shall hope for a separate command, with liberal orders : — if, on the contrary, you have no farther occasion for my ser- vices, I have then only to ask the Alert, and a few seamen, with permission to return in that small vessel to America before winter. r am happy to heat that the frigates from St. Malo have been successful near Shetland. Had Count D'Estaign ar- rived in the Delaware a few days sooner, he might have made a most glorious and easy conquest. Many other suc- cessful projects may be adopted from hints which I had the honor to draw up, and if I can still furnish more, or execute any of those furnished, so as to distress and humble the common enemy, it will afford me the truest satisfaction. I am ambitious to merit the honor of your friendship, and am fully persuaded that 1 address a noble minded man, who will not be offended with the honest freedom which has always marked my correspondence. I have the honor to be, with great respect. Sic. Extract to His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Dated Brest, September I4th, 1778. Honored and Dear Sir, '' I yesterday took the resolution to write the enclosed ex- plicit letter to the minister. I should not have mentioned my rank, had it not been hinted that it was proposed to send me from St. Maloes under command of French lieutenants. The frigates were sent in consequence of a hint from me, and though I am neglected, I hope they have been very suc- cessful. " It is in vain for the minister to pretend he has no ships to bestow, as I know to the contrary." Extract of a letter to the same, dated Brest, September 18//*, 1778. " I have seen the Fox mounting 24 guns, (taken formerly ,by the Hancock and Adams,) and would accept of that ship, attended by the Alert, unless something better is immedi- ately bestowed. I shall, with this command, expect unli- mited orders." Extract of a letter to the same, dated Brest, November 27th, 1778. '• Lieut. Amiel has exercised with me patience for four months in this place, without society or hospitality. " Let them give me but powers, and I will find a ship and men, without loss of time. I will undertake, if necessary, at the risk of my private property, that the seamen's wages ishall be either paid from the public funds in America, or 7o trom the part of prizes usually claimed by the American government. " Your silence has hurt me ; though I am sensible I owe much to your good offices and wishes. " I have read and considered well all my past letters, and find nothing that 1 wish I had omitted, or that 1 conceive could have altered any person before my friend." Brest, September 21 st, 1778. His Royal Highness le Due de Chartres. My Prince, I should be ungrateful did I not entertain the deepest sense of the obligation which you conferred on me, by your letters to the Palais Royal and Versailles, in June last. I was at that time happy in being sent for privately to his Excellency Dr. Franklin, at the desire of M.. de Sartine, who proposed to bestow on me a very honorable command. I was flattered with the assurances that three frigates, two tenders, and a number of troops, should be immediately put under my command, to pursue such projects as I thought proper. This plan failed. Another was proposed, where the force was unequal to what was expected from the ser- vice. Happily for me, this also failed. I was then ordered to the command of the Lively, to join some frigates on an expedition from St. Maloes. 1 arrived in Brest in three days from Passy, and found the Lively had been given to another; but this disappointment pleased me, when I found that the Lively was quite inferior to the Ranger. I do not wish to interfere with the harmony of the French marine ; but we fight in a common cause, and it is the inte- rest of both to distress and humble an enemy who arrogates to himself the sovereignty of the ocean. I could have been serviceable, had my hands been at liberty in the summer. I would accept of the as a , rather than undergo the mortification of returning to America unem- ployed, after having written to Congress that I am detained in Europe by the particular desire of the Court of France. If the minister has no farther occasion for my services, I have then only to ask permission to have the Alert, and to carry with me to America his good opinion, before the winter. # ^ As, in my present mysterious situation here, I am consi- dered an officer in disgrace, I am persuaded I need make no farther apology to a brave officer and a noble minded prince, for the liberty I take. The honor your letters procured me at the Palais Royal, will be ever remembered with gratitude. Ambitious to merit your friendship and favor, I am, with great esteem and profound respect, &:c. Brest, October I9th, 1778. His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Honored and Dear Sir, I hope you will find the within letter (to the king) entirely free from asperity or ill-nature. I have been, and am in the eyes of Brest and the French marine, considered as hav- ing incurred your displeasure, and being consequently in disgrace. The Commissioners' refusal of my bill, my journey to Paris without any visible reason, the cabals and misrepre- sentations of Lieutenant Simpson, and my present inactivi- ty, are held to be so many circumstantial proofs : and my dishonor is now so firmly believed every where that it is in vain for me to assert the contrary ; such a situation de- stroys my peace of mind, and is incompatible with my sensi- bihty, yet 1 am far more affected by the indignity that has been shown through me to yourself and to America, than on my own account. My heart cannot forgive the minister, till he makes whole my injured honor by a direct apology, and atonement for the past. My letter to the king cannot, I think, do harm, and un- less you disapprove it, I beg that it may have course. The Duchess de Chartres will, 1 am persuaded, undertake to deliver it into the king's hands, and as you may not think fit at present to appear in the business, either the Due de Rochefacault or your grandson will oblige me by waiting on her at the Palais Royal. The Due de Rochefacault as he understands English well, and is acquainted with the cir- cumstances would oblige me much if he could be present when the letter is presented to the king. I do not wish to trouble the Due de Chartres about this affair, as that brave Prince has undeservedly met with vexations of his own. Let not your delicacy prevent my having the honor of healing iVoiii you : — tor so far am I from blaming you as the cause of my unhappiness, that I am entirely convinced that you had no other motive than my honor and promotion as consistent with the public good. I am consequently, with the veneration and affection of a son who ardently wishes to render himself worthy your regard, Honoured and dear Sir, Yours, &LC. Brest, Oct. 19, 1778. His Most Christian Majesty, Louis, King of France and Navarre. Sire, After my return to Brest in the American ship of war the Ranger, from the Irish Channel, his excellency Dr. Frank- lin informed me by letter, dated June 1st, that M. de Sar- tine, having a good opinion of my conduct and bravery, had determined, with your majesty's consent and appro- bation, to give me the command of the ship of war the Indien, which was built at Amsterdam for America, but afterward, for political reasons, made the property of France. I was to act with unlimited orders under the commission and flag of America. And the Prince de Nas- sau proposed to accompany me on the ocean. I was deeply penetrated with a sense of the honor done me by this proposition, as well as of the favor which your majesty intended thereby to confer on America, and 1 accepted the offer with the greater pleasure as the Con- gress had sent me to Europe in the Ranger, to com- mand the Indien, before the ownership of that vessel was changed. The minister desired to see me at Versailles to settle fu- ture plans of operations, and I attended him for that pur- pose. I was told that the Indien was at the Texel, com- pletely armed and fitted for sea : but the Prince de Nassau was sent express to Holland, and returned with a very^ different account ; the ship was at Amsterdam, and could not be got afloat or armed before the September equinox. The American plenipotentiaries proposed that I should return to America •, and as I have been appointed repeat- edly to the chief command of an American squadron to exe- cute secret enterprises, it was not doubted but that Con- gress would again show me a preference. M. de Sartino. however, thought proper to prevent my departure by writ- ing to the plenipotentiaries (without my knowledge) re- questing that I might be permitted to remain in Europe, and that the Ranger might be sent back to America, under another commander, he having special services which he wished me to execute. This request they readily granted, and 1 was flattered by the prospect of being enabled to tes-^ tify by my services, my, gratitude to your majesty, as the first prince who has so generously acknowledged our inde- pendence. There was an interval of more than three months before the Indien could be got afloat. To employ that period use- fully, when your majesty's fleet was ordered to sail from Brest, I proposed to the minister to embark in it as a volun- teer, in pursuit of marine knowledge. He objected to this, but at the same time approved of a variety of hints for pri- vate enterprises, which 1 had drawn up for his consideration. Two gentlemen were appointed to settle with me the plans that were to be adopted — who gave me assurance that three of the best frigates in France, with two tenders, and a number of boats, should be immediately put under my command, and to pursue such of my own projects as I thought proper; but this fell to nothing, when I believed that your majesty's signature only was wanting. Another armament, composed of cutters and small ves- sels at L'Orient, was proposed to be put under my com- mand, to alarm the coasts of England, and check the Jersey privateers ; but happily for me this also failed, and I was saved from ruin and dishonor ; for, as I now find, all the vessels sailed slow, and their united force was very in- significant. The minister then thought fit, that I should return to Brest to command the Lively, and join some frigates on an expedi- tion from St. Malo to the North Sea. I returned in haste for that purpose, and found that the Lively had been be- stowed at Brest, before the minister had mentioned that ship to me at Versailles. This was, however, another for- tunate disappointment, as the Lively proves both in sailing and equipment, much inferior to the Ranger, but more especially if it be true, as I have since understood, that the minister intended to give the chief command of the expe- dition to a lieutenant, which would have occasioned a very disagreeable misunderstanding ; for, as an oflicer of the first L rank ill the Anierican marine, who liaseverbeeu iionored with the favor and friendship of Congress, I can receive orders from no inferior ofliccr whatever. Mj plan was the de- struction of the EngUsh Baltic fleet, of great consequence to the enemy's marine, and then only protected by a single frigate ! I would have held myself responsible for its suc- cess had I commanded the expedition. M. de Sartine afterward sent orders to Count D'Orvil- liers to receive me on board the fleet, agreeable to my former proposal, but the order did not arrive until after the departure of the fleet the last time from Brest, nor was 1 made acquainted with the circumstance before the fleet re- turned here. Thus have I been chained down to shameful inactivity, for nearly five months. I have lost the best season of the year, and such opportunities of serving my country, and acquiring honor, as 1 cannot again expect this war; and, to my infinite mortification, having no command, I am con- sidered every where, an oflicer cast off', and in disgrace for secret reasons. '■ 1 have written respectful letters to the minister, none of which has he condescended to answer. I have written to the Prince of Nassau with as little effect, and I do not under- stand-that any apology has been made to the great and venerable Dr. Frankhn, whom the minister has made the instrument of bringing me into such unmerited trouble. Having written to Congress to reserve no command for me in America, my sensibility is the more affected by this unworthy situation in the sight of your majesty's fleet. I, however, make no remark on the treatment I have received. Although I wish not to become my own panegyrist, T must beg your majesty's permission to observe, that [ am not an adventurer in search of fortune, of which, thank God, I have a sufficiency. When the American banners were first displayed, I drew my sword in support of the violated dignity and rights of human nature ; and both honor and duty prompt me stead- fastly to continue the righteous pursuit, and to sacrifice to it not only my private enjoyments, but even life if neces- sary. 1 must acknowledge that the generous praise which I have received from Congress and others, exceeds the merit of my past services, therefore f the more ardently wish for fv- fvre opp 07' f unities of testifying my gratitude by my activity. 83 As your majesty by espousing the cause of America, has become the " protector of the rights- of human nature," 1 am persuaded that you will not disregard my situation, nor sutfcrme to remain any longer in this insupportable disgrace. I am, with perfect gratitude and profound respect. Sire, Your Majesty's very obliged, very obedient, And very humble servant, J. P. Jones. Brest, October 19//?. 1778. To Madame la Duchesse deCnARTRES. Madam, The business which brought me from Brest to Paris last summer, when I had the pleasure of paying my respects to your royal highness, afforded me a very fair prospect of being enabled immediately to pay a much more successful visit to the enemy's coast than that from which I was then re- turned. I appeared at Versailles by the particular desire of M. de Sartinc, who in consequence of the high opinion he professed to have of my conduct and bravery, voluntarily proposed, (as I understood with the consent and" approbation of his majesty,) to bestow on me a very honorable command ; he having written a letter to their excellencies the Ameri- can plenipotentiaries requesting as a favor that I might be permitted to remain in Europe. Yet the minister has made no apology for all this, either to myself, (who did not seek after the commission,) nor to his excellency Dr. Franklin, through whom it was accepted. 1 had the honor to furnish the minister with a number of plans, whichhe approved, for secret expeditions, but the va- rious armaments which have been proposed to be put under my command to pursue my own projects, every one of these armaments have fallen to nothing, some of them even at the moment when I was taught to believe that the king's signature alone was wanting. Thus have I been trifled with for nearly five months, the best season of the year, and such opportunities of serving my country, and acquiring honors as I again expect in the course of the war, are lost. I have written to Congress to reserve no command for me in Ame- rica, and to my inexpressible mortification, having no com- mand here, I am considered every where as an officer in dis- grace. I am not an adventurer in search of fortune: on 84 ihe contrary I laid aside my enjoyments of private liJe, and drew my sword at the commencement of this war only in support of the dignity and violated rights of human nature ; and honored as I am with the favor and friendship of Con- gress, both honor and duty prompt me steadfastly to perse- vere till these rights are established, or lose my life in the righteous pursuit. But as I see no prospect of being soon relieved from this unworthy situation, I have written the en- closed letter to his majesty, which I must beseech your royal highness to present, — you will thereby add a singular obli- gation to what I already owe to your former condescending attention. I should be extremely happy to succeed through the influence of so amiable a princess, and so powerful an ad- vocate whom I perfectly esteem and respect, being truly and always in the artless sincerity of my heart, Madam, Your Royal Highness's very obedient, and very humble servant, J. P. Jones. Brest, November I3th, 1778. The Hon. Robert Morris, Philadelphia. Honored and Dear Sir, My fortune has been so chequered since I left Quiberoii Bay, that I could have sent you no general account of my situation that would not have given you more pain than plea- sure, and I know that you have vexations enough of your own. The within papers will show that my roses have not been without a superabundance of thorns, and perhaps it will ap- pear romance that I have succeeded under circumstances ; which I am sure I should not have done, had I not been my own counsellor. I have been here in the most disagreeable situation for five months. It has been urged that the rules of the service will not admit of giving me command of ships detached from the royal marine : — but the great obstacle is, that the French officers (though they would gladly think me in disgrace) are stung to the soul, and cannot look at me here, but with ri- val eyes, their cabals are so high and dangerous that the minister really cannot, and dare not do what he wishes. He km. ho7vever, authorised M. de Chnumont, to purchase a 8^ ship to my liking., if to be found in any private dock or yard in France. What the result of this may be, I know not, but I hope it will set me before the spring once more afloat. It has been to me a most unfortunate connexion, and has, I fear, created me some enemies through jealousy, and be- cause 1 am bound in honor, not to publish the particulars. I submit the whole to your discretion, with entire confi- dence as the guardian of my honor, to whom 1 owe the most singular obligations. 1 shall have the honor to write you by future opportuni- ties an account of what fortune attends me, meantime believe me, I am, with real esteem and affection. Dear Sir, yours, &c. Brest, November '2,1 st, 1778. His Excellency Arthur Lee. Sir, I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 16lh current. It is my duty, and will ever afford me pleasure, to give every satisfactory information in my power respect- ing any circumstance that regards the public interest, and my conduct as an American oflicer. In my letter of the 3d of June, to the commissioners, I was very particular in ac- counting for the prizes I had taken. On my way from Ame- rica to Nantz, I took two brigs laden with fruit, from Malaga, for London. The one of which you inquire, arrived at Nantz, and was sold very cheap by Messrs. Morris & Wil- liams, the captors' moiety of which was paid them in Fe- bruary, agreeable to your letter. This is all that came with- in my knowledge ; but I have understood, and believe, that the latter acted in that business by virtue of the authority which he received from the former, to whom I made appli- cation on my arrival. Should any farther account be neces- sary, I am always ready to give it as far as it lays in my. power. If Mr. Lee will for a moment recur to my letter to him, dated on board the Ranger, the 26th of February last, he will find no reason to charge me with want of due respect. The hand-bill that was enclosed, by which I became ac- countable to those who entered to serve under my command for the regular payment of their wages, having been approved of by the Marine Committee, (as certified to me under their ■i- V it at; secretary's hand,) the pubHc faith was thereby pledged to put it in my power, else I should have found other means to fulfil that engagement. And this appears to have been Mr. Lee's opinion, when he wrote with his own hand a letter of credit in my favor, at Passy, the 10th of January last, now before me. The handful of men under my command had been led through many dangers of storms and enemies, and, though in want of clothing and money, were returned with some cre- dit to Brest, yet when, on the 16th of May, I ventured to sign my first draft on the public funds for their relief, agreeable to my letter of advice, my signature was dishonored. Neither Dr. Franklin nor Mr. Adams were acquainted with my engagement to the crew ; but Mr. Lee, who had been better informed, concurred to dishonor my draft, and left me with two hundred prisoners of war, a number of sick and wou'. led, an almost naked crew, and a ship after a se- vere engagement, in want of stores and provisions, from the 9th of May till the 1 .3th of June, destitute of any public sup- port; yet I found means to cure my wounded, feed my peo- ple, to refit the ship, and guard my prisoners. The dishonor that had been done me was known through the French fleet and elsewhere ; yet, though I was the first that had appeared at Brest and obtained from France the honors due the American flag, I made no public complaints, and only expressed my concern by letter to the commission- ers, at the disgraceful wound which the public credit had suffered through me. And now I beg leave to ask Mr. Lee, if I have deserved such treatment ? The wretched situation of the crew occasioned murmur- ing, which was artfully fomented by an officer in disgrace, who succeeded too well in persuading the people that 1 had deceived them, and that they should cast the whole blame upon me, as the hinderance to their receiving wages, prize- money, and bounties. In this agitation of their minds, he obtained from them certificates, &c. to the commissioners in his favor. These poor men were at last dragged away without clo- tliing, having only received at Brest eight or nine crowns each, as prize-money, the moment of their departure, and not being allowed time to lay out that trifle, and imprecating general curses on the public service, public agents, and all I'onrorned. 87 This is not the m ay to estabhsh a navy. (Jongress has made laws for its internal government, and appointed the officers alone as magistrates to put them into execution. — The standing order of the Marine Committee has been to preserve strict discipline in the fleet, and all applications of complaint, either against individuals or numbers, they have rejected without answer. It not being, as they have told me, the province of the civil power to interfere in the inter- nal government of ships of war. And you may now see, that listening to the people of the Ranger, instead of doing good, has destroyed even the shadow of subordination. Mr. Amiel has told me, that you objected to my receiving copies of some papers that concern me, because you thought J had not made, a respectful application. A copy of it is enclosed, which, though not in form of an humble petition, I believe it will be difficult to construe into disrespect. True respect can never be extorted ; and I will say of myself, that " The tribute of respect to greatness due, " Not the jjribed sycophant more freely pays."' I shall only add, that the dishonor of my bill of exchange has not only served to corroborate the ungrateful misrepre- sentations of Lieut. Simpson, but also occasioned the infa- mous attachment of the Ranger's prizes, for the provisions previously furnished by M. Bersolle. I thank you, Sir, for your polite attentions while I was at Paris last winter, which I received as a proof of your good opinion, and which I have not since forfeited by any mis- conduct. The apparent mystery of my present situation cannot be imputed to me as a fault, or if it is, I am responsible to Congress. I have endeavoured, in my narrow walk, to pur^ sue a steady line of duty, wishing to offend none. I have the honor to be. With due respect, Sir, yours, &c. Versailles, February ith, 1779. John p. Jones, Esq. Commander of) the American Navy in Europe. 5 Sir, I announce to you, that, in consequence of the exposition which I have laid before the King, of the distinguished man- ner in which you have served th^ United States, and of the 8!J entire conlideuce which your conduct has merited on the part of Congress, His Majesty has thought proper to place inider your command the ship Duras, of forty guns, at pre- sent at L'Oricnt. I am about, in consequence, to issue the necessary orders for the complete armament of the said ship. The commission which was given you at your departure from America, will authorise you to hoist the flag of the United States, and you will likewise serve yourself with the powers which have been remitted to you, to form your equipage with American subjects ; but as you may find too much difficulty in raising a sufficient number, the King per- mits you to levy volunteers until you obtain a sufficient number, exclusive of those who are necessary to manoeuvre the ship. It shall be my care to procure you the necessary officers, and you may assure yourself that I shall contribute every thing in my power to promote the success of your enterprise. As soon as you are prepared for sea, you will set sail with- out waiting for any ulterior orders ; and you will determine yourself the course you are to take, whether in the Euro- pean or American seas, observing always to render me an exact account of each event that may take place during your cruize, as often as you may enter the ports under the dominion of the King. So flattering a mark of the confidence with which you are honored, cannot but encourage you to use all your zeal in the common cause, persuaded, as I am, that you will jus- tify my opinion on every occasion. It only rests with me to recommend to you to shew to those prisoners who may fall into your hands, those sentiments of humanity which the King professes towards his enemies, and to take the greatest care, not only of your own equipage, but also of all the ships which may be placed under your orders. I have the honor to be, most perfectly. Sir, Your very humble and very obedient servant, De Sartine. P. S. According to your desire, Sir, I consent that the Duras takes the name of the Bon Homme Richard. Passy, Feb. 6th, 1779. M. de Sartine, Minister of Marine, Versailles. My Lord, I have had the honor to receive your Excellency's letter dated the 1st, by the hand^ of Mr. Gamier. I take the ear- 89 liest opportunity to offer you my sincere and grateful tiiauki- for so singular and honorable a mark of your confidence and approbation. It shall be my duty to represent in the strongest terms to Congress, the generous and voluntary resolution which their great ally, the protector of the rights of human nature, and the best of kings has taken to promote the honor of their flag, and I beseech you to assure his majesty that my heart is impressed with the deepest sense of the obligation which 1 owe his condescending favor and good opinion, and which it shall be my highest ambition to merit, by rendering every service in my power to the common cause ; I cannot ensure success, but I will endeavor to deserve it. I beg leave to assure your excellency, that I will carefully observe your present as well as future instructions, and that I will communicate to you from time to time a faithful ac- count of my proceedings. I will avail myself of the authority which you have given me to raise French volunteers to serve as marines, as I fear there may not be easily found a sufficient number of Ameri- can seamen. It has always been my custom to treat my people and pri- soners with hospitality and kindness, and you may be assured that I shall ever take pleasure in promoting the happiness of every person under my command. , Your having permitted me to alter the name* of the ship has given me a pleasing opportunity of paying a well merited * It is a fact not generally- known, that the late John Paul Jones, at the time that he was attempting to fit out a small squadron, during' the late war, in one of the ports of Fiance, to cruize on the coast of England, was muoh delayed by neglects and disappointments from the court, that had nearly frustrated his plans. Chance one day threw into his hands an old almanac, containing Poor RichanTs Maxims, by Doctor Franklin. In that curious assemblage of useful instruction a man is advised, " if he wishes to havt- any business faithfully and expeditiously performed, to go on it himself: othei-wise, to send." Jones was immediately struck, upon reading this max- im, with the impropriety of his past conduct, in only sending letters and messages to court, when he ought to have gone in person. He instantly set out, and by dint of personal representations, procured the immediate equip- ment of the squadron, which afterward spread terror along the eastern coast of England, and with which he so gloriously captured the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough, British ships of war, returning from the Baltic. In gratitude to Dr. Franklin's maxim, he named the principal ship of his squadron after the name of the pretended almanac-maker, h Bon homnxf Richard. M ' oompliment to a great and good man, to whom I am under obligations, and who honors me with his friendship. I am in the fullness and grateful affection of my hearts, and with perfect esteem and respect. My Lord, Yours, &.C. Paris,April 27th, 1779. Captain John Paul Jones, Commander, &c. Your obliging letter, my dear Sir, is just coming into my hands, as I was myself going to write you by M. de Chaumont, who is determined to undertake a journey to I'Orient: — I think you are extremely right in refusing such guns as would expose your reputation, the lives of your men, and even the honor of your flag: — it is not without con- •cern, that I hear of cannon being promised to any other peo- ple but you, and 1 hope these difficulties shall be raised by the ministry. I am just going to add some lines to M. de Chaumont, that he might take proper orders (if any forgotten) along with him — the expedition I want to have soon done, because my speedy return about the middle of the summer, is somewhat useful to the common cause, and to the Ameri- can affairs ; I therefore hope every thing will be ready to- wards the 7th of the next month, — and I intend to arrive about that time : I am very happy to hear that the Monsieur will be with us, — we shall also get the Alliance, but I think we must not if possible, put troops on board of her, because there would be disputes between the land officers, and captain Landais. Don't you think, my dear Sir, we might have them divided in this way : On board the Bon homme Richard 50 dragoons, and 1 50 soldiers, .... 200 On board the Monsieur, .... 300 On board the Pallas, the artillery, and . 1 50 If you don't like it, you might have 150 men on board of the Alliance, but I fear disputes. M. de Chaumont will make the little arrangements for the table of the ofl[icers, &c. ; but I direct him to take your ideas, and I don't wish any thing but what will seem to you the best calculated for the common good, and your own agree- ment. I will have with me a colonel, q. major, three volunteering officers, and an engineer, two of the young officers may go with another ship, to avoid the crowd. Though this command is not equal to ray military rank, the love of the public cause made me very happy to take it ; and as this motive is the only one which conducts all my private and public actions, I am sure I'll find in you the same zeal, and we shall do as much, and more than any others would perform in the same situation. Be certain, my dear Sir, that I'll be happy to divide with you whatever share of glory may expect us, and that my esteem and affecr tion for you is truly felt, and will last for ever. I am, my dear Sir, with a sincere regard. Yours, Lafayette. I intend also to take Dr. Bancroft with us, but as I am obliged to leave many good officers to whom I am indebted^ I'd rather wish the Irish gentleman might not come, unless you have a very particular affection for him, in which case I have no objection. D Orient, May \st, 1779. His Excellency M. deSARTiNE, &c. My Lord, I have this day had the honor to receive from the hands of M. de Chaumont your excellency's letter of 27th ult. This unsolicited mark of his majesty's confidence and favor lays me under the deepest, and most lasting obligation ; the sense whereof, I shall fully retain to the last hour of my life. If I have any abilities they shall be exerted to the utmost in the employment of the force entrusted to my command, and I hope my conduct will at least deserve success. I am persuaded that no misunderstanding will arise be- tween the other* commander and myself, because we love and esteem each other, therefore it only remains, that I re- turn your excellency sincere and grateful thanks for your pohte and kind attention, beseeching you to assure the best of kings that I will faithfully communicate to Congress an account of the great honor done in France to the American flag. I am, and shall always be, with sentiments of grateful es- teem and respect, and the highest ambition to merit the con- tinuance of your favor, My Lord, &c. J. F. Jones. * The Marquis de Lafayette U Orient, May int. 1779. Major General De La Fayette. I have, my dear Marquis, this day had the singular plea- sure of receiving your very esteemed letter by the hands of M. de Chaumont : so flattering and affectionate a proof of your esteem and friendship, has made an impression on my mind that vrill attend me while I live. This I hope to prove by more than words. Where men of fine feelings are concerned, there is seldom misunderstanding ; and I am sure I should do violence to my sensibility if I were capa- ble of giving you a moment's pain by any part of my con- duct. Therefore, without any apology, I shall expect you to point out my errors when we are together alone with perfect freedom, and I think I dare promise you your re- proof shall not be lost. * M. de Chaumont is now Endeavouring to settle matters witli respect to the cannon. I hope he will succeed, and if so, the Bon homme Richard may soon be got ready. I could say more with respect to the accommodation of the men. I hope no difficulty will arise, for she can carry 350. or 400, should there be occasion. I have received from the good Dr. Franklin instructions at large, which do honor to his Uberal mind, and which it will give me the truest satisfaction to execute. I cannot ensure success but will endeavour to deserve it. With sincere esteem, and affection of my heart, and with the truest regard and respect, I am always, Yours, &:c. D Orient, May 1st, 1779. His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. Honored and Dear Sir, The letter I had the honor to receive from you to-day, together with your liberal and noble-minded instructions would make a coward brave. You have called up every sentiment of public virtue in my breast, and it shall be my pride and ambition, in the strict pursuit of your instruc- tions, to deserve success. Be assured that very iew prospects could afford me so true a satisfaction as that of rendering some acceptable ser- vice to the common cause, and at the same time relieving from captivity, (by furnishing the means of exchange) our unfortunate fellow-subjects from the hands of the enem}'. It only remains tor me to return your excellency my thanks for past instances of your friendship, especially in the last of your particular confidence. I am, and shall be to the end of my life, with the most affectionate esteem and respect. Honored and Dear Sir, Yours. V Orient, May 13th, 1779. The Hon. John Adams, on board the Alliance. Sir, You will confer on me a singular obligation by favoring me with your opinion and advice, respecting the unhappy misunderstanding which, I am told, prevails on board the Alliance. I ask your advice because, though I am deter- mined to preserve order and discipline where I command, yet I wish to reprove with moderation, and never to punish while there remains a good alternative. It appears that there is fault, at least in one of the paities, and I wish much to know where the fault lies, for without harmony and general good-will among the officers, I cannot proceed with a good prospect. I beseech you to favor me with an answer as soon as possible. When I have the honor of see- ing you ashore, I will put into your hands a letter which I '*liave received ; in the mean time, if you require it, 1 will promise to keep your answer a secret. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of great respect. Sir, your very obhged, very obedient, Humble servant. Passy, May 9th, 1773. Hon. John Paul Jones. Dear Sir, I received yours of the 14th, and communicated to the Marquis what related to him. I send you enclosed two more commissions, which I have found since your depar- ture. It is difficult to revoke commissions once given, and there might be some inconvenience in French officers re- taining those commissions unrevoked, after the occasion of giving them is past ; 1 therefore, am of opinion, that the conclusion might, be better thus, " to continue in force during the expedition, or expeditions, intended under the command of the honorable J. P. Jones, Esq." By this means they will continue if you should make more expedi- 94 tions, and become void of themselves when the force is • dissolved, and the French ships are withdrawn from under your command. I am sorry for, and ashamed of the divisions on board the AUiance. I hope these commissions will enable you to compose them. I do not know enough of the navy law to judge of the propriety of your giving commissions to lieu- tenants, and therefore can give no opinion about it. I send you all the warrants 1 have, will they not serve instead of commissions, till such can be obtained ? My best wishes attend you, being ever, Dear, Sir, Your faithful friend, and most Obedient humble servant, B. Frankli.v. Paris, May 22d, 1779. The Hon. John Paul Jones. Dear Sir, I dare say you will be very sorry to hear that the king's dispositions concerning our plan, have been quite altered, and that instead of meeting you, I am now going to take the com- mand of the king's regiment at Jaints. What will be fur- ther determined about your squadron is yet uncertain, and the ministers are to consult it with Dr. Franklin. Political and military reasons have occasioned that alteration of things, and I am only to tell you, my good friend, how sorry I feel not to be a witness of your success, abilities, and glory. I hope every thing will be altered for the best, and the more calculated for the common advantage. Be convinced. Sir, that nothing could please me more than the pleasure of having again something of the kind to under- take with such an officer as Capt. Jones. That occasion I shall ever wish for, and I will, I hope, find before the end of this war. With the sincerest affection and esteem, I am, dear Sir, yours, Lafayette. P. S. Whatever part of the world you will be in, I hope you will let me often hear from you. I recognize this as a true copy. Lafayette. Citi/ of Washington, February, 1825. Extracts of letters from the secret correspondence of his Ex- cellency Benjamin Franklin, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States to the court of Versailles. Passy, May 2eth, 1779. To the Committee for Foreign Affairs. Gentlemen, The Marquis de la Fayette, who arrived here on the 1 1th of February, brought me yours of October 28th, and the new commission, credentials, and instructions, the Congress have honoured me with. I immediately acquainted the minister for foreign affairs with my appointment, and communicated to him, as usual, a copy of my credential letter, on which a day was named for my reception. The end of that part of the instructions, which relates to American seamen taken by the French in English ships, had already been obtained ; Capt. Jones hav- ing had for some time an order from court, directed to the keepers of the prisoners, requiring thom to deliver to him such Americans as should be found in their hands, that they might be at liberty to serve under his command. Most of them have accordingly been delivered to him, if not all. The minister of marine having entertained a high opinion of him from his conduct and bravery in taking the Drake, was desirous of employing him in the command of a particular enterprise ; and, to that end, requested us to spare him, which we did, and sent the Ranger home, under the command of his lieutenant. Various accidents have hitherto postponed his equipment, but he now has the command of a 50 gun ship, with some frigates, all under American commission and colours, fitted out at the king's expense, and will sail it is said, about the 1st of June. The Marquis de la Fayette was, with some land troops, to have gone with him ; but I now understand the Marquis is not to go, the plan being a little changed. The minister of marine requesting that the Alliance might be added to Com. Jones's little squadron, and offering to give a passage to Mr. Adams in the frigate with the new ambassador, I thought it best to continue her a little longer in Europe, hoping she may, in the project- ed cruize, by her extraordinary swiftness, be a means of taking prisoners enough to redeem the rest of our country- men now in the English goals. With this view, as well as to oblige the minister, I ordered her to join Capt. Jones, at L'Orient. and obey his orders, where she now is accordingly. From M. Le Ray de Chaumont, dated VOrient, June 10th, if 1^. M. de Chaumont presents his respects to Mr. Jones, and informs him that every thing is on board except the powder, which will require only two hours, when he may set sail with a favorable wind. M. de Chaumont informs at the same time Mr. Jones, that he will have papers to sign before his departure, for the sundry articles which the King has furnished to his ship ; therefore, M. de C. earnestly entreats Mr. Jones not to neglect it, considering the immense expenses which the ves- sels in the port have occasioned to the King. M. de Chaumont reminds Mr. Jones, that M. de Sartine has left to him and to M. Landais the choice of two excel- lent American pilots, to be embarked on board the King's frigate La Sensible. M. de Chaumont thinks it his duty to remind Mr. Jones of a communication he has made to him against M. Amiel. his first lieutenant, from which it appears that, in case Mr. Jones should be so unfortunate as to be killed in battle, it would be improper to leave the command of the King's ship to M. Amiel, who docs not seem to deserve so much confidence, by his conduct when commanding the ship the Ranger. M. de Chaumont, in addition to the preceding observa- tions, suggests that Mr. Jones's crew, being for the most part composed of Englishmen, which M. Amiel had recruited in the prisons, cannot be kept in subjection but by the corps of French volunteers which is on board the Bon homme Richard, and that it ^ould be desirable these volunteers should be commanded by officers of their own nation, well skilled in the art of war, and provided with sufficient re- commendations to justify the choice which will be made of them. M. de Chaumont has the honor, &c. . I DOrient, June 14th. 1779. Mr. Jones, Commander of the ) vShip Bon homme Richard. > Sir, The situation of the officers who have accepted commis- sions from Congress to join the armament of the ship Bon homme Richard, which you command, may be in contra- diction with the interests of their own ships ; this induces -^^ '^^Sl^ y7 me to i=6quest you to enter into an engagement with me. that you shall not require from the said vessels any services but such as will be conformable with the orders which those officers shall have, and that in no case you shall require any changes to be made in the formation of their crews, which, as well the vessels themselves, as their armaments, shall be entirely at the disposition of the commandants of the said vessels, who shall be answerable to those who have armed them. I also beg you to agree, that all the prizes which shall be made, be addressed to such consignees as I shall point out, for the preservation, of thQ interests of all the concerned. I have the honor, &c. Le Ray de Chaumont, Passy, June 30ih, 1779, j\Ir. Jones, Commander of the ) Ship Bon homme Richard, 5 Sir, I have the honor of wishing you much success in your uew cruize. Should you make any prizes, and take them to Bergen, in Norway, I beg you to send them to the French Consul, if there be one ; if there be none, then to the prin- cipal French Agent, to account to me for the same. And such as you send to Ostend or Dunkirk, you will consign to M. Cailliez, senior, merchant, at Dunkirk, who will account for them to me ; and you may rest assured, that the interests of all those who may have a share in such prizes will be attended to in a proper manner. I have the honor, &c. Le Ray de Chaumont* Passif, June 30th, 1779, Honorable Captain .Tonfs- Dear Sir, Being arrived at Groaix, you are to make the best of your way with the vessels under your command to the West of Ireland, and establish your cruize on the Orcades, the Cape of Derneus, and the Dogger Bank, in order to take the ene- my's property in those seas. The prizes you may make send to Dunkirk, Ostend, or Bergen, in Norway, according to your proximity to, either N 98 of those ports. Address them to the persons M. de Chau- mont shall indicate to you. About the 15th of August, when you will have sufficiently cruized in these seas, you are to make route for the Texel, where you will meet my further orders. If by any personal accident you should be rendered una- ble to execute these instructions, the officer of your squad- ron next in rank is to endeavour to put them in execution. With best wishes for your prosperity, I am ever, Dear Sir, Your affectionate friend and humble servant, B. Franklin. On board the Bon homme Richard, at anchor, ^ Isle of Groaix, off UOrient, July \st, 1779. S His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. Honored and Dear Sir, On the 19th ult., the American squadron under my com- mand, consisting of the Bon homme Richard 42 guns, Alli- ance 36 guns, Pallas 30 guns, Cerf 1 8 guns, and the Ven- geance 12 guns, sailed from hence with a convoy of mer- chant ships and transports with troops, «Sz;c. bound to the dif- ferent ports and garrisons between this place and Bourdeaux. On the evening of the following day, I had the satisfaction to see the latter part of the convoy safe within the entrance of the river of Bourdeaux, the rest having been safely escort- ed into the entrance of Nantz, Rochefort, &:c. But at the preceding midnight, while lying-to off Isle of Vew, the Bon homme Richard and Alliance got foul of one another, and carried away the head and cut-water, sprit-sail yard, and jib- boom of the former, with the mizen-mast of the latter ; for- tunately, however, neither received damage in the hull. In the evening of the Slat, I sent the Cerf to reconnoitre two sail, and Capt. Varage was so ardent in the pursuit, that he had lost sight of the squadron next morning ; and I am now told, that he had a warm engagement with one of them, a sloop of 14 guns, which he took, but was obhged to aban- don, on the approach of another enemy of superior force. The action lasted an hour and a half; several men were killed and wounded on board the Cerf. That cutter is now fitting at L'Orient. On the 22d we had a rencontre with three ships of war. They were to windward, and bore down in a line abreast 99 for some time, but seeing we were prepared to receive t|iem. they hauled their wind, and by carrying a press of sail got clear, in spite of our utnnost endeavours to bring them to action. On the 26th, we lost company of the Alliance and Pallas. I am unable to say where the blame lays. I gave the ships a rendezvous off Penmark-rocks, but did not meet them there. lanchored here yesterday at noon, having had a rencon- tre the night before with two of the enemy's ships of war in the offing, in the sight of this island and of Belle-Islc. — - Previous to this, I had given the Vengeance leave to make the best of her way to this road, so that the enemy found me alone in a place where I had no expectation of a hostile visit. They appeared at first earnest to engage, but their courage failed, and they fled with precipitation, and to my mortification out-sailed the Bon homme Richard and got. clear. I had, however, a flattering proof of the martial spirit of my crew, and 1 am confident, that had I been able to get between the two, which was my intention, we should iiave beaten them both together. In the course of this short cruize I have endeavoured to meet the views of the King. I , have traversed the Golf de Gascogne over and over — I have fallen in with and chased various vessels. I am ready to enter with cheerfulness upon any plan or service that is consonant with the common interest, and meets with your approbation ; and if I fail, it shall not be for want of attempting to succeed where an opportunity appears. I am, with sentiments of grateful esteem and affection, Dear Sir, yours, &c. P. S. Please give the above information to M. de Sartine vmd M. de Chaumont. Passy, Jidi/ 8th, 1779. Honorable J. P. Jones. Dear Sir, I received your favors of the 2d and 4th inst. I am sorry for the accidents that have obliged your little squadron to return and refit ; but hope all may be for the best. Some days since, Mr. Chaumont handed to me the substance of 9, letter in French, which contained heads of the instructions ■Y:- 100 th-At M. de Sartiiae wished me to give you. I had them translated and put into the form of a letter to you, which I signed and gave back to Mr. C, who I suppose has sent it to you. I have no other orders to give ; for, as the Court is at the chief expense, I think they have the best right tt> direct. I observe what you write about a change of the destination ; but when a thing has been once considered and determined On in council, they do not care to resume the Consideration of it, having much business on hand, and there is not now time to obtain a reconsideration. It has been hinted to me, that the intention of ordering your cruize to finish at the Texel, is with a view of getting out that ship ; but this should be kept a secret. I can say nothing about Capt. Landais' prize. I suppose the minis- ter has an account of it, but I have heard nothing from him about it. If he reclaims it on account of his passport, we must then consider what is to be done. I approve of the careenage proposed for the Alliance, as a thing necessary* As she is said to be a remarkable swift sailer, I should hope you might by her means take some privateers and a number of prisoners, so as to continue the cartel, and redeem all our poor countrymen. My best wishes attend you, being ever, with great esteem, Dear Sir, Your affectionate friend, and most obedient servant, B. Franklin. P. S. If it should fall in your way, remember that the Hudson's Bay ships are very valuable. B. F. VOrieni, July 12th, 1779. Extract to Dr. Franklin. I have inspected the Bon homme Richard, and it is the constructor's opinion that the ship is too old to admit of the necessary alterations. Thus circumstanced I wish to have an opportunity of attempting an essential service to render myself worthy a better and faster sailing ship. V Orient, July 2Gth, 1779. His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. Dear Sir, r have received advice that the Jamaica fleet will sail bdine^y^rds, escorted by a 50 gun ship, and two strong fri- 101 gjites. Should we fall in with that force, we will certainly' engage, and I hope overcome it. We shall probably be so much cut up, as to be unable to prevent the escape of the convoy. If the ship Monsieur could be added to my force, it would give us a superiority, and perhaps enable us to take and destroy the Jamaica fleet. I submit this idea, how*> ever, to your superior v/isdom. I have the honor, &c. Passy^ July ^Bth, 1779. Hon. Capt. Jones. Dear Sir, I have just received yours of the 25th. I was yesterday with M. de Sartine, at Versailles, who appeared uneasy at some accounts he had received of a mutinous disposition in your crew. He desired me to acquaint M. de Chau- mont that he wished to see him that evening. This morning M. de Chaumont sent me a note, of which I en- close a copy : I understand he goes down with a view to provide you a better set of hands. You must have heard that 1 1 9 American prisoners are arrived in a cartel at Nantes : perhaps out of them you may pick some very good seamen. But if this affair should be likely to take time, the Alliance will have my orders to make a cruise alone, agreeable to the minister's desire. But I hope the reports of your crew are not founded, and that your joint <:ruise will still take place, and be successful. I have the honor to be, with sincere esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient, and Most humble servant, Benjamin Franklin, The Honorable John P. Jones, commander in chief of the American ships of war now in Europe. You are hereby directed and required forthwith, to hold yourself in readiness to proceed in company with me to sea. You are to show careful attention to every signal that shall be made on board here for your government, as well as to all future orders that you may from time to time re- ceive from me. To prevent separation or surprise, you are t^o endeavour always to keep in your station ; and you are * m' 102 never to chase so as to lose company with the squadron. I place great dependance on your zeal for the honor of the American flag, and the interests of our common cause, as well as your abihties and inclination to support me in my duty; which I hope you will very soon have occasion to manifest, so as to afford me the supreme pleasure of rendering jus- tice to your merit in the account which I shall faithfully transmit both to our great ally, his Most Christian Majesty, and to the Senate o( America. Should you unfortunately be separated from the Bon homme Richard, you are to open the letter of rendezvous No. 1, and to proceed to that place as soon as possible, but if the squadron has previously passed that place, you are to open the letter No. 2 : and should you be taken, or in great danger of being taken, you are to burn, or otherwise effectually destroy, the letters of rendezvous. For all which, this shall be your order. Given on board the American ship of war, the Bon homme Richard, at anchor in the road of Groaix, August 10th, 1779. On hoard the Bon homme Richard, at anchor \ in the road of Groaix, August 1 \th, 1779, S His Ex. Monsieur De Sartine. My Lord, The moment I returned from the late cruise to this road, I wrote the history of my proceedings to his excel- lency Dr. Franklin, and requested him to communicate the whole to you. I have also rendered to him an exact ac- count of every thing that has affected this ship, and every other vessel under my command, while at L'Orient; all which, I conclude, has been submitted to your inspection. 1 am now, however, sorry that I did not address letters to your Excellency on the same subject, especially as Dr. Franklin has lately acquainted me that you were uneasy at some ac- counts of a mutinous disposition in my crew. I did not at the beginning advise it as a prudent measure, to take on board so great a proportion of English seamen. But M. de Chaumont can inform you that he thought it expedient, and that it would be attended with no risque, after tlie embarka- tion of the troops under the orders of the Marquis de la Fayette. When that expedition was laid aside, and I was forbidden to enlist French seamen, I had no means to re- place the English, and they remained on board from neces- m^ 103 sity, not from choice. When they saw that I had obsei*ved their mutinous disposition, and taken measures to prevent its bad consequences, I must do them the justice to say that they manifested a true martial spirit, when, being alone in this ship off Belle-Isle, in the evening of the 29th of June, I met with, and chased two large frigates that were in com- pany, and durst not wait for our approach, but fled not- withstanding their great superiority both in force and sailing. I have the satisfaction to assure your excellency that this second journey of M. de Chaumont was altogether unneces- sary ; as I had before his arrival at L'Orient sent officers to Nantes, to enlist Americans, and had also enlisted as many of the strangers as were willing to embark at L'Ori- ent. My crew now in this ship consists of 380 officers, men, and boys, inclusive of 1 37 marine soldiers. I expect to sail this evening, or to-morrow morning, and I hope the Monsieur will go in company. I have also reason to expect the Gen. Mifflin, having sent the Ven- geance to Belle-Isle, with a letter to the captain of that privateer, to invite him to join this little squadron. When I depart I hope to be able to do my duty, thereby to testify to his Majesty and to your excellency the high sense which 1 shall ever entertain of the honorable attentions which have been shewn towards me in France ; and to prevent future misrepresentations, I will myself transmit to your excellency from time to time, an account of my proceedings and situa- tion. I am, with the highest sentiments of esteem and respect, My Lord, Your Excellency's very obliged, very obedient, and most humble servant. N. B. I have seen with surprise, various letters in the hands of persons here, on the subject of my destination ! Ship Bon honime Richard, at anchor in the } Road of Groaix, August 1 3th, 1779. 5 The Hon. Major General, the Marquis ) de Lafayette, at Havre de Grace. > Although, my dear Marquis, I have not lately written to you, yet there is no man for whom I entertain a greater share of esteem and respect. By what I have felt myself since our expedition was laid aside, I can easily imagine how much concern it has given you ; and 1 assure you that 1 have met with few disappointments that has equally affected my sensi- bility and my health. As the object of our expedition was imprudently communicated to almost every person who should have been concerned in it, as well as to others who would not have been actors, I had determined for some time before I had the honor to receive yojrlast letter, to propose to you another project when we mecat L' Orient, which I am per- suaded you would have adopted, and communicated to no person until we had been ready the next hour to put it in execution. I am highly honored by your expressing hopes that such an expedition between us will yet take place in the course of this war. I ardently join you in that wish, and assure you that (ew prospects could afford me equal pleasure, or more entirely gratify my ambition. I will write to you, my dear Marquis, and communicate my thoughts when the subject is of consequence, agreeable to the within dictionary. I ex- pect to sail this evening, and you will perhaps hear of me soon. I was happy in the acquaintance of your two Aids- de-Camp ; and I thank you, with reason, that I now have the company and assistance of Messrs. Weibert and Chamil- lard. I am happy in being ranked among the number of your friends, and shall ever endeavour to merit your regard, being^ always my dear Marquis, Your most obliged, and very obedient humble servant. Washington city, Feb. 1825. True copy to the best of my remembrance, Lafayette: Ship Bon homme Richard, at anchor in ) the Road of Groaix, August I3th, 1779. 5 His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. Honored and Dear Sir, It is but this moment, that the Court Martial has finished the affair of the Bon homme Richard and the Alliance, on account of their having run foul of each other. I enclose you the result of the proceedings of that court, which being the only one of consequence, it is minecessary to trouble yorn iy with bundles of papers where the conclusions liavc only amounted to whipping, which has been executed. The within paper respecting the prize money of this httle squadron is submitted to your regulations, and from the en- closed paper, addressed to me by the captain and officers of the Vengeance I am persuaded that you will think it un- reasonable, that he, (the captain,) should share equally with Captain Landais, or the captain of the Pallas, — and not ratlier that each ship and vessel should first share in pro- portion to the number and calibre of her guns, and the num- ber of her men ; — and that they should afterward divide their respective shares by the laws of their flag, or other- wise to their mutual satisfaction. The within state of the force of each ship and vessel, will be useful in forming your decisions. M. de Chaumont has made an useless journey here, as I had taken all the necessary measures to engage the men that were wanting before his appearance, even at Nantes. I am, however, much obliged to him and to the minister for that at- tention, as well as for all former favors. I shall certainly sail to-morrow at day break, and I hope shortly to find opportu- nities to testify my gratitude to our great and good ally, for the honor which he has conferred on the American flag, and on myself. The enclosed dictionary will be useful, when I write to you on particular subjects. This little squadron ap- pears to be unanimous, and, if that good understanding con- tinues, we are able to perform essential service. I look for^. ward with pleasing expectation, and an ardent desire to merit your friendship, and that of America, being ever with the highest esteem and respect, Dear Sir, The most obliged of Your obedient servants. Ship Bon homme Richard, at sea off ) Ushant, August IStk, 1779, ^ M. Le Ray de Chaumont. I have my friend, the honor to forward this letter by our prize ship die Verwagting, bound from Barcelona to Dunkirk with a cargo of wine and brandy, and several cases of silks, &c. This prize was taken eight days ago, by the privateer O brig Eagle, belonging to Poole, in England, and is there* fore a lawful prize to the flag of the United States. We have met several other vessels, neutral property, but have learned no news except by one, a Portuguese snow, yesterday, that the English fleet had put back to Portsmouth, and that the snow passed through the French and Spanish fleet in number 114 ships, steering N. N. E., fifteen leagues south from Lizard. You will please to communicate this, with my respects to the minister, and to Dr. Franklin. 1 have the honour to be, with great esteem and respect, your obliged friend and humble servant. P.'S. 1 enclose you a paper which the commander of the Monsieur has given, contrary to my orders, and without my knowledge or consent, to the person whom he appointed mas- ter of this prize, which was taken under my orders and in my sight, — yet he takes no notice of this in that paper, and probably was his intention to keep the whole as his own proper- ty. He has now left the squadron, after plundering this prize and detaining me 24 hours by his lagging behind the squadron. This is the result of being concerned with privateers, where good faith and honor are generally strangers. I certify that the original of the preceding letter was duly received by my father, from Com. John Paul Jones. Le Ray de Chaumont. JVezo- York, December 1 824. Bon Homme Richard, at Sea, off the S. W, \ of Ireland, August 2Ath, 1779. 5 M. Le Rav de Chaumont. The enclosed copies of papers will shew you, my friend, that on the 1 8th I sent in a prize ship for L'Orient, laden with brandy, &c. ; and that on the 21st, I sent also for L'Orient a prize brig, laden with Irish beef and butter. I send this by the prize brig Fortune, bound for England from Newfoundland, and laden chiefly with oil, blubber, and staves. I have ordered this prize for Nantz, or if circum- stances will admit, for St. Malo, as the best market. I have .sent on board the prize a man who is perfectly acquainted with the coast between Brest and St. Malo, and will, in con- sequence, 1 hope, elude the Jersey privateers. By the cap- tain of the Mavflower I am told that there is now an en- .^ ^A- # campment of 30,000 troops in Ireland, at a place called Clonmell, about midway between Waterford and Limerick; I do not, however, credit this report. I beseech you to present my respects to M. de Sartinc and His Excellency M. Franklin, and apologize for my not writing them. It is now calm : when the breeze returns I shall embrace it to proceed directly to my destination. I am, with sentiments of esteem and respect, Your very obliged friend and servant. I certify that the original of the preceding was duly rcr ceived by my father, from Commodore J. Paul Jones. Le Ray de Chaumon't, .N'ew-York, December, 1824. On board the Ship of War the Serapis, at anchor \ ■without the Texel, October 3d^ 1779. ) M« Le Ray de Chaumont, a Passy. The original of the enclosed copy of my last letter, writ ten on board the Bon homme Richard, off the S. W. coast of Ireland, the 24th of August, as well as the papers which preceded it, and to which it alludes, I hope duly reached the hands of my friend, M. de Chaumont, and explained to his satisfaction my conduct from the time I left Groaix until that date. For the full history of my expedition, I must beg leave to refer you to a letter of this date, which accom- panies this, to His Excellency Dr. Franklin, who will, if yot: demand it, furnish you with a copy. I wish to act a candid part towards all men, and there- fore wish you to have a copy of that letter, that you may see my sentiments respecting the "Concordat," which yoit imposed upon me in the moment of my departure from Groaix. What could have inspired you with such sentiment? of distrust towards me, after the ocular proofs of hospita- lity which I so long experienced in your house, and after the warm expressions of generous and unbounded friendship which I had constantly been honored with in your letters, exceeds my mental faculties to comprehend. I am, how- ever, yet wiUing to give you an opportunity of rendering justice to my character. I cannot think you are personally my enemy. I rather imagine that your conduct towards me at Ti'Orient. has arisen from the base misrepresentation of 1U8 some secret villany ; therefore, I am, with unaltered senti*- ments of good will and affection for yourself and family, My dear friend. Your obliged, humble servant. I certify that the original of the preceding letter was duly received by my father. Le Ray de Chaumont. New-York, December, 1824. Commodore Jones was now approaching the scene of his greatest glory, which, in other respects than the affair of the Serapis, would have been much more complete, had the captains of his squadron, and particularly Landais, of the frigate Alliance, cordially co-operated with him. In peru- sing the narrative of this cruize, which is from the pen of Jones himself, the reader will observe that he had designed to lay the town of Leith under contribution, which intended enterprise would in all probability have succeeded, had the winds not have been adverse ; and even with that hinder* ance, under the energetic direction of Commodore Jones, it might perhaps have been effected. He had prepared every thing for the purpose, and assigned to each vessel of his squadron its appropriate duty. The landing was to have been made by Lieut. Col. Chamillard, with one hundred and thirty men, furnished with a white and a red flag, the display of the former of which was to be the signal that the inhabitants submitted to the terms proposed by the com- modore, and of tho latter, that they had refused. The dis- play of both flags together, was to indicate that the party under Chamillard was compelled to retreat ; in which case, their re-embarkation was to have been coverect by the ships of war. A contribution of 100,000/. sterling was to have been levied upon Leith, the payment of 50,000/. of which was to have been insisted on instantly, and hostages from among the principal inhabitants taken for the speedy pay- ment of the remaining moiety. The undertaking failed from the causes described by Jones ; but the summons writ- ten for the occasion, will serve to shew the humanity with which he proceeded, and it is therefore presented for peru- sal, together with the terms of capitulation, both documents, in blank, having been found among the papers of Jones, now in the possession of the author of this volume. It will bt; yemarked that Commodore Jones, in this, as in every other instance, ascribed the severity of his operations to the out- rages committed by the British troops in America ; thus giving to his actions a national, and not a vindictively per- sonal complexion. It will be seen in the sequel, that Dr. Franklin himself justified these retaliatory measures, and almost regretted the mildness of the instructions which he had previously addressed to the commodore for the govern- ment of his conduct towards the enemy, so deeply was that venerable man atiected by the atrocities of the English sol- diers, hi no particular did Jones transcend these instruc- tions, but seems, in every situation, to have endeavoured to assuage the miseries of war by the kindest possible treatment to his prisoners. The Honorable Captain Jones, Commander in Chief of the American squadron now in Europe, on board the American ship of war the Bon homme Richard, at anchor in the Road of Leith, September the — r-, 1779. To the Worshipful the Provost of Leith, or, in his absence, to the Chief Magistrate who is now actually present and in authority there. Sir, The British marine force that has been stationed here for the protection of your city and commerce, being now taken by the American arms under my command, I have the honor to send you this by my officer, Lieutenant Colonel de Cha- millard, who commands the vanguard of my troops. I do not wish to distress the poor inhabitants ; my intention is only to demand your contribution towards the reimburse- ment which Britain owes to the much injured citizens of America. Savages would blush at the unmanly violation and rapacity that has marked the tracks of British tyranny in America, from which neither virgin innocence nor help- less age has been a plea of protection or pity. Leith and its port now lays at our mercy ; and did not the plea of humanity stay the hand of just retaliation, I should, without advertisement, lay it in ashes. Before 1 pro- ceed to that stern duty as an officer, my duty as a ?nan in- er tliat liad been taken the day before. I had told Captain Cottineau the day before, that 1 had no authority to ransora prizes. On the 21st we saw and chased two sail, off Flamborough Head, the Pallas in the N. E. quarter, while the Bon homme Richard followed by the Vengeance in the S. W. the one I chased, a brigantine collier in ballast belonging to Scarbo- rough was soon taken, and sunk immediately afterward, as a fleet then appeared to the southward : it was so late in the day that I could not come up with the fleet before night, at length, however, I got so near one of them, as to force her to run ashore, between Flamborough Head and the Spurn. Soon after I took another, a brigantine from Holland belonging to Sunder- land ; and at daylight the next morning, 'seeing a fleet steer- ing towards me from the Spurn, I imagined them to be a con- voy, bound from London for Leith, which had been for some time expected, one of them had a pendant hoisted, and appeared to be a ship of force, they had not, however, courage to come on, but kept back, all except the one which seemed to be armed, and that one also kept to wind- ward very near the land, and on the edge of dangerous shoals where I could not with safety approach. This in- duced me to make a signal for a pilot, and soon afterward two pilot boats came off; they informed me that the ship that wore a pendant was an armed merchant ship, and that a king's frigate lay there in sight, at anchor within the Humber, waiting to take under convoy a number of mer- chant ships bound to the northward. The pilots imagined the Bon homme Richard to be an English ship of war, and consequently, communicated to me the private signal which they had been required to make. I endeavoured by this means to decoy the ships out of the port, but the wind then changing, and with the tide becoming unfavorable for them, the deception had not the desired effect, and they wisely put back. The entrance of the Humber is exceedingly diflicult and dangerous, and as the Pallas was not in sight, I thought it not prudent to remain off the entrance ; I there- fore steered out again to join the Pallas off' Flamborough Head. In the night we saw and chased two ships, until 3 o'clock in the morning, when being at a very small distance from them, I made the private signal of recognizance, which I had given to each captain before I sailed from Groaix, one half of the answer only was returned. In this position both di^--- Uii sides lay too till daylight, when the ships proved to be the Alliance and the Pallas. On the morning of that day, the 23d, the brig from Hol- land not being in sight, we chased a brigantine that appear- ed laying too to windward. About noon we saw and chased a large ship that appeared coming round Flam- borough Head, from the northward, and at the same time I manned and armed one of the pilot boats to sail in pur- suit of the brigantine, which now appeared to be the vessel that I had forced ashore. Soon after this a fleet of 41 sail appeared off Flamborough Head, bearing N. N. E. ; this in- duced me to abandon the single ship which had then anchor- ed in Burlington Bay ; I also called back the pilot boat and hoisted a signal for a general chase. When the fleet dis- covered us bearing down, all the merchant ships crowded sail towards the shore. The two ships of war that protect- ed the fleet, at the same time steered from the land, and made the disposition for the battle : in approaching the ene- my I crowded every possible sail, and made the signal for the line of battle, to which the Alliance showed no atten- tion. Earnest as 1 was for the action, I could not reach the commodore's ship until seven in the evening, being then within pistol shot, when he hailed the Bon homme Richard, we answered him by firing a whole broadside. The battle being thus begun, was continued with unre- mitting fury. Every method was practised on both sides to gain an advantage, and rake each other ; and I must con- fess-that the enemy's ship being much more manageable than the Bon homme Richard, gained thereby several times an advantageous situation, in spite of my best endeavours to prevent it. As I had to deal with an enemy of greatly su- perior force, I was under the necessity of closing with him, to prevent the advantage which he had over me in point of manoeuvre. It was my intention to lay the Bon homme Richard athwart the enemy's bow, but as that operation required great dexterity in the management of both sails and helm, and some of our braces being shot away, it did not exactly succeed to my wishes ; the enemy's bowsprit, how- ever, came over the Bon homme Richard's poop by the mizen mast, and I made both ships fast together in that situation, which by the action of the wind on the enemy's sails, forced her stern close to tlie Bon homme Ri- chard's bow. so that the ships lay square along side of f^;uch other, the yards being all entangled, and the cannon of each ship touching the opponent's side. When this posi- , tion took place it was 8 o'clock, previous to which the Bon homme Richard had received sundry eighteen pounds shot below the water, and leaked very much. My battery of 12 pounders, on which I had placed my chief depen- dance, being commanded by Lieut. Dale and Col. Weibert, and manned principally with American seamen, and French volunteers, were entirely silenced and abandoned. As to the six old eighteen pounders that formed the battery of the lower gun-deck, they did no service whatever ; two out of three of them burst at the first fire, and killed almost all the men who were stationed to manage them. Before this time too. Col. De Chamillard, who commanded a party of 20 soldiers on the poop had abandoned that station, after hav- ing lost some of his men. These men deserted their quar- ters. 1 had now only two pieces of cannon, nine pounders, on the quarter deck that were not silenced, and not one W of the heavier cannon was fired during the rest of the action. ^ The purser, Mr. Mease, who commanded the guns on the quarter deck, being dangerously wounded in the head, I was obliged to fill his place, and with great difiiculty rallied a few men, and shifted over one of the lee quarter-deck ^ guns, so that we afterward played three pieces of 9 pounders upon the enemy. The tops alone seconded the fire of this little battery, and held out bravely during the whole of the action ; especially the main top, where Lieut. Stack com- manded. I directed the fire of one of the three cannon against the main-mast, with double-headed shot, while the other two were exceedingly well served with grape and cannister shot to silence the enemy's musketry, and clear her decks, which was at last effected. The enemy were, ' as I have since understood, on the instant of calling for quarters, when the cowardice or treachery of three of my under officers induced them to call to the enemy. The English commodore asked me if I demanded quarters, and I having answered him in the most determined negative, they renewed the battle with double fury ; they were un- able to stand the deck, but the fire of their cannon, espe- cially the lower battery, which was entirely formed of 18 pounders, was incessant. Both ships were set on fire in various places, and the scene was dreadful beyond the reach of language. To account for the timidity of my three un- 121 der officers, I mean the gunner, the carpenter, and the mas- ter-at-arms, I must observe tliat the two first were slightly wounded, and as the ship had received various shots under ^Vater, and one of the pumps being shot away, the carpen- ter expressed his fear that she would sink, and the other two concluded that she was sinking ; which occasioned the gunner to run aft on the poop without my knowledge, to strike the colors ; fortunately for me, a cannon ball had done that before, by carrying away the ensign staff: he was therefore reduced to the necessity of sinking, as he sup- posed, or of calling for quarter, and he preferred the latter. All this time the Bon homme Richard had sustained the action alone, and the enemy, though much superior in force, would have been very glad to have got clear, as appears by their own acknowledgements, and by their having let go an anchor the instant that I laid them on board, by which means they would have escaped had I not made them well fast to the Bon homme Richard. At last, at half past 9 o'clock, the Alliance appeared, and I now thought the battle at an end ; but, to my utter asto- nishment, he discharged a broadside full into the stern of the Bon homme Richard. We called to him for God's sake to forbear firing into the Bon homme Richard ; yet he pass- ed along the off side of the ship and continued firing. There was no possibility of his mistaking the enemy's ship for the Bon homme Richard, there being the most essential differ- ence in their appearance and construction ; besides, it was then full moon light, and the sides of the Bon homme Ri- chard were all black, while the sides of the prizes were yel- low ; yet, for the greater security, I shewe4 the signal of our reconnoissance, by putting out three lanthorns, one at the head, (bow,) another at the stern, (quarter,) and the third in the middle, in a horizontal line. Every tongue cried that he was firing into the wrong ship, but nothing availed ; he passed round, firing into the Bon homme Richard's head, stern, and broadside, and by one of his voUies killed several of my best men, and mortally wounded a good officer on the forecastle. My situation was really deplorable. The Bon homme Richard received various shot under water from the Alliance ; the leak gained on the pumps, and the fire increased much on board both ships. Some officers persuaded me to strike, of whose courage and good sense I entertain a high opinion. My treacherous raaster-at-arjKs' Q Tet loose ail my prisoners without my knowledge, and my prospect became gloomy indeed. I would not, however, give up the point. The enemy's main-mast began to shake, their firing decreased, ours rather increased, and the British colors were struck at half an hour past 10 o'clock. This prize proved to be the British ship of war the Sera- pis, a new ship of 44 guns, built on their most approved construction, with two complete batteries, one of them of 1 8 pounders, and commanded by the brave Commodore Ri- chard Pearson. I had yet two enemies to encounter far more formidable than the Britons ; I mean fire and water. The Serapis was attacked only by the first, but the Bon homme Richard was assailed by both t there were five feet water in the hold, and though it was moderate from the ex- plosion of so much gunpowder, yet the three pumps that remained could with difficulty only keep the water from gaining. The fire broke out in various parts of the ship, in spite of all the water that could be thrown to quench it, and at length broke out as low as the powder magazine, and within a few inches of the powder. In that dilemma, 1 took eut the powder upon deck, ready to be thrown overboard at the last extremity, and it was 1 o'clock the next day, tlie 24th, before the fire was entirely extinguished. With pespect to the situation of the Bon homme Richard, the rud- der was cut entirely off the stern frame, and the transums were almost entirely cut away ; the timbers, by the lower deck especially, from the main-mast to the stern, being great- ly decayed with age, were mangled beyond my power of de- scription, and a person must have been an eye-witness to form a just idea of the tremendous scene of carnage, wreck, and ruin, that every where appeared. Humanity cannot but recoil from the prospect of such finished horror, and lament that war should produce such fatal consequences. After the carpenters, as well as Capt. de Cottineau, and other men of sense, had well examined and surveyed the ship, (which was not finished before five in the evening,) I I'ound every person to be convinced that it was impossible to keep the Bon homme Richard afloat so as to reach a port it the wind should increase, it being then only a very mode- rate breeze. I had but little time to remove my wounded, which now became unavoidable, and which was effected in the course of the night and next morning. I was determi- ned to keep the Bon homme Richard afloat, and. if possiblo. to bring her into port. For that purpose, the tirst iieuten* ant of the Pallas continued on board, with a party of men to attend the pumps, with boats in waiting ready to take them on board, in case the water should gain on them too fast. The wind augmented in the night and the next day, on the 25th, so that it was impossible to prevent the gooei old ship from sinking. They did not abandon her till aftei' 9 o'clock : the water was then up to the lower deck 5 and a little after ten, I saw with inexpressible grief the last glimpsf of the Bon homme Richard. No lives were lost with the ship, but it was impossible to save the stores of any sort whatever. I lost even the best part of my clothes, books, and papers ; and several of my officers lost all their clothe? and effects. Having thus endeavoured to give a clear and simple rela- tion of the circumstances and events that have attended the little armament under my command, I shall freely submit my conduct therein to the censure of my superiors and the impartial pubUc. I beg leave, however, to observe, that the force that was put under my command was far from being well composed ; and as the great majority of the act- ors in it have appeared bent on the pursuit of interest only, I am exceedingly sorry that they and I have been at all con- cerned. I am in the highest degree sensible of the singular attentions which I have experienced from the Court of France, which I shall remember with perfect gratitude until the end of my life, and will always endeavour to merit, while I can, consistent with my honor, continue in the public ser- vice. I must speak plainly. As I have been always ho- nored with the full confidence of Congress, and as 1 also flattered myself with enjoying in some measure the confi- dence of the Court of France, I could not but be astonished at the conduct of M. de Chaumont, when, in the moment of my departure from Groaix, he produced a paper, a con- cordat, for me to sign, in common with the officers whom i liad commissioned but a few days before. Had that paper, or even a less dishonorable one, been proposed to me at the beginning, I would have rejected it with just contempt, and the word deplacement among others should have been neces- sary. I cannot, however, even now suppose that he was authorized by the Court to make such a bargain with me ; nor can I suppose that the minister of the marine meant thai; M. de Chaumont should cx)nsider me merely as a rolle^?^ with the coiniuanders ol' the other ships, and communicate to them not only all he knew, but all he thought, respecting our destination and operations. M. de Chaumont has made me various reproaches on account of the expense of the Bon homme Richard, wherewith I cannot think 1 have been justly chargfeable. M. de Chamillard can attest that the Bon homme Richard was at last far from being well fitted or armed for war. If any person or persons who have been charged with the expense of that armament have acted wrong, the fault must not be laid to my charge. I had no authority to superintend that armament, and the persons who had authority were so far from giving jne what I thought necessary, that M. de Chaumont even refused, among other things, to allow me irons for securing the prisoners of war. In short, while my life remains, if I have any capacity to render good and acceptable services to the common cause, no man will step forth with greater cheerfulness and alacrity than myself, but I am not made to be dishonored, nor can I accept of the half conjidence of any man hving ; of course I cannot, consistent with my honor and a prospect of suc- cess, undertake future expeditions, unless when the object and destination is communicated to me alone, and to no other person in the marine line. In cases where troops are embarked, a like confidence is due alone to their commander in chief. On no other condition will I ever undertake the chief command of a private expedition ; and when I do not iommand in chief, I have no desire to be in the secret. Captain Gottineau engaged the Countess of Scarborough and took her after an hour's action, while the Bon homme Richard engaged the Serapis. The Countess of Scarbo- rough is an armed ship of 20 six-pounders, and was com- manded by a King's ofticer. In the action, the Countess of Scarborough and the Serapis were at a considerable dis- tance asunder ; and the Alhance, as I am informed, fired into the Pallas and killed some men. If it should be asked why the convoy was suffered to escape, I must answer, that 1 was myself in no condition to pursue, and that none of the rest shewed any inclination, not even Mr. Ricot, who had held off at a distance to windward during the whole action, and withheld by force the pilot boat with my lieutenant and 15 men.* The Alliance too, was in a state to pursue the * This is founded on a report that has proved to be false ; for it now ap- pears that Capt. Ricot expressly ordered the pilot-boat to board the Bon Jtomrae RicharcL which order -vvas disobeyed. V2d deet, not having had a single man wounded, or a single shot fired at her from the Serapis, and only three that did exe- cution from the Countess of Scarborough, at such a distance that one stuck in the side, and the other two just touched and then dropped into the water. The AlHance killed one man only on board the Serapis. As Captain de Cottineau charged himself with manning and securing the prisoners of the Countess of Scarborough, I think the escape of the Baltic fleet cannot so well be charged to his account. 1 should have mentioned, that the main-mast and mizen- top-mast of the Serapis fell overboard soon after the captain had come on board the Bon homme Richard. Upon the whole, the captain of the Alliance has behaved so very ill in every respect, that 1 must complain loudly of his conduct. He pretends that he is authorized to act inde- pendent of my command : I have been taught the contrary ; but supposing it to be so, his conduct has been base and unpardonable. M. de Chamillard will explain the particu- lars. Either Captain Landais or myself is highly criminal, and one or the other must be punished. I forbear to take any steps with him until I have the advice and approbation of your excellency. I have been advised by all the officers of the squadron to put M. Landais under arrest ; but as I have postponed it so long, I will bear with him a little longer until the return of my express. We this day anchored here, having since the action been tossed to and fro by contrary winds. I wished to have gain- ed the Road of Dunkirk on account of our prisoners, but was overruled by the majority of my colleagues. I shall hasten up to Amsteidam, and there if I meet with no orders for my government, I will take the advice of the French ambassador. It is my present intention to have the Count- ess of Scarborough ready to transport the prisoners from hence to Dunkirk, unless it should be found more expedient to deliver them to the English ambassador, taking his obli- gation to send to Dunkirk, &;c. immediately an equal num- ber of American prisoners. I am under strong apprehen- sions that our object here will fail, and that through the im- prudence of M. de Chaumont, who has communicated every thing he knew or thought on the matter to persons who can- not help talking of it at a full table. This is the way he keeps state secrets, though he never mentioned the affair to me. I am ever. &;c. John P, Jones. i2t; Particulars of the engagement between the Bon homme Richard and the Serapis, furnished by First Lieutenant Richard Dale, of the Bon homme Richard, for this work. On the 23d of September 1779, being below, was roused by an unusual noise upon deck. This induced me to go upon deck when I found the men were swaying up the royal yards, preparatory to making sail for a large fleet under our lee. I asked the coasting pilot what fleet it was ? He answered " The Baltic fleet under convoy of the Serapis of ' 44 guns, and the Countess of Scarborough of 20 guns." A general chase then commenced of the Bon homme Richard, the Vengeance, the Pallas, and the Alliance. The latter ship being then in sight after a separation from the squadron of nearly three weeks, buL which ship, as usual, disregarded the private signals of the Commodore. At this time our fleet headed to the northward, with a light breeze, Flambo- rough head being about two leagues distant. At 7 P. M. it was evident the Baltic fleet perceived we were in chace, from the signal of the Serapis to the merchantmen to stand in shore. At the same time the Serapis, and Countess of Scarborough, tacked ship, and stood off shore, with the in- tention of drawing off our attention from the convoy. When these ships had separated from the convoy about two miles, they again tacked and stood in shore after the merchantmen. At about eight, being within hail, the Serapis demanded, "what ship is that? He was answered, " I can't hear what you say." Immediately after the Serapis hailed again, '' what ship is that ? Answer immediately, or I shall be under the necessity of firing into you." At this moment I received orders from Commodore Jones to commence the action with a broadside, which indeed appeared to be simultaneous on board both ships. Our position being to windward of the Serapis we passed a-head of her, and the Serapis coming •up on our larboard quarter, the action commenced abreast of each other. The Serapis soon passed ahead of the Bon homme Richard, and when he thought he had gained a dis- tance sufficient to go down athwart the fore foot to rake us, found he had not enough distance, and that the Bon homme Richard would be aboard him, put his helm a-lce, which brought the two ships on a line, and the Bon homme Richard, having head way, ran her bows into the stern of the Serapis. We had remained in this situation but a few minutes when we were again hailed by the Serapis. " Has your ship stnick ?" lav To which Captain Jones answered, " I have not yet began to fight." As we were unable to bring a single gun to bear upon the Serapis our top-sails were backed, while those of the Serapis being filled, the ships separated. The Serapis wore short round upon her heel, and her jib-boom ran into the mizen rigging of the Bon homme Richard ; in this situation the ships were made fast together with a hawser, the bowsprit of the Serapis to the mizen-mast of the Bon homme Richard, and the action recommenced from the starboard sides of the two ships. With a view of separating the ships, the Serapis let go her anchor, which manoeuvre brought her head, and the stern of the Bon homme Richard to the wind, while the ships lay closely pressed against each other. A novelty in naval combats was now presented to many wit- nesses, but to (ew admirers. The rammers were run into the respective ships to enable the men to load after the lower ports of the Serapis had been blown away, to make room for running out their guns, and in this situation the ships re- mained until between 10 and 11 o'clock P. M. when the engagement terminated by the surrender of the Serapis. From the commencement to the termination of the action there was not a man on board the Bon homme Richard igno- rant of the superiority of the Serapis, both in weight of metal, and in the qualities of the crews. The crew of that ship was picked seamen, and the ship itself had been only a few months ofT the stocks, whereas the crew of the Bon homme Richard consisted of part American, English, and French, and a part of Maltese, Portuguese,and Malays, these latter contributing by their want of naval skill, and knowledge of the English language to depress rather than elevate a just hope of success in a combat under such circumstances,, Neither the consideration of the relative force of the ships ; the fact of the blowing up of the gun deck above them by the bursting of two of the 18 pounders, nor the alarm that the ship was sinking, could depress the ardor, or change the determination of the brave Captain Jones, his officers and men. Neither the repeated broadsides of the Alliance, given with the view of sinking or disabling the Bon homme Richard, the frequent necessity of suspending the combat to extinguish the flames, which several times were within a few- inches of the magazine, nor the liberation by the master-at- arms of nearly 500 prisoners, could change or weaken the pur- pose of the American commander. At the moment of thti liberation of the prisoners, one of them, a commander of a 20 gun ship taken a few days before, passed through the ports on board the Serapis, and informed Captain Pearson that if he would hold out only a little while longer, the ship alongside, would either strike or sink, and that all the prison- ers had been released to save their lives; — the combat was accordingly continued with renewed ardor, by the Serapis. The fire from the tops of the Bon homme Richard was conducted with so much skill and effect as to destroy ulti- mately every man who appeared upon the quarter deck of the Serapis, and induced her commander to order the survi- vors to go below. Nor even under shelter of the decks were they more secure. The powder monkies of the Serapis finding no officer to receive the 18 pound cartridges brought from the magazines, threw them on the main-deck, and went for more. These cartridges being scattered along the deck and numbers of them broken, it so happened that some of the hand-grenades thrown from the main-yard of the Bon homme Richard, which was directly over the main-hatch of the Serapis, fell upon this powder and produced a most awful explosion. The effect was tremendous ; more than 20 of the enemy were blown to pieces, and many stood with only the collars of their shirts upon their bodies. In less than an hour afterward, the flag of England, which had been nailed to the mast of the Serapis, was struck by Captain Pearson's own hand, as none of his people would venture aloft on this duty ; and this too when more than 1500 persons were wit- nessing the conflict, and the humiliating termination of it, from Scarborough, and Flamborough head. Upon finding that the flag of the Serapis had been struck, I went to Captain Jones, and asked whether I might board the Serapis ? to which he consented ; and jumping upon the gun-wale ; seized the main-brace pennant, and swung myself upon her quarter-deck. Midshipman Mayrant followed with a party of men, and was immediately run through the thigh with a boarding pike by some of the enemy stationed in the waist, who were not informed of the surrender of their ship. I found Captain Pearson standing on the leeward side of the quarter deck, and addressing myself to him, said, — " Sir, I have orders to send you on board the ship along side." The first lieutenant of the Serapis coming up at this moment inquired of Captain Pearson, whether the ship along side had struck to him ? To which I replied, " No, Sir. the contrary, he has stnick to ns." The lieutenant re~ newing his inquiry, have you struck, Sir ? was answered, "' Yes, I have." The lieutenant replied, " I have nothing more to say," and was about to return below, when I informed him he must accompany Captain Pearson on board the ship along side. He said, " if you will permit me to go below, I will silence the firing of the lower deck guns." This re- quest was refused, and with Captain Pearson, was passed over to the deck of the Bon homme Richard. Orders being sent below to cease firing, — the engagement terminated, after a most obstinate contest of three hours and a half. Upon receiving Captain Pearson on board the Bon homme Richard, Captain Jones gave orders to cut loose the lashings, and directed me to follow him with the Serapis. Perceiving the Bon homme Richard leaving the Serapis, I sent one of the quarter-masters to ascertain whether the wheel-ropes were cut away, supposing something extraordinary must be the matter, as the ship would not pay off, although the head sails were aback, and no after sail; the quarter-master re- turning, reported that the wheel-ropes were all well, and the helm hard a-port. Excited by this extraordinary circum- stance, I Jumped off the binnacle, where I had been sitting, and falling upon the deck, found to my astonishment I had the use of only one of my Jcgs : — a splinter of one of the guns had struck, and badly wounded my leg without my perceiving the injury until this moment. I was replaced upon the binnacle, when the sailing-master of the Serapis coming up to me observed, that from my orders he judged I must be ignorant of the ship bei7ig at anchor. Noticing the second lieutenant of the Bon homme Richard, I directed him to go below and cutaway the cable, and follow the Bon homme Richard with the Serapis. I was then carried on board the Bon homme Richard to have my wound dressed. ADMIRALTY OFFICE, Oct. 12th, 1779. Aletter from Capt. Richard Pearson, of his Majesty's ship Serapis to Mr. Stephens, of which the following is a copy, was yeste rday received at this office. Pallas, French Frigate, in Congress } service, Texel, October 6th, 177d. } Sir, You will be pleased to inform the Lords' Commission- ers of the Admiralty, that on the 23d ult., being close in R 130 with Scarborough, about 4 o'clock, a boat came on board with a letter from the bailiffs of that corporation, giving in- formation of a flying squadron of the enemy's ships being on the coast, and a part of the said squadron having been seen from thence the day before, standing to the southward. As soon as I received this intelligence I made the signal for the convoy to bear down under my lee, and repeated it with two guns ; notwithstanding which the van of the convoy kept their wind, with all sail stretching out to the south- ward from under Flamborough Head, till between twelve and one, when the headmost of them got sight of the ene- my's ships, which were then in chase of them ; they then tacked, and made the best of their way under the shore for Scarborough, &:c. letting fly their top-gallant sheets, and firing guns ; upon which I made all the sail I could to wind- ward, to get between the enemy's ships and the convoy, Avhich I soon effected. At 1 o'clock we got sight of the enemy's ships from the mast-head, and about 4 we made them plain from the deck to be three large ships and a brig, upon which 1 made the Countess of Scarborough a signal to join me, she being in shore with the convoy. At the same time I made the signal for the convoy to make the best of their way, and repeated tLe signal with two guns : I then brought to, to let the Countess of Scarborough come up, and cleared ship for action. At half past 5 the Countess of Scarborough joined me, the enemy's ships bearing down upon us with a light breeze at S. S. W., at 6 tacked, in or- der to keep our ground the better between the enemy's ships and the convoy : soon after which, we perceived the ships beai'ing down upon us to be a two-decked ship and two frigates, but from their keeping end on, and bearing upon us, we could not discern what colours they were un- der; at about 20 minutes past 7 the largest ship of the three brought to on our larboard bow, within musket-shot. I hailed him and asked what ship it was ; they answered in English, " The Princess Royal." I then asked where they belonged to, they answered evasively ; on which I told them, if they did not answer directly 1 would fire into them ; they then answered with a shot, which was instantly return- ed with a broadside; and after exchanging two or three broadsides he backed his topsails, and dropt upon our quar- ter within pistol shot, then filled again, put his helm a-wea- ther and run us on board upon our weather quarter, and at- 131 tempted to board us, but being repulsed, he sheered off; upon which I backed our topsails, in order to get square with him again, which, as soon as he observed, he then filled, put his helm a-weather, and laid us athwart hause; his jnizen-shrouds took our jib-boom, which hung him for some time, until at last it gave way, and we dropt along side of each other, head and stern, when the fluke of our spare an- chor hooking his quarter, we became so close fore and aft that the muzzles of our guns touched each other's sides. In this position we engaged from half past 8 till half past 10, during which time, from the great quantity and variety of combustible matters which they threw in upon our decks, chains, and in short, into every part of the ship, we were on fire no less than ten or twelve times in different parts of the ship, and it was with the greatest difficulty and exertion imagi- nable at times, that we were able to get it extinguished. At the same time the largest of the two frigates 'kept sailing round us the whole action, and raking us fore and aft, by which means she killed or wounded almost every man on the quarter and main decks. About half past 9, either from a hand- grenade being thrown in at one of our lower-deck ports, or from some other accident, a cartridge of powder was set on fire, the flames of which running from cartridge to cartridge all the way aft, blew up the whole of the people and offi- cers that were quartered abaft the main-mast ; from which unfortunate circumstance all those guns were rendered use- less for the remainder of the action, and I fear the greatest part of the people will lose tbeir lives. At 10 o'clock they called for quarters from the ship alongside, and said they had struck ; hearing this I called upon the captain to know if he had struck, or if he asked for quarters ; but no answer being made, after repeating my words two or three times, I called for the boarders, and ordered them to board, which they did, but the moment they were on board her, they dis- covered a superior number laying under cover with pikes in their hands ready to receive them, on which our people re- treated instantly to their guns again till past 1 0, when the fri- gate coming across our stern, and pouring her broadside into us again, without our being able to bring a gun to bear on her, 1 found it in vain, and indeed, impracticable, from the situa- tion we were in, to stand out any longer with the least pros- pect of success. I therefore struck, (our main-mast at the aame time went by the board.) The 1st. lieutenant and myself were immediately escorted into the ship along side, when we found her to be an American ship of war, called the Bon homme Richard of 40 guns and 373 men, com- manded by Capt. Paul Jones, the other frigate which en- gaged us, to be the Alliance of 40 guns and 300 men ; and the third frigate which engaged and took the Countess of Scarborough, after two hours action, to be the Pallas, a French frigate of 32 guns and 275 men, the Vengeance an arAed brig of 1 2 guns and 70 men, all in Congress service, and under the command of Paul Jones. They fitted out and sailed from Port L' Orient the latter end of July, and came north about ; they have on board 300 English prison- ers, which they have taken in different vessels in their way round since they left France, and have ransomed some others. On my going on board the Bon homme Richard, I found her to be in the greatest distress ; her counters and quarter on the lower deck entirely drove in, and the whole of her lower deck guns dismounted, she was also on fire in two places, and six or seven feet water in her hold, which kept increasing upon them all night and the next day, till they were obliged to quit her and she sunk, with a great number of her wounded people on board her. She had 306 men killed and wounded in the action, our loss in the Serapis was also very great. My officers, and people in general be- haved well, and I should be very remiss in my attention to their merit, were I to omit recommending the remains of them to their Lordships' favor. Herewith I enclose you the most exact list of the killed and wounded I have as yet been able to procure, from my people being dispersed among the different ships, and hav- ing been refused permission to muster them ; there are, I find many more, both killed and wounded, than appears in the enclosed list, but their names I find as yet impossible to ascertain ; as soon as I possibly can, I shall give their Lord- ships a full account of the whole. I am, Sir, &c. R. Pearson. A more perfect idea of the dreadful havoc on board the Serapis may be obtained from the oflicial fist of the wounded prisoners taken in that ship ; and it may gratify the curiosity of those readers who are desirous of learning more particu- larly the multiplied afflictions to which persons engaged in naval warfare are exposed : 13S List of wounded pr James Clerk, . Richard Angel, John Robertson, Abraham Cornish, John Robertson, William Rogers, . Leonard Addison, Richard Williams, James Ashworth, John M'Lean, Cumberland Ward, Charles Jebb, Richard Mason, Benjamin Rushton, William Hudson, Edward Morgan, . Mr. Brownhill, Mr. Wightman, Robert Ozord, Mr. Bannatyne, Surgeon, Mr. M'Knight Mr. Kitchen, Stephen Maggot, John Clark, Thomas Rubl^ish, Charles Brooks, . John Campbell, Charles Davis, William Pubbelon, Anthony Franks, . Robert Man, . John Oliver, Thomas Mersell, William Guerney, Samuel Davis, Harry Hook, isoners on board the Serapis. September 30tk, 1779. thigh fractured, wounded hand, wounded hand, wounded leg and scorched, wounded legs, wounded arm. wounded legs, wounded shoulder, wounded shoulder, wounded side. wounded thigh and scorched, arm shot off and much scorched, wounded arm. wounded shoulder and scorched, wounded shoulder, wounded shoulder, wounded arm and side, both arms wounded, scorched slightly, fingers slightly scorched. his Mates, much scorched in the face. . wounded back. wounded wrist. . wounded shoulder. shoulder much bruised. . shot in the hand. wounded haunch. . shot in the back. arm amputated. . leg wounded. shot in the back. . arm and thigh wounded. slightly wounded. . arm and thigh wounded. arm and breast wounded. Abraham Portsmouth. Mr. Mycock. Mr. Popplewell. Thomas Rivers. William Bennet. Joseph Springale, The following miserably scorched. William Searcher. Thomas Sandwell, Boy. Benjamin Pickersgill. Thomas Hyslop, Jeremy Murphy. Charles Metcalf 134 .iohn Lawveuce. Richard Seaton. Georo-e Lever. Alexander Hutchinson, James Caw. ', William Crow. ,Tohn Paul. Thomas Weeks. Robert Ingram. John Ashby. James Hall. Seven or eight Lascars. Dead of their wounds, M.Y.'^vown^ Masters Mate. Patrick Sulivan. Mr. Plaice, Boatswain. John Ellison. John Jones, Marine, Private. John Appleby. Edward Vernon. Michael , Capt. Servant, Besides one or two others whose names could not be ascer- tained. WM. BANNATYNE, English Surgeon. Hague, Oct. 13th, 1779. Sir Joseph Yorke,the British ambas- sador, presented the following memorial to their High Migh- ' tinesses, on the dth inst. High and Mighty Lords, The undersigned, ambassador extraordinary and plenipo- tentiary of the King of Great Britain, has the honor to com- municate to your High Mightinesses, that two of his Majes- ty's ships the Serapis and the Countess of Scarborough, ar- rived some days ago in the Texel, having been attacked and taken by force, by a certain Paul Jones, a subject of the king, who according to treaties and the laws of war, can only be considered as a rebel and a pirate. The under- signed is therefore in duty bound to recur to your High Mightinesses, and demand their immediate orders that those ships with their officers and crews may be stopped, and he especially recommends toyourhumanity,to permit the wound- ed to be brought on shore, that proper attention may be paid to them, at the expense of the King his master. YoRKE. Resolutions of their High Mightinesses relative to Paid Jonesh squadron and prizes, delivered to the English ambassador at the Hague, on the 25th October, 1779. That their High Mightinesses, being informed that three frigates had lately arrived at the Texel, namely, two French and one called an American, commanded by Paul Jones, bringing with them two prizes taken by them in the open sea, and called the Serapis and the Countess of Scarborough described in the ambassador's memorial. That their High 13a Migbtinesses having for a century past, strictly observed the following maxim, and notified the same by placards, viz. that they will in no respect whatevef pretend to judge of the le- gality or illegality of the actions of those who have on the open sea taken any vessels which do not belong to this coun- try, and bring them into any of the ports of this republic ; that they only open their ports to them, to give them shelter from storms or other disasters ; and that they oblige them to put to sea again with their prizes without unloading or disposing of their cargoes, but letting them remain exactly as when they arrived. That their High Mightinesses will not examine whether the prizes taken by the three frigates in question belong to the French or to the Americans, or whe- ther they are legal or illegal prizes, but leave all that to be determined by the proper judges, and will oblige them to put to sea, that they may be liable to be retaken, and by that means brought before the proper judge,particularly as his ex- cellency the ambassador must own he would have no less a right to reclaim the above mentioned ships if they had been private property, than as they have been king's ships ; there- fore their High Mightinesses are not authorised to pass judg- ment either upon these prizes, or the person of Paul Jones ; that, as to what regards acts of humanity, their High Mighti- nesses have already made appear how ready they are to show them towards the wounded on board of the vessels, and that they have given orders accordingly. That an extract of the present resolution be given to Sir Joseph Yorke by the agent Vander Burch de Spierinxhock. Extract of a memorial presented by Sir Joseph Yorke, his Majesty'' s ambassador at the Hague, to their High Mighti- nesses, requesting the delivering up the Serapis and Coun- tess of Scarborough, takenby Paul Jones. High and Mighty Lords, In thanking your High Mightinesses for the orders which your humanity dictated relative to the wounded men on board the two king's ships, the Serapis and the Countess of Scarborough, I cannot but comply with the strict orders of his Majesty, hy renewing in the strongest and most pressing manner his request that these ships and their crews may be stopped and delivered up, which the pirate Paul Jones, of Scotland, who is a rebel subject and a criminal of the state, has taken. 136 ^ ' The King would think he derogated from his own dignity, as well as that of your High Mightinesses, were he to enter into the particulars of acas6 so notorious as that in question, or to set before the eyes of the ancient friends and allies of his crown, analagous examples of other princes and states, but will only remark that all the placards even of your High Mightinesses require that all the captains of foreign armed vessels shall, upon their arrival, present their letters of marque, or commission : and authorizes, according to the custom of admiralties, to treat all those as pirates whose let- ters are found to be illegal, for want of being granted by a sovereign power. The quality of Paul Jones, and all the circumstances of the affair, are too notorious for your High Mightinesses to be ignorant of them. The eyes of all Europe are fixed upon your resolution ; your High Mightinesses know too well the value of good faith not to give an example of it in this essen- tial rencontre. The smallest deviation from so sacred a rule by weakening the principle of neighbours may produce serious consequences. JOSEFH YORKE, Doyie at the Hague, Oct,2dth, 1779. The answer which their High Mightinesses caused to be given to the above memorial was in brief: — "that they will in no respect take upon them to judge of the legality or ille- gality of those who have on the open sea taken any vessels which do not belong to their country •, that they only open their ports to give them shelter from storms, or other dis- asters ; and that they oblige them to go to sea again with their prizes, without suffering them to unload or dispose of any part of their cargoes, that they may be liable to be retaken in the same state they were taken ; but do not think them- selves authorized to pass judgment upon those prizes, or the person of Paul Jones." Ji statement of Mr. Van Berckel, Grand Pensionary of Am- sterdam, and of Mr. Dumas, Agent of the United States in Holland. The Commodore John Paul Jones commanding a light squadron, equipped at the expense of his most Christian Ma- jesty, under the flag and commission of the United States of America, made sail from France. August the 14th. 1779: 137 about tlie same time that the grand combined fleets ot' France and Spain of 66 vessels of the line under the command of his excellency the Count d'Orvilliers appeared in the chan- nel between France and England. As they expected that a French army, under the protection of this fleet would make a descent upon the southern coast of England, the Commo- dore having a carte-blanche, believed it to be his duty to make a strong diversion in order to facilitate the enter- prise. To this effect he alarmed and insulted the coast and ports of the enemy from Cape Clear along the western coast of Ireland, by the north of Scotland, to Hull, the east of England. In the course of this service, as difficult as im- portant, he made many armed captures, and destroyed a num- ber of merchant vessels belonging to the enemy. The great object of the Commodore was to intercept the British fleet returning from the Baltic, and consequently to deprive the enemy of the means of equipping their vessels of war. There is every reason to believe that he would have com- pletely effected this object, if he had not been abandoned on the coast of Ireland by a considerable part of his forces, and if his frigate, the Bon homme Richard, had been in the least assisted in this memorable combat with the Serapis, a two-decker, and against the frigate the Countess of Scar- borough. But after the Commodore had fought these two vessels during one hour, the distance of pistol-shot, whilst the rest of his forces sheltered themselves from any damage notwithstanding the advantage of the wind, the American frigate the Alliance traitorously fired three broadsides of grape-shot into the Bon homme RichaVd. During the whole affair the Alliance took care not to expose herself to re- ceive a single shot, norto have a single man killed or wound- ed on board. The Bon homme Richard was, during three hours, lashed to the Serapis, and after the battle, which lasted four hours, sunk, riddled as a vessel had never been before. The battle taking place at one league from Scarborough it was not possible, under the circumstances above mentioned, to hinder the entrance into that port, of the enemy's convoy, which arrived in safety. The Commodore entered the Texel with the remainder of his squadron, and his two last prizes, the 3d of October, 1 779. The one half of the crews, as well of the Bon homme Rich- ard as of the Serapis having been killed or wounded, the Commodore addressed himself to their Higlx Mightinesses .S lob for permission to establish a hospital at the Helder, in order to cure his wounded. But the Magistracy of the place being opposed, their High Mightinesses assigned for this purpose the fort of the Texel, and as the Commodore had the per- mission to garrison the fort by a detachment of his soldiers, he granted a commission of commandant of the place, for as long a time as was necessary, to one of his officers. The combined fleet having entered Brest, the English, filled with the terror of an invasion, with which they perceived them- selves menaced, let loose all their animosity against the Com- modore. The English ambassador at the Hague, by his repeated memorials to the States General, did not cease to reclaim peremptorily the restitution of the vessel of war and the frigate taken by the Commodore, and to demand like- wise that the Scotch Pirate, Paul Jones, should be delivered up to the King his master. This step of the ambassador not succeeding, he did all in his power with the Magistrates and private citizens of Amsterdam to cause them to lay hands upon the person of the Commodore, and to deliver him up to him, — but in vain, — no person had the baseness or the courage to undertake his desire in this respect. The English despatched many light squadrons to intercept the Commodore. Two of these squadrons cruized continu- ally in sight of the Texel, and of the Ulie, whilst the others w^ere stationed in such a manner as to cause the belief that it would be impossible for him to escape. The object of the court of France in causing the Commodore to enter the Texel, was that he might escort from thence to Brest a nu- merous fleet, loaded with materials for the Arsenal of that port, but his situation rendered this service impracticable ; above all, as the minister had not taken care to keep the matter secret. The situation of the Commodore engaged the attention of all Europe, and profoundly affected the poli- tics of the belligerant powers. But this situation became infinitely more critical, when the Prince of Orange deprived Mr. Riemersma of the command of the Dutch fleet, consist- ing of thirteen men-of-war, and sent the Vice-Admiral Rhy- itst to succeed him, and to expel the Commodore from the Texel, in sight of the British squadrons. This engaged the Court of Versailles to send to the ambassador of France at the Hague, a commission from his most Christian Majesty for the Commodore, which authorized him to hoist the French ftag, but to this the Commodore would not consent. On 13d his arrival he had declared himself an officer of tlie United States of America, he was not authorized by Congress to ac- cept the offered commission : — In fine, he conceived it would be dishonorable and disadvantageous as well for himself as for America to change his flag, especially under existing cir- cumstances. With the exception of the frigate Alliance, the remainder of the squadron under the command of the Com- modore, belonged to his most Christian Majesty, and the French ambassador had, in consequence, the right to dispose of them. The American minister, at Paris, addressed an order to the Commodore to deliver all his prisoners to the French ambassador; and, to obey this order, the Commodore was obliged to deliver also the Serapis and Countess of Scar- borough, because the other vessels could not contain the great number of his prisoners. The Commodore continued to carry the American flag on board the Alliance, and as soon as the wind permitted, the Vice-Admiral having rendered his stay in the Texel as disagreeable as possible, obliged him to set sail in this frigate. The Commodore had the address and the good fortune to escape the vigilance of the enemy, and the English enraged at this, and also because the States General had granted an escort for the fleet which carried out the naval stores from the Texel to Brest, declared, a short time afterward, war against the United low countries. They made use of the stay and the conduct of the Commo- dore at the Texel, for the first article of their declaration. The facts above stated are of public notoriety throughout all Europe, and my motive in giving this testimony to Ame- rica in favor of the Commodore, proceeds from the desire to render justice to his zeal and good conduct, for the honor and interest of the United States in the affairs which have come immediately under my own cognizance. At the Hague, March 10th, 1784. E. P. Van Berckel. I, the undersigned, knowing not only the exact truth of all which is above stated, but having been oflicially present, during nearly three months, on board the American squadron in the road of the Texel, attest to it with pleasure, this 1 1th of March 1784, at the Hague. M. F. Dumas, Agent of the United States of America, The brilliant result of the terrible contest with the Sera- pis, filled Europe and America with the renown of Commo- «f 140 dore Jones. The British government was incensed and the national pride wounded, at finding one of the finest frigates in the Enghsh navy captured so near the coast of Great Britain, and in the view, by moonhght, of numerous specta- tors. The subjoined comparative statement of the relative force of the two ships and their crews, will shew that the advantage was decidedly in favor of the Serapis : — Statement of the force of the Bon homme Richard, on the 23<^ September, 1779. 6 1 8-pounders on the lower gun deck, 14 12 do. middle do. 14 9 do. do. do. 2 6 do. quarter do. 2 6 do. spar, or upper do. 1 in each gangway, 2 6 do. upon the forecastle; 380 men and boys. Force of the Serapis, on the same day* 20 1 8-pounders on her lower gun deck. 20 9 do. upper do. 6 6 do. quarter do. 4 6 do. forecastle. 305 men, and about 1 5 lascars. The officers and men who so gallantly distinguished them- selves in this memorable affair deserve to be immortalized. The annexed roll contains the names of the whole of them, from an official source, and it is with pleasure that the op- portunity is embraced of inserting them in a work which is a record of the achievements and prowess of their intrepid commander. The roll includes also a specification of those who were killed and wounded, together with the respective countries of which they were natives : Roll of the Officers, Seamen, Marines, and Volunteers, who served on board the Bon homme Richard, commanded by Commodore John Paul Jones, m her cruize made in 1778. Names. Codntry. Rank. Remarks. John Paul Jones, Scotch, Commodore, Richard Dale, Maryland, 1st Lieut. Badly woundeds Henry Lunt, Mass. 23 do. 141 Cutting Lunt, Samuel Stacey, Laurence Brooks, Mathurin Mease, Stack, Macarty, O'Kelly, John White, Thomas Potter, Nathaniel Fanning, Benjamin Stubbs, Reuben Chase, Beaumont Groube, Jonah Carvell, William Daniel, John Mayrant, Robert Coram, John L. White, Richard Wat, Gilbert Wat, John Robinson, John Gunnion, William Clarke, Jacob True, Ichabod Lord, Daniel Russel, Thomas Turner, Edward Garret, Thomas Miller, William Physic, James Connor, Robert Steel, Robert Towers, WilUam Thompson, John Woulton, Robert Stevens, Arthur Randall, Thomas Macarthy, Jonathan Wells, William Lee, John Murphy, John Pearce, Thomas Jones, Francis Campbell, Michael Longstaff, Henry Gardiner, Country. Rank. Remark^s-. Mass. 3d Lieut. N. H. Master, do. Surgeon, Mass. Purser, Badly wotinded French, Lt.Cl. Marines do. Lieut, do. Irish, do. do. American, Mate, do. Midshipman, Wounded. do. do. Mass. do. do. do. Midshipman, American, Killed. do. S. C. Midshipman. Wounded. N. H. do. American, do. do. English, American, Carpenter, do. Sailmaker, Wounded. do. 2d Gunner, Mass. Carpenter, do. Steward, English, Boatswain, Killed. do. do. do. Carpenter, do. do. Killed. Irish, do. English, Q,r. Master, Killed. do. do. Scotch, do. English, do. do. Cook, do. Gunner, Irish, do. Killed. American, do. English, do. Irish, do. Killed. English, do. do. do. do. do. American, Qr. Master, Killed. do. Gunner, WotmderX 142 Elijah Perkins, Hugh Wonton, John Williams, John Peacock, Stephen Lee, John Burbank, Josiah Brewster, WiUiam Sturgess, John Thomas, John Maden, John Haguet, Thomas Davis, William Roberts, Thomas Knight, Names. Peter Nolde, Gilbert Crumb, James Smith, Thomas Wythe, or Henry Martin, Edward Lewis, John Brown, William Fox, Duncan Taylor, John M'Kinley, George Walker, Robert Hill, Lewis Brown, James Evans, John Earl, Robert Dougherty, Richard Huguet, John Brown, William Clisdall, James Nicholson.. John Connor, Richard Taylor, John Walker, George Johnston, Alexander Cooper, David Pritchard, Andrew Ryan, Samuel Matthews, Laurence Furlong, COUKTRT. English, do. do. Irish, American, do. Mass. Irish, American, Irish, English, do. do. American, Killed. Killed. RANIf. Surg. Mate, Sailmaker, Q,r. Master, Surg. Mate, Clerk, Master-at-arms, Armourer, Killed do. Cook, Armourer, do. do. do. Carpenter, Kemark> Wounded. Killed. SEAMEN. CotTNTRT. Swede, American, English, White, do. American, do. English, do. Scotch, do. English, do. Norway, English, Irish, English, do. do. American, do. Irish, English, American, Norway, English, do. do. Irish, do. Remarks. Wounded. Killed. Wounded. Killed. Killed. Wounded. Killed. Wounded. Wounded. Wounded. us A'AMJis. COUJVTRT. Kemark: Thomas Forrest, English, Jas. M'Kinley or M'Kinsay ', Providence, Woundetf. John M. CofFery, American, Thomas Mehany, Irish, John Colbraith, English, James Riley, Irish, James Lenn, English, Woundetl. Joseph CoUinsoD, do. do. Jones Haraham, do. Joseph Wiera, Portugal, Wounded. Antoine Alcantara, do. Joseph Mare, do. Killed. Joachim Joseph, do. do. Vincent Ignace, do. do. James Quint, or Q,uin, New-Hampshire, John Weaver, American, David Cross, Massachusetts, John Turpin, American, John Carrico, do. John Burnet, do. Wounded. John Thompson, do. John Frankford, do. Charles Peterson, Swede, Wounded Daniel Emblon, do. Peter Biorkman, do. Benjamin Gartineau, do. Peter MoHn, do. Oliver Gustaff, do. Elijah Johnstone, American. Jacob Henrio, Swiss. BOYS. Baptist Travallier, Paris, Anthony Jeremiah, India, John Ridway, Enghsh, Killed. James Powert, do. John Jordan, do. Wounded. Jeremiah Crooks^ do. Killed. James Parry, Irish, Wilham Garret, English, William Listera, do. Thomas Davis, do. Peter Richardson, do. Joseph Steward, do. Isaac Hobshaw, American, ?*amuel Flatcher, do. i44 Tho8. Honnet, or Hammett Stephen Loley, John Downs, Nicholas Rogers, Aaron Goodwin, Andrew Mason, Nathaniel Kennard, William Cullingwood, Benjamin Bickets, James Cunningham, John HoUiday, James M'Michan, Robert Upham, Joseph Bartlett, William M'Cullough, John Kilby, William Simpson, Nicholas Caldwell, Jeremiah Evans, Richard Lawson, Patrick Q,uin, William Earth, Daniel Prior, Joseph Cooper, William Murphy, Mark Paul, Manuel Q,uitto, Robert Lyon, COUNTRV. , New-Hampshire, American, New-Hampshire, American, Massachusetts, American, do. English, New-Hampshire, American, Massachusetts, American, do. New-Hampshire , American, do. do. do. do. do. Massachusetts, American, do. do. do. do. Portugal, American, Laurent Vemess, Daniel Swain, John Brussen, John Jones, Joseph Burns, John Duffy, John Pinkman, William Knox, Abraham Martel, Henry Humphreys, Nathaniel Bailey, James Mehanny, William Wilkinson, Elijah Middleton, George Harroway, John Jordan, ORDINARY SEAMEN. Norway, English, Naples, English, do. Irish, do. do. English, do. Massachusetts, Irish, English, do. Scotch, Bengak Remarks Wounded. Killed. Killed. Wounded. Wounded. Wounded. Wounded. Wounded, Wounded. Killed. Wounded. Wounded. Killed. Killed. Wonndei 145 Names. Country. Remarks, Francis Perkins, American, Killed. John Hacket, English, Antoine Francisque, Portugal, Wounded. Francois Darros, do. Ignace Silveyra, do. Mathieu Antoine, do. Joseph Rodrique, do. Killed. Antoine Carriero or C orrisque, do. Killed. Mathieu Joseph, do. Jean Ignace, do. Jean Pracia, do. Joseph Maurda, do. Killed. Manuel Vieza, do. Thomas Clarke, English, Killed. James Fogg, do. Jean Silveyra, Fayal, Manuel Priera, Portugal, Jonan Joseph, do. Killed. Antoine Foustade, do. Manuel Antoine, do. Killed. Mathieu Francisque, do. Joseph Ignace, do. Killed. Antoine Silvestre, do. Killed. Joseph Joachim, do. Manuel Castaino, do. Louis Antoine, do. Killed. John Minant, Irish, SERVANTS. Cook, do. Charles Priestly, Cook. George Campbell, Joseph Holland, The following persons, according to the roll kept by the first lieutenant of the Bon homme Richard, belonged to the ship, but for some cause not now known, were not included in the distribution of the prize-money : Killed. Alexander Antoine, Jacques Loria, John B. Frerry, Lewis Role Tomis, Jacques Baterga, Joham Gorrica, Perry Carreau, Wounded. Thomas Wat, John Lyons, George Trefathen, Richard Williams, John M'lntyre, Hugh Euroney, Aaron Smith, Richard Hughes, George Johnson, William Hamilton, T «<^ 14G m Roll of the Officers and Crew of the Frigate Alliance, Cg^ptain Peter Landais, October 3d, 1779. NAMES. Peter Landais, James Degges, John Buckley, James Linds, . John Lachar, Arnold Winship, John Swain, Arthur Robinson, John Patten, Thomas White, Nathaniel Watson, Alexander Moore, James Logham, Freight Arnold, Park, Thomas Ehlenwood, James Warren, Thomas Hinsdale, Thomas Fitzgerald, Lewis Larchard, Isaac Carr, James Bragg, John Green, James Peter, John Orr, Chauncey Wheeler Alexander Darling, Thomas Taylor, John Epet, Joseph PVederick, Robert Embleton, Jacob Nutter, George Feowick, SEAMEN. James Buright, James Haslam, George Allen, Joseph Plumer, John Carebis, James Richardson, Thomas Luce, James Rodv, RANK. Captain. 1st Lieutenant. 2d Lieutenant. 3d Lieutenant. Master. Surfreon. Captain of Marines. 1st Lieutenant. 2d Lieutenant. 2d Mate. 3d Mate. 4th Mate. Master Sail-Maker. Master Carpenter. Carpenter's Mate. Gunner. 2d Mate. 3d Mate. Boatswain. 2d Mate. 3d Mate. 4th Mate. Quarter Master. do. do. SEAMEN. George Cock, John Doyle, John Wethabe, John Wire, John Sadler, Evan Evans, John Dickson, Thomas Chase, 147 SEAMEN. John Pall, William ShackfortI, Gardner Hammond, Charles Hisbert, James Chester, Samuel Dale, John M'Lean, John Graves, Richard Hughes, John Downing, John Thomas, John Shalf, Joseph Poor, Samuel Nach, John Collington, John Davis, Kirtland Griffing, Henry Nalander, John Diraud, James Whitney, Samuel Gray, John Fraker, Patrick Martin, Alexander Augist, Jacob Wendel, Prince Pattison, Jacob Wendel, Jr. Abraham Bradley, Robert Calder, Lewis Russel, Benjamin Carr, John Kelly, Michael Lyons, Gibman Wails, Zachariah Rodgers, Ebenezer Brown, Nathan Dorter, William Laper, Joseph Still, Hugh Fleming, Thomas Malony, Daniel Moncor, Thomas Bayley, John Smith, William Scott, Wilham Neule, SEAMEN. John Morrow, James Forrester, Samuel Piatt, Edward Flinn, Thomas Duane, Jacob Arnold, John Neale, John Fitzgerald, Peter Lunt, Joseph Choat, Jeremiah Perry, Stephen Turner, Daniel Hancock, Robert Smith, Richard Woodron, John Simpson, Charles Bcawn, John Jones, Peter Greenwood, Juba Blodgett, Zadock Bell, David Iron, John M'Gaham, William Barrett, Thomas Bolton, John Sorry, Owen Hewitt, Thomas Jones, Owen Rues, Samuel Gethel, Walter Dumphy, Juba Bourne, Henry Callaghan, Elisha Ozal, Joseph Scudman, Moses Stocking, Richard Mowbray, John Watkins, John Cochran, John Leggins, Archibald Martin, James Fearam, John Blean. Robert Hamilton, John Kelly, John Lake, 148 SEAMEN. SEAMEN-. Arthur Bennett, William Taylor, Joseph Shillaber, Alexander Galoway, Richard Pricand, James Heath, Pheones Baker, Andrew Witham, David Jackson, Thomas Andrews, Daniel Knight, John Ambrose, James Brown, Barry Clarke, Ebenezer Edwards, Samuel Wall, Ozere Hone, Samuel Rodgers, Joseph Batter, Richard Parish, Thomas Walsh, Benjamin Taylor, James Bounds, William M'Cassettj John Kennedy, Thomas Cox, John Mayne, John Hannibal, George Skipper, Asher Cranded, Peter Lyons, Charles Ross, John Kirks, Samuel Lambert, Henry Wrightington, Richard Lunt, Benjamin Youlin, WiUiam Patton, Nathaniel Warner, William Brown, Henry Wilson, Stephen Rodgers, Moses Hilton, Luther Breck, John Adams, Ephraim Clark, Abraham Simmonds, Edward Jarvis, Daniel Nicholson, Samuel Carroll, David Hoye, Joseph Strieker, John Dalson, John Diamond, Zachariah Bassett, Paul Noyes, Robert Ellis, Alexander Libby. SUPERWrMERARIES. Nathan Blodgett, Secretary. Samuel Guild, . Surgeon's Mate. James Daly, do. John Holeky, do. Shipman Bangs, Clerk. Fitz Pool, do. Ebenezer Pild, Armourer. Chase Rodgers, Benjamin Bowers, Peter Adams, . Cook. Michael Baptist, do. John Farman, . 1st Sergeant. Alexander Ogden, 2d Sergeant. Matthew Ingram, . Volunteer. John Spencer, . do. 149 Th6 following letters present so interesting a view ot the motives and feelings of Com. Jones both in adverse and prosperous circumstances, and of the opinions enter- tained by others of his conduct and bravery in the matter referred to, that, in justice to his memory, they are now made public. James Lovell, Esq. Sir, Passi/, October \7th, 1779. Enclosed I send yon a copy of the instructions I gave to Com. Jones, when it was intended to send with him some transports and troops, to make descents in England. Had not the scheme been altered by the more general one of a grand invasion, I know he would have endeavoured to put some inconsiderable towns to a high ransom or burnt them. He sailed without the troops, but he nevertheless would have attempted Leith, and went into the Firth of Edinburg with that intention, but a sudden hard gale of wind forced him out again. The late provocations, by the burning of Fairfield and other towns, added to the preceding, have at length demolished all my moderation ; and were such ano- ther expedition to be concerted, I think so much of that disposition would not appear in the instructions. Instructions to the Hon. John Paul Jones, Esq. comman- der of the American squadron, in the service of the United States, now in the port of L'Orient. 1 . His majesty having been pleased to grant some troops for a particular expedition, proposed to annoy our common enemy, in which the sea-force under your command might have an opportunity of distinguishing itself, you are to re- ceive on board your ships of war, and the other vessels des- tined for that purpose, the troops that shall present them- selves to you, afford them such accommodations as shall be most proper for preserving their health, and convey them to such port or place as their commander shall desire to land them at. 2. When the troops are landed, you are to aid by all means in your power, their operations, as they will be in- structed in like manner, to aid and support those you may make with your ships, that so by this concurrence and union of your different forces, all that such a compounded strength is capable of, may be effected. 150 3. You are, daring the expedition, never to depart from the troops, so as not to be able to protect them, or to se- cure their retreat in case of a repulse ; and in all events you are to endeavour their complete re-embarkation on board the ships and transports under your command when the ex- pedition shall be ended. 4. You are to bring to France all the English seamen you may happen to take prisoners, in order to complete the good work you already have made such progress in, of de- livering by an exchange the rest of our countrymen now languishing in the gaols of Great Britain. 5. As many of your officers and people have lately esca- ped from English prisons, either in Europe or America, you are to be particularly attentive to their conduct towards the prisoners which the fortune of war may throw into your hands, lest the resentment of the more than barbarous usage by the English in many places towards the Ameri- cans, should occasion a retaliation and imitation of what ought rather to be detested and avoided, for the sake of hu- manity, and for the honor of our country. 6. In the same view, although the English have wantonly burnt many defenceless towns in America, you are not to follow this example, unless Avhen a reasonable ransom is refused, in which case, your own generous feelings as well as this instruction, will induce you to give timely notice of your intention, that sick and ancient persons, women and children, may be first removed. Given at Passy this 28th day of April, 1779. B. Franklin, Minister plenipotentiary from the United States at the court of France. The Hon. Commodore Jones. Dear Sir, Amsterdam Oct. 25tk, 1779. I am with your favor of the 20th. The following lines are an abstract of a letter from the great man at the Hague. " I am extremely glad to find that the atlair which caused me so much uneasiness, has not been followed by any dis- agreeable circumstances. I rely confidently on the circum- spection of Mr. Jones, and I am well persuaded that he will not give occasion for the slightest complaint, and what is equally as important, is that he experiences here the most favorable treatment. The States of Holland have unani- 151 mously adopted the advice of the admiralty, which is in per- fect conformity with that of the particular College of Am- sterdam, of which you have been informed. In all proba- bility the resolution of the province will be confirmed on Monday by that of the States-General, and the answer high- ly satisfactory for the Congress, transmitted to Mr. Yorke. I learn with great pleasure that Mr. Jones has receiv- ed orders which are agreeable to him, relative to Capt. Landais." They want here your answer respecting the five deserters, who are seized, and your promise to pardon them when you will have them in your power. After having read with attention the copy of your letter, dear Sir, to his e.xcellency Dr. Franklin, of the 3d of Octo- ber, intended for M. de Capelle, 1 think it highly improper to be sent to the gentleman so as it is presently, and that he must not be acquainted with your complaints against M. de Chaumont. I think 1 must tell you also, dear Sir, that 1 am not in any connexion with this gentleman respecting Ame- rica, and that nobody has the secret of my negotiations here, besides two great men, with whom this gentleman is not in- timate. He is a very good republican ; but by his circum- stances he cannot do any good towards an alliance between the two republics. He is a well thinking private ; but that is all, being excluded from any share of government in his country. This between us. I am, Sic. Dumas. P. S. The great man desires to know when you think to be ready to sail. On hoard the Serapis at the Texel, Oct, 'iGth, 1779. M. Le Ray De Chaumont, Jun. You will pardon, my dear friend, my not having written to you earlier since my arrival here ; my silence has not, I assure you, been the effect of the little misunderstanding which unhappily took place between your father and myself when he imposed upon me a " Concordat'''' at Groaix, which I thought and think still, I dishonored my hand by signing. The ticklish and uncertain situation of the politics of this country, as affecting the flag of America, has hitherto so much occupied my attention, that I have found little leisure to write. My fears in that respect being now entirely re- moved bv an unanimous resolution of the States-General 152 that is tar more favorable to our cause, than I had reason to expect ; I employ this breathing space with great plea- sure to assure you that my regard and affection for all the family of de Chaumont is far from diminished ; I earnestly wish your father to give to oblivion the past misintelU- gence. 1 am persuaded that he will now see the impro- priety of communicating too early the intended enterprises and operations of a partizan, and no longer blame me for avoiding free conversations on such subjects. It is not in- deed my characteristic to be free of words. My heart however, is no stranger to the sentiments and duties of friendship, though my situation as a servant of the public leaves me without the power of obliging my private friends except in the pleasure which I am persuaded they take in hearing of my success, when they have furnished me with the means. It affords me pleasure to assure you that I cannot too much praise the gallant behaviour of the young volunteer Baptiste Travallier whom you sent to L'Orient ; in the en- gagement a sailor called for a wad in loading one of the great guns, he furnished him immediately by substituting his coat, which he then wore, and soon afterward, when the Bon homme Richard was on fire, he in,stantly took off his shirt, and dipped it in water and applied it with great dex- terity to smother the flames. Present my best respects to Madame de Chaumont and to your sisters. 1 beseech them and you to love me, and that your father will forgive my past fault, which was the effect only of my believing that he had less confidence in me than he had taught me to expect, and had always said I had merited. I am, affectionately and truly, &c. T certify that the original, of which the preceding is a copy, was duly received by me. Le Rav de Chaumont. New-York, Dec, 1821. On hoard the Serapis at the Texel, Oct. ^Bth, 1779. Edward Bancroft, Esq. My Dear Friend, Your warm and afiectionatc letter of the 14th is doubly welcome ; and although it overrates and praises my ser- vices bevond their real merits, yet the commendation of su- ■n-^ ' Ids penor understanding, and from the man whom I entirely love and esteem, cannot but afford me the truest pleasure. M. de Chaumont has written me a very affectionate let- ter; but then he had written me many equally affectionate let- ters even from the first of our acquaintance, offering me al- ways the most disinterested services, until that of the 14th of June, whereof I enclose a copy. He has not yet offered me an apology respecting the dishonorable " Concordat''^ which he afterward imposed upon me at Groaix. I love him how- ever, notwithstanding ; and as his excellency tells me that M. de Chaumont has still "a great regard for me," that as- surance revives all my former friendship, and will confirm it if you think the answer which I have here inclosed is pro- per, and that the delivery of it will put a final end on his part to our misunderstanding. At any rate I pray you to present my warmest respects to the whole family, for whom 1 shall ever retain a grateful affection. I am happy my dear Sir, in being able to assure you that in spite of Sir Joseph,* the flag of freedom is highly respected indeed at the Texel. I had yesterday the honor to receive authority, by an unanimous resolution of the States, and by an order of the Prince of Orange, to land as many prisoners as I please, to place centinels to guard them in the fort on the Texel, to haul up the draw-bridge of that fort, and to take them away again from thence when- ever I think proper, and dispose of them afterward as though they had never been landed. — Huzza, America ! Captain Landais has been ashore for some days past, but I believe is not yet set out from the Helder. I understand that he has been, and is trying to excite the compassion of the people, and in that mode to obtain certificates in his favor. It is natural also to conclude that the late captain of the Serapis will continue to stretch a point and save his own credit, if he can, by speaking of damage done to him by the AHiance. Let them do their utmost. I shall for- ward the necessary proof. Yours, &:c. On board the Bon homme Richard'' s prize, the ship of ) war Serapis of 44 guns, at the Texel, Oct. 28th, 1779. ) To Madam Le Ray de Chaumont. I can no longer, my dear madam, refrain from writing to * Sir Joseph Yorke, English minister at the Hajire. V ywu, although I have not been honored with a line lioui vou since my letter from L'Orient, dated 13th June. I congratulate you on my late success, because I know it affords you pleasure : and knowing this, is, 1 assure you, a very singular addition to my satisfaction. What has given me more pain however than words can express, has been a want of confidence on the part of M. De Chaumont after he had honored me with strong proof of his friendship and good opinion. The " concordat," which to my great sur- prise, he imposed upon me in the moment of my departure from L'Orient, was the most humiliating paper that ever a friend forced upon the commander of a squadron, and even my success has not wiped off the dishonor of my having signed it. I am willing to believe that my friend did not see the concordat in the same light, and that the idea was not ori- ginally his own, but only by him adopted from the misre- presentations of persons who were constantly buzzing in his ear, and shewing an infinity of theory which they have not since been quite so happy in reducing to practice. I say. as I verily believe, that the idea was not originally his own ; and as I love him still with undiminished and grateful affec- tion, I earnestly wish him to forgive the complaints which I have made, and to continue towards me his first warmth of friendship and confidence. My departure from hence is extremely uncertain — ^my destination too is better known to Dr. F, than myself at present. Our ships are now in a severe storm. I men- tion this only to shew that I can, in no situation, foi^et how much I owe to the polite attentions and friendship of the amiable family at Passy, which I beseech you to believe 1 shall ever remember with sentiments of the most lively esteem and affection, being very truly, . Your obliged friend, &c. I certify that the original of the foregoing letter, was duly received by ray mother, Le Ray De Chaumont. .Vcaj-YorA:, December, 1824. On hoard the Bon homme Richard'' s prize, the ship \ of war Serapis, at the Texel, October 2Bth, 1779. 5 The Marquis De Lafayette, Paris. A thousand thanks to my loved and noble friend for tlic vprv kind and affectionate letter that he did me the honor loo to Avrite nie iVoni the Havre, which greatly rewards me tor the dangers which 1 have lately overcome. Words are want- ing to express how much I esteem, how highly I value, and how much I wish to merit the friendship and affection of the American General Marquis De Lafayette. I am very much concerned and ashamed to understand that my " numbers" that you received from L'Orient, were so ill composed. It is a proof tliat their ladyships the Muses, however condescending they may be on the banks of the Helicon, will not dispense their favours to the sons of Nep- tune, especially while they are By bounding billows and rude winds that blow. Alternate toss'd in air, or sunk to sands below. in truth, my dear General, I am almost as sorry that you have not been able to understand my meaning as if I had been addressing myself to — a fair lady ! The enclosed key will, however, I hope unlock the past difficulty, and enable you fully to see what I so much wish you to underr stand. I will send y6u very soon, a little work that shall be bet- ter finished than that from L'Orient ; and in the mean time a machine to which the present key is adapted, is forwarded through the hands of Dr. Bancroft, in case you should have spoiled or thrown away the one formerly sent. The late brutalities of the Britons in America, fills me with horror and indignation. They forget that they are men ; and I believe that nothing will bring them to their senses but the most exemplary retaliation. Landais is or- dered to Paris to answer for his past conduct. I wish to answer very particularly the three points which you have propounded. 1st. I never meant to ask a reward for my services, either from France or America; conse- quently the approbation of the Court and of the Congress is all the gratification I can wish for. 2dly. I yet intend to undertake whatever the utmost exertion of my abilities will reach in support of the common cause, as far as any force that may in future be entrusted to my direction may enable me to succeed ; I hope, however, my future force will be better composed than when I sailed from L'Orient. I must sail from the Texel in course of next month, because ships cannot afterward remain herein this road. My des- tination or route from hence I yet know not : but I need lot; uot lell } ou that 1 wish to see your lace ! 3tliy. fl is now in vain to say what might have been done two years ago with the force you mention ; but I beheve, if properly sup- ported by sea, such a force might yet perform very essen- tial service. There is no guarding you know against storms ; and one would wish either to avoid or to outsail a superior sea force. As I believe you know my way of thinking on such subjects, I shall offer you no argument. I know you want no prompter. I beg Captain Ricot's pardon for having said in the ex- tract of my journal that in the engagement with the Serapis, he prevented my officers and men in the pilot boat from coming to my assistance. I now find that this did not hap- pen till the pilot boat had returned to the Vengeance about the middle of the action, without having boarded the Bon homme Richard according to Captain Ricot's orders. I was a little vexed too, that Captain Ricot did not come on board the Bon homme Richard the next day to offer me his assis- tance, when I was in the greatest imaginable distress, and the signal was flying. But these are trifles — and I am much more obliged to him for not firing than to Landais for killing my men and sinking my ship. Upon the whole Captain Ricot has acted as became a sensible and prudent officer, and is a man with whom I wish to be further connected. At Leith he was destined to cover the descent, and I am fully convinced that he would have executed it with great honor to himself had not the gale of wind in the critical moment rendered the design impracticable. I shall correct the error in my letter to the minister, and do his character justice. I have a very good opinion of the abilities of Captain Cot- tineau, and I wish to be concerned with them both in future with better ships. But I must speak plainly my opinion, since you desire it. I do not think that the desire of glory was the uppermost sentiment in the breast of any captain under my command, at the time we left L'Orient. I shall ever be proud to merit the just title of, my dear Marquis, Your very affectionate and faithful friend and servant, &;c. I remember to have received such a letter. Lafayette.. February \Oth. 1825. 131 Texel, onboard theSerapis, Aov. bth, 1779. M. Dumas, &lc. &lc. &lc. 1 have, my dear Sir, your two esteemed favors of the 3d. 1 am much obhged to M. De Nuefville for his good inten- tions ; but duty must take the precedence of pleasure, and therefore I have no desire at present to revisit either Am- sterdam or even the Hague. I must wait a more favorable opportunity to kiss the hands of the fair. As I had the honor to write you fully last night, I have now very little to add respecting my situation, only that 1 have resolved to send up the purser of the Alliance imme- diately to Amsterdam, in order to hasten the sending down a few articles that are really wanted, and that can be got without any loss of time, and before we get the mast secu- red. If the weather permits, what remains to be done, may be effected within four or five days ; and then I shall not remain idle here. In the mean time I wish the Great Man would order the two French Cutters here to attend our mo- tion. I believe it will not be difficult to persuade them. With respect to the powers of Captain Pearson, I am con- vinced that he has received no authority from Sir Joseph Yorke. His powers, however, must be as ample as mine ; and I should not, I assure you, have made such a conven- tion with him, if Captain Remirsma, on the part of the States- General, had not given me verbally, free liberty to land the wounded prisoners, and to guard them in the fort on the Texel by my soldiers with drawn swords and with the bridges hauled up at our pleasure; and with free liberty to embark them again, and dispose of them as though they had not been lan- ded in Holland. You see therefore that my convention with Captain Pearson does not bind me to continue the prisoners ashore ; I can embark them again whenever I please, and it was only intended on my part as a security against elope- ment. They have hitherto been guarded with the draw- bridges hauled up or let down at the sovereign will and plea,- sure of the " Governor General." If my wishes succeed, it will afford America matter of exultation ; and at the worst we can only lose eighteen or nineteen dangerously woun- ded prisoners, which I think will be made up by our having had possession of a fort on the Texel. I shall only add that my meaning has been good ; and that I thought I might rely on the guarantee that I had on the part of the States-Genera) while we could keep the prisoners from making their escape from the fort. I am witli respect and attachment, yours, Sic. Alliance, at sea, Dec. 21th, 1779. 31. Dumas. 1 am here, my philosopher, with a good wind at east, and under my best American colors — so far you have your wish. What may be the event of this critical moment I know not ; I am not, however, without good hopes. Through the ig- norance or drunkenness of the old pilot, the Alliance was last night got foul of a Dutch merchant ship, and I believe the Dutchman cut our cable. We lost the best bower an- chor, and the ship was brought up with the sheet anchor so near the shore, that this morning I have been obliged to cut the cable in order to get clear of the shore, and that I might not lose this opportunity of escaping from purgatory. I wish Mr. Hoogland would have the sheet and best bower anchors taken up, that they may be sent to France or sold as M. De Neufville may find most expedient. The pilot knows where the anchors lay, and unless he assists willingly in taking them up, he ought not in my opinion to be paid for his services on board her. Adieu my dear friend ; present my best respects to your fireside, and to the good patriot, &c.; and believe me to be always affectionately, &c. The consternation and uproar produced in Great Britain, and particularly on the coasts of that island and of Ireland, by the rumors of this unparalleled exploit were amazing. It naturally associated itself in the pubhc mind with the de- scent upon Whitehaven, and the capture of the Drake. Orders were expedited in every direction for ships of war to put to sea in quest of Jones, with instructions to take him at all hazards. The annexed extracts from newspa- pers of that day, will demonstrate what aggravating annoy- ance a single intelligent, brave, and skilful officer, may give to a very lai^e portion of the subjects of a great empire. London, September 21 th, 1779. A letter from Sunderland, dated 20th September says, that an express arrived there on the 1 8th from Aymouth, with information that Paul Jones was off there, with five sail of ships of war, and 2000 troops on board ; that on the 1 9th U>9 they appeared off Sunderland, and came up within two miles, which put the inhabitants into great confusion, as they ex- pected them to land every hour, or destroy the ships in the harbor. Extract of a letter from Stockton, September 21st. The undermentioned ships have appeared off this place under the command of Paul Jones ; we have sent the bearers to inform all light colliers they may meet with, to take har- bor as soon as possible, and there to remain till they re- ceive advice of their being off the coast. On Saturday noon two gentlemen of the corporation of Hull arrived express at the Admiralty, with the alarming ac- count, that the celebrated American Corsair Paul Jones had entered the River Humber on Thursday last, and chased a vessel to within a mile of the pier, where he sunk, burned and destroyed, 16 sail of valuable vessels, which threw the whole town and neighbourhood into the utmost consterna- tion. He had taken 9 or 1 coUiers and other vessels a day or two before he appeared at Hull. The following is the force of Jones's squadron. A Boston built frigate with 40 guns upon one deck, (Jones's ship.) A French ship, (an old Indiaman) of 44 guns. Two American frigates of 32 guns each, new. One 20 gun do. Two brigantines of 1 8 guns each, And two small tenders. On Saturday night another express arrived at the Admi- ralty from Hull, with the further disagreeable intelligence, that Paul Jones's squadron, after having done more mischief in the shipping on Friday, had fell in with the Baltic fleet, and had taken their convoy, the Serapis man-of-war of 44 guns. Captain Pearson, and the armed ship the Countess of Scarborough, Captain Piercy, of 24 guns. This action was seen by thousands of spectators. The other ships of Jones's squadron were making havoc among the fleet, most of which however, had taken shelter near Flamborough and the Head. From four captured Americans it was discovered that it was Jones's plan to alarm the coasts of Wales, Ireland, the western parts of Scotland, and the North Channel. Jones took several prizes on the coast of Ireland, (particularly two armed transports with stores for New- York.) in the North ] 6u sea, and near ihe Firth of Forth, and had it in his power (o have burnt Leith, but his orders are only to burn shipping. His squadron is now but weakly nnanned, owing to the great number of prizes he has taken, and it therefore may fall an easy conquest to the 16 sail of men-of-war who have or- ders to go after him. The Serapis man-of-war lost her main-mast, bowsprit, and mizen top-mast before she struck, and the Countess of Scarborough made an exceeding good defence against one of the 32 gun frigates. The enemy's 44 gun ship was not in the action, and the Serapis struck to Jones's ship and the other 32 gun frigate. Expresses also arrived on Saturday from Sunderland, sta- ting that Paul Jones had taken 16 sail more of colliers. In consequence of the capture of so many colliers, and the in- terruption of the trade, the price of coals will be enormous. Instead of having the dominion of the sea, it is now evident that we are not able to defend our own coast from depreda- tions. The master of a sloop from Harwich, who arrived yes- terday, saw on Saturday last, no less than eleven sail of men- of-war going in search of Paul Jones, and among them was the Edgar of 74 guns. By the examination of the four men belonging to one of Paul Jones's squadron, it appears that Jones's orders were not to burn any houses or towns. What an example of honor and greatness does America thus show to us ! While our troops are running about from town to town on their coast, and burning every thing with a wanton, wicked barba- rity, Dr. Franklin gives no orders to retaliate 5 he is above it: and there was a time when an Englishminister was above it ; when an English minister would have disdained to make war in so villanous a mode. It is a disgrace to the nation. Paul Jones could have burned Leith the other day with the greatest ease, and another little town near it. Yesterday Lord Sandwich informed some Russian mer- chants who waited on him, that 20 of his Majesty's ships were sent in quest of Paul Jones. September 2Bt/i. Captain Pearson who commanded the Serapis of 44 guns which was taken by Paul Jones, was ap- pointed to the Endymion of 44 guns, lately launched at Limehouse, and fitting out there for sea, and was coming from off his station in the North sea. to go on board of her. 161 Philadelphia^ January Idth, 1780. Extract of a letter from L'Orient, OctobeV 20th, 1779. The brave Captain Jones, on the 23d of last month, at- tacked the Baltic fleet of 60 sail, under convoy of the Serapis of 44 guns, and the Scarborough of 20. From L'Orient dated October 22d, The gallant behaviour of Captain Paul Jones, at present engages the whole attention here. In my last I informed you that he had the command of a small squadron then on a cruize. He sailed round Ireland and Scotland, spreading terror and devastation in every part. He took, burnt, and sunk a great number of vessels, among them a ship bound to Quebec extremely rich. On the 23d of September in the evening, he fell in witli the Baltic fleet under convoy of the Serapis 44 guns, and the Countess of Scarborough 20 guns. The Pallas after an engagement of about an hour took the latter, and Jones in the Poor Richard attacked the former, — they fought for three hours and a half, with inconceivable rage ; two hours of which time they were fast to each other, and almost all the time one or the other was on fire. The Serapis is a fine new ship, sheathed with copper, on an entire new construc- tion, and thought to be the fastest sailing vessel in Europe ; she has two entire batteries, the lower of which is 1 8 poundr ers, so that she may be said to be almost double the force of the Poor Richard. Extract of another letter from the same place. The Poor Richard with all the assistance afforded from the other ships after the action, could not be kept above water, and Jones had the mortification to see her go down. He has made a good exchange, but he wished to have got the Poor Richard into port, shattered as she was, as a pic- ture of curiosity and distress. On the return of the squadron to the Texel, Captain Lan- dais propagated a report that he, and not Commodore Jones, had caused the Serapis to surrender. To give plausibility to the story, he referred to his having raked the British frigate, which, in part, was true ; but it was equally true that he fired more repeatedly, and with more fatal effect into the Bon homme Richard ; nor did he, at any period of the action, lay the Serapis along side, as he was directed, or X 162 take such a position as would have caused the enemy to strike his flag at an earher moment. Had Landais closed %vith the Serapis, as Commodore Jones did, she must have almost immediately yielded, and the lives of many valuable men would have been spared. IJis omission to embrace the chance ofTered by the Commodore to secure or destroy the merchantmen of the convoy was altogether unpardon- able. The vain boasting of Captain Landais, and his mis- conduct during the battle as well as previously thereto, in- duced Jones to recur to the testimony of the officers of his squadron, who had been eye-witnesses of Landais' behaviour, and their evidence was collected, in coincidence with the advice of Dr. Franklin, and incorporated in the annexed documents, the tenor of which will remove every scruple of doubt as to the disobedient and reprehensible procedure of the captain of the Alliance. Charges and Proofs respecting the conduct of Peter Landais^ We, the officers, &lc., of the American squadron now at the Texel, this 30th day of October 1779, do attest and de- clare, upon our words of honor as gentlemen, that all the fol- lowing articles, which we subscribe, respecting the conduct of Peter Landais, Captain of the frigate Alliance, are really and truly matters of fact. In witness whereof we hereunto sign our names and qualities ; and will, at any time here- after, be ready to prove the same upon oath if required. 1. The Captain of the Alliance did not take the steps in his power, to prevent his ship from getting foul of the Bon homme Richard, in the Bay of Biscay ; for instead of put- ting his helm a- weather, and bearing up to make way for his commanding officer, which was his duty, he left the deck to load his pistols. 2. When in chase of a ship, supposed an English East Indiaman, on the day of August 1779, Captain Landais did not do his utmost to overtake that ship, which he might easily have done before night, but put his helm a-weather, and bore away several times in the day, after the Alliance had gained the wake of the chase, and was overtaking her very fast. 3. Captain Landais behaved with disrespect and imperti- nence towards the Commander in chief of the squadr Alliance. John Larcher, Master's Mate, ) 1 attest to the articles number 11. 12. 14. and 24 ; as to the 4th article, I know that he refused to obey the signals for going on board the Bon homme Richard ; and with re- spect to the 9th article, I recollect that he said, " If it is a ship of more than fifty guns, we have nothing to do but to run away." De Cottineau de Kloguene, Captain of the Pallas. I attest the articles number 2. 5. 11. 12. 20. and 22, to be matters of fact. M. Park, Captain of Marines of the Alliance. * The Alliance never passed on the ofif side of the Serapis. 167 I, the subscriber, being sent for by the commodore on tiic 23d day of September, to repair immediately on board his ship, the Bon homme Richard, there to examine and find out the leaks of his ship, which was within an hour after the engagement with the Serapis, an English ship of war, I accordingly obeyed the commodore's orders, and repaired on board his ship, when, after searching diligently without and within the said ship, I found it was impracticable to stop the leaks, the ship's bottom being so much shattered. Dated on board the ship Serapis, at sea, Sept. 24th. 1 779. James Bragg, Master Carpenter of the Alliance. I, the subscriber, late midshipman on board the late Ame- rican ship of war the Bon homme Richard, but now acting in that capacity on board the ship of war the Serapis, which ship was taken by the Bon homme Richard, on the night of the 23d of September last, the same night I was stationed in the Bon homme Richard's main-top the whole of the ac- tion. About two hours after the engagement commen- ced, I saw, to my great surprise, the Alhance come under the Bon homme Richard's stern, and fire her whole broad- side into the Bon homme Richard ; she then came along the off side of the Bon homme Richard and came under her bow, when she discharged another volley of both grape and round shot, which I heard strike the rigging, masts, &:c. on board the Bon homme Richard. Though previous to the Alliance firing the second time into the Bon homme Richard, I heard some of our officers and men call to the Alliance, which was then within hail, for God's sake not to fire into the Bon homme Richard, for, said they, you have killed several of our men already. Notwithstanding all this, she fired a number of shot afterward into the Bon homme Ri- chard. But as to the number of men the Alliance killed on board the Bon homme Richard, I cannot ascertain ; how- ever, as to what I have written here I can attest to as a fact. Given under my hand this 23d day of October, 1779. Nathaniel Fanning.* * An intelligent, sensible officer. He had the good fortune and the merit of aiding to overcome the enemy stationed in the main-top of the Serapis. He commanded afterward, and until the close of th« war, the privateer Eclipse, belonging to Dunkirk. J. P. Jones. 168 I, late a midshipman on board of the Bon homme Richard, and aid-du-camp to the Honorable John Paul Jones in the action of the 23d of September, off Flamborough Head, do certify, that an hour after the commencement of it, I was on the main deck, where there was a brisk firing kept up until a ship raked us, when I saw two men drop dead, and several running from their quarters, crying out, " The Alli- ance is manned with Englishmen and firing upon us." I went up immediately, and saw her pass by us. She then, in about two hours time, came under our stern, and while we were hailing her, she fired into our larboard quarter,.and went ahead of us ; then came before the wind, athwart our bows, when she was hailed by Capt. Jones's orders, to lay the enemy on board, but they returning no answer, were hailed once or twice again, to which they answered, " ay, ay," and immediately fired several guns, but they being at too great a distance to damage the enemy without hurting us, when she might have come half as near again without any danger of running foul of us or damaging us. But, pre- vious to the above mentioned engagement, a signal was hove out from the Bon homme Richard to form a line of battle, to which the Alliance paid no attention, but during the whole cruize the Alliance very seldom attended to any of Captain Jones's signals. It is my sincere opinion on the conduct of the commander of the said ship, together with her manoeu- vres during the time of action, on the 23d of last Septem- ber, that his motive must have been to kill Captain Jones, and distress the Bon homme Richard, so as to cause her to strike to the Serapis, that he might himself be able to take the Serapis, and honor himself with the laurels of that day. In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, on board the Serapis, lying in the Texel, the 24th of October, 1779. John Mayrant.* * A young; gentleman of fortune, of South-Carolina, whose conduct In the engagement did him great honor. J. P. Jones. • I, late midshipman on board of the American ship of war le Bon homme Richard, commanded by the Honorable John Paul Jones, at present on board of the Serapis, prize to thq above ship, do certify, that while at my station in the mizen- top, after we had engaged about two hours and a half, I saw 169 to my great surprise and astonishment, the AlHance frigate fire several guns into our larboard quarter. Some time after, being ordered from my station in the mizen-top on deck, I saw from the forecastle, the Alliance standing athwart our bows before the wind. Mr. Linthwaite was then hailing her by Capt. Jones's orders, to lay the enemy on board, but hearing no answer to his repeated hail, I hailed her in the same words, " lay the enemy on board ;" no answer being yet made, I asked them if they heard us, to which they re- plied, " ay, ay," and fired several guns at that distance that part of her grape and cannister shot damaged us as well as the enemy ; whereas, it is my opinion, had the Alliance come half the distance nearer the Serapis than she did, she might have cleared the enemy's deck, and not have raked the Bon homme Richard. Previous to the afore-mentioned engagement, a signal was hove out by Capt. Jones's orders to form a line of battle, to which no attention was paid on the part of the Alliance. If I may be allowed to give my opinion on the general conduct of the commander, together with the manasuvres of the said ship during the action, it appears to me his motive must have been to distress the Bon homme Richard, so as to cause her to strike to the Serapis, and by boarding the Serapis to re- take the Bon homme Richard, and thereby claim the laurels of that day. In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, on board of the Serapis, lying in the Texel, the 24th of October, 1779. Robert Coram.* * A brave, steady officer, of South-Carolina, whose conduct in the engagement did him much honor. J. P. Jones. I, the undersigned, Philip Ricot, captain of a vessel in the service of the United States of America, and commander of the tender Vengeance,* in conformity to the request of Com. Paul Jones, my commander, do communicate to him, and affirm to the different circumstances, hereafter declared, in which M. Landais, captain of the frigate Alliance, has, in this cruise, appeared to have deviated from that subordina- tion which the service requires. I observed, that on the 31st of August, at half past four in the afternoon, a signal was made him by the commodore to chase a sail in sight, which M. Landais did not obev. Y 170 The next day, September 1st, the commodore made him a signal to come under his stern that he might speak with him : this M. Landais did noi do. The 5th of September the captains of the division being on board of the commodore, according to his orders, M. Landais was the only one who refused to go, and although Messrs. do Chamillard and Cottineau went on board of the Alliance to persuade him to it, he persisted in his refusal. That, in the night of the 23d and 24th of said month, durin;^ the engagement between the Bon homme Richard and tlic Serapis, the Alliance remained within cannon-shot of the enemy's ship, from about half past eight till ten o'clock, without my having seen her fire. I shall add, that October the 1st at eight at night, I received orders from the commo- ^.dore to go and tell M. Landais who was to windward, to take post astern of him ; to which I received this answer, and which was repeated by M. Landais himself: " Go tell the Commodore, that he may go where he pleases." The in- consistence of this answer, and his rudeness to me, have since obliged me to testify my dissatisfaction to M. Landais, who appeared to have forgot it. I affirm to the facts above declared. Texel, October 25th, 1779. P. RiCOT. * The Vengeance was to windward, just out of gun-shot during the whole action. The Captain was a sensible man and a good officer. J. P. Jones. These are to certify, that I, Henry Lunt, second lieu- tenant of the American ship of w^ar the late Bon homme Ri- chard, but now of the Serapis, commanded by the Honora- ble John Paul Jones, having, on the 23d of September 1779, been ordered in a pilot boat, with a party of men, after a brig, but some time after I set out from along side, a signal was made for me to return back to the Bon homme Ri- chard, she being then in chase of two British ships of war, the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough, and before I could get on board the Bon homme Richard she commenced the engagement with the Serapis. It being night, I thought it not prudent to go along side in time of action. Being in the boat near, I had an opportunity of seeing some part of the Alliance's behaviour above three quarters of an hour after the action began between the Richard and Serapis. The Alliance was to windward of them, and appeared to be 171 lying to, about one mile distant. At the same time the Pallas was engaging the Countess of Scarborough to leeward of the Alliance, and out of my sight. Presently after the Pallas and Countess of Scarborough had ceased firing, the Al- liance bore down for them, and disappeared out of my sight. What she did there 1 cannot tell ; but she was gone, as near as I can judge, one hour and three quarters, and then ap- peared to me to be going up to assist the Bon homme Ri- chard, but was half an hour from that time before she filed ; and after she got up to the Richard and Serapis, she fired, and stood otf from them to the eastward some distance, and, as near as 1 can Judge was gone better than half an houi-, then returned back to the Richard and Serapis and fired again. On board the Serapis, at the Texel, 25th of Oct. 1779. Henry Lunt.* * This certificate of Lieut. Lunt, who was a mere spectator, is of gjreat weight and importance, it being- only in the power of this gentle- man, or of Capt. llicot, who in the Vengeance was also a mere specta- tator, to give a true account of the respective positions and manceuvi'es of the ships engaged. J. P. Jones. I, the undersigned, certify, that I was extremely surprised in the evening of the 23d of September, when I did not hear the Alliance begin the engagement with the Serapis or Countess of Scarborough, having remarked just before I went to the main-top, (where 1 commanded a detachment during the action) that she appeared to me to be very near them. M. Landais had pressed sail during the whole after- noon, without orders. M. Cottineau hailed us, and asked what station he should take during the action, and complain- ed to M. Jones, that M. Landais instead of forming the rear as it had been agreed, took the van which was his (M. Cotti- neau's) from him. M. Jones, however, made the signal for forming the line ; and I well recollect that he caused a manoeuvre to be made in order that the Alliance might clearly see his signal, but M. Landais, as usual^ paid no at- tention to it, and we all thought the Alliance engaged a long time before us. After taking my station in the main-top, I thought no more of the Alliance, because the main-top-sail hid her from me. A little while after the Seriaps hailed us, and I then perceived the Serapis and the Countess of Scar- borough pretty nigh each other. We immediately began the engagement with the Serapis, and I did not perceive the 172 Alliance till about two hours afterward, when 1 saw her rake us with her whole broadside, a little to larboard of us ; and, at the same time, I heard a hundred voices hailing the Alliance, and telling them that it was on board the Bon homme Richard she was firing. A moment after she pass- ed us on our larboard side, and it was with difficulty that I hindered the people whom I commanded from firing upon her. I hailed M. Landais as loud as I could, saying to him, " I beg you will not sink us." I at the same time thought that M. Landais was taking advantage of our circumstances to destroy M. Jones, and thereby save himself the trouble he must have expected for having disobeyed M. Jones in chasing without orders, and in edging off to shape a contrary course, when the, signal was made to chase ; and on several other occasions, such as refusing to come on board the Bon homme Richard to consult on the necessary operations, &c. The Alliance then came athwart our bow, and began afresh to cannonade us very smartly ; I then had not the least doubt of his intention to sink us, and should have fired on the Alliance in preference to the Serapis, but that the main-topsail, and other sails concealed her from us. At the instant when they cried that the Serapis had struck, I came down, and was informed that the Alliance had killed us a number of people, and amongst others, an officer who was upon the forecastle. In my opinion there was not a soul on board the Bon homme Richard, who did not beUeve that M. Landais knew us before he fired, as we were higher out of the water than the Serapis ; that it was moon-light, and that we had made the signal by which we must have been known, during the action. The first lieutenant of the Countess of Scarborough told me some days since, that he had remarked, during the ac- tion with the Pallas, that the Alliance was for some time athwart and to windward of them ; that as soon as the Scar- borough had struck, the Alliance came and hailed them and asked them " what vessel that was which was engaged ?" He was answered " the Serapis." He asked her force, but they would not tell him ; he then tacked and shaped his course under his top-sails only to join us- Done on board the Serapis in the Texel, this 27th of October 1779. Edward Stack,* Lieutenant of Walsh's Regt. * Mr. Stack had the distinguished advantage of commanding in the main-top, aad the post was essentially useful in the engagement. Hi? 173 merit obtained such a certificate from his Commodore, as, being pre- sented to the Minister of war, at Versailles, procured him promotion from sub-lieutenant to the rank of Captain, with a pecuniary gratifi- cation for the loss of his effects, when the Bon homme Richard sunk; and since the war, his most Christian Majesty has, for his behaviour in the Bon homme Richard, granted to him an annuity of four hun- dred livres for life. J. P. Jones. I, late midshipman on board the Bon homme Richard, and aid-du-camp to the Honorable John Paul Jones, in the action of the 23d of September last, off Flamborough Head, do certify, that about an hour after the commence- ment of it, 1 heard some of the men that were stationed on the forecastle cry out, " the Alliance rakes us, and has wounded Mr. Caswell, the master's mate, with several men;" this report was afterward confirmed by Mr. Caswell, and he declared in his dying words, he received his wound from the Alliance. The ship then disappeared, and did not return till an hour and an half. As soon as she was dis- covered, Capt. Jones ordered the signal lanthorns of recon- noisance to be placed at proper distances from each other, on the larboard side, which order was obeyed by the mas- ter, notwithstanding which, she came up to our larboard quarter and fired into us, then shot ahead and stood athwart our bow, when I hailed by order from Capt. Jones to lay the enemy on board, to which no answer was made. Mr. Coram also repeated the same order, then asked them if they heard us, their reply was, " ay, ay ;" the instant after she raked without apparently drawing any nearer the distance, then being only within the range of grape-shot, and the tv/o ships lying parallel with their sides touching each other, several of his shot were drove into the Bon homme Ri- chard. The conclusion I shall make relative to Capt. Landais' conduct, on the 23d of September, and previous to that time, is, that his principal object was to kill Capt. Jones, and to cause the Richard to strike, that he might step in and claim the honor of the day. Given under my hand, on board the Bon homme Ri- chard's prize the Serapis of 44 guns, at the Texel, the 27th of October, 1779. J. W. LiNTHWAITE.* * Of South Carolina, and a brave officer, whose conduct in the en- ."•a^emcnt did him great honor. J. P. JOHES. 174 Capt. Landais has oftentimes, in my presence, spoken dis- respectfully and even impudently of Capt. Jones. On one occasion, about the beginning of September last, on the coast of Scotland, I went on board the Alliance frigate by desire of Capt. Jones, and told Capt. Landais that he requested of him to be furnished with the names of the officers and men he had a day or two before that put on board the prize ship the Union, Capt. Johnston, that he (Capt. Jones) might be enabled to despatch her ; or, to be informed what directions he had given, if any, as well with respect to that vessel, as also with respect to the prize ship the Betsy, Capt. Fisher, which also had been manned from the Alliance. Capt. Lan- dais, in reply, told me very pertly, that Capt. Jones had no business at all with any of those vessels, for that both of them had already received proper instructions from him, and that the orders he had given were agreeable to the direction he had received from Capt. Jones. I told him I was of opinion no commander in the squadron, except Capt. Jones, was authorized to send away a prize, or otherwise dispose of her, when in his presence, but oy virtue of particular orders ob- tained from him for that purpose. Capt. Landais, in a sneering manner, again replied, that he would let Capt. Jones know that he had as good a right to despatch prizes as he had ; that they were captains of equal rank ; and that the only difference between them was seniority on the part of Capt. Jones, which he held of little consideration ; and at last Capt. Weibert, who had accompanied me on board, and myself, returned on board the Bon homme Richard totally unable to inform Capt. J@nes what Capt. Landais had or- dered with respect to those two ships. A short time after this, a signal was made on board the commodore's ship for the captains of the squadron to come on board. Capt. Cot- tineau and Capt. Ricot accordingly came on board. Capt. Landais not obeying, Capt. Jones desired me to go again on board the Alliance, and deliver Capt. Landais a letter which he then handed to me, and which I understood contained an order for him to come immediately on board ; accordingly, 1 went on board the Alliance, and delivered Capt. Landais the letter, which he took with him to tbe cabin, and in a few minutes returned and delivered me another for Capt. Jones; this I brought instantly on board and delivered to him. It contained a second refusal on the part of Capt. Landais, and very much offended the gentlemen who had politely 176 obeyed the signal, and were then waiting for him. Capl. Jones, chagrined by the obstinacy of that officer, would have proceeded to the business he had in view, without paying any further attention to him ; but being still anxious to have his opinion on, and approbation of the measure, conjointly with the other officers of the squadron, a further attempt to obtain his company was resolved on. For this purpose, at the desire of Capt. Jones, Capt. Cottineau, M. Chamiliard, and myself; went on board the Alliance, to try the effect of persuasion upon Capt. Landais ; but in vain did those gen- tlemen represent to him the absolute necessity there was for his Joining in consultation with his brother officers 5 that the good of the service demanded his compliance, as an en- terprise of some moment was to be deliberated on ; but alas ! in vain did they waste an hour and more in arguments to this end — in vain did they attempt to persuade him — in vain did they entreat him — in vain did they tell him what he had to dread from the consequences of his obstinately persisting to disobey the orders of his commanding officer. Instead of paying polite attention to the advice given him, he, on the contrary, not only disregarded it, but gave himself the liberty to speak of Capt. Jones in terms highly disrespect- ful and insolent, and said he would see him on shore, when they must kill one or the other, &c. On the 23d of September last, when the signal for a gene- ral chase was given to pursue the Baltic fleet, the Alliance frigate was the headmost ship of our squadron, and continu- ed to keep ahead until she began to near the enemy, when Capt. Landais very unexpectedly and agreeably surprised Capt. Jones by hauling his ship's wind, thereby politely leaving room for his commander to approach the largest ship, which he instantly engaged, Capt. Landais still keep- ing at a respectful distance from his commander, which re- spect he, however, continued to observe, mal-apropos, until very late in the engagement. The action had lasted more than an hour, and the Bon hommc Richard and the Serapis had been made fast alongside each other by Capt. Jones, head and stern together, for some time, before I received the wound which obliged me to quit the deck, at which time the Bon homme Richard still continued alone with a force much superior to herself, and although she had been most severely treated by her enemy, she nevertheless continued fo hug her in close embrace. The behaviour of our con- 176 sorts upon this day was very mysterious ; but that of Capt. Landais was of such a cast, as, in my opinion, must una- voidably announce him to the public a man devoid of con- duct — a man of infamous principles — or, a rank coward. The Alliance having received no shot from the enemy, her captain had the advantage to have none of his men either killed or wounded during the whole engagement. And it is highly worthy of remark, that before the Alliance raked the Bon homme Richard by firing alternately into her head and stern, the eneir DE La Fayette, &c. 3 I had, dear Marquis, the honor to write you sundry letters before I left the Texel : I also wrote you on my arrival at Corogne. I arrived at Groaix the 10th, and landed here the day after, almost blind with sore eyes, and not otherwise in a very good state of health. I am now a little recovered, but it is with difficulty that I can yet look on paper ; — there- fore I should not at this instant have taken up my pen, had I not this day understood by a friend that my attachment and esteem for this nation had been called in question. Withdrawn as I am atpresent from the public attention,and having endeavoured only by my past conduct to prove my zeal for the common cause, it is strange that I cannot escape the malicious attacks of little minds. If any person who has him- self deserved well of kis country, can accuse me of ingra- titude, let him step forth like a man, and I will answer in homme d'honneur. M. Wiebert has, I understand, taken, great pains to promulgate that I do not love France. He is not surely among the most worthy part of the nation, yet he partook both of my purse and my table, till the moment of separation, after I had provided for him a free passage in a ship destined for America, from a situation where he had but little danger to apprehend from the enemy. ^o come to the point, here follows my political profession, I am a citizen of the world, totally unfettered by the little mean distinctions of country or of climate ; which diminish or set bounds to the benevolence of the heart. Impelled by principles of gratitude and philanthropy, I drew my sword at the beginning of the American Revolution, and when France so nobly espoused that great cause, no individual felt the obhgation with truer gratitude than myself. When the Court of France soon after invited me to remain for a time in Europe, I considered myself as highly honored by the ap- plication that was made to the American commissioners. Since that time I have been at every instant, and I still am ready to do my utmost for the good of the common cause of France and America. As an American officer, and as a man I affectionately love and respect the character and na- tion of France, and hope the alliance with America may last for ever. I owe the greatest obligation to the generous praises of the French nation on my past conduct, and shall be happy to merit future favor. I greatly love and esteem his most Christian Majesty as the great ally of America, the best of kings, and the amiable friend and "protector of the rights of human nature," therefore he has very few of his own subjects who would bleed in his present cause, with greater freedom than myself, and none who are more disin- terested. At the same time I lament the calamities of war, and wish above all things for an honorable, happy, and lasting peace. My fortune is not augmented by the part I have hitherto acted in the revolution, (although I have had fre- quent opportunities of acquiring riches,) and I pledge myself to the worthy part of mankind, that my future conduct in the war shall not forfeit their good opinion. I am ever with great and sincere affection, happy in your friendship, &c. I remember such a letter being received. Washington City, February 1825. La Fayette. V Orient, February IBth, 1780. His Excellency M. le duc De Vauguyon. My Lord, I had the honor of writing to your Excellency, a day or two before! left the Texel, in answer to your very kind let- ter on the subject of my discontent. I sent my letter to the Helder by my pilot, to the care of M. le Chevalier de Li- rencourt, and I hope it came safe to your hands. I have been here since the 1 0th of this month, but being ajmoist 196 Vlind with sore ej'es,! could not sooner look on paper, other- wise I should not have failed to repeat how much 1 feel the obligation conferred on me by your attentions while I re- mained in Holland. There are, my Lord, some of my secret enemies, base enough to insinuate that 1 do not love the nation of France; but be assured that though 1 felt myself hurt by some mea- sures that were adopted towards me, and for which I can- not yet see any good reason, yet I have never written, spoken, or even thought disrespectfully of the nation. On the con- trary I owe the greatest obligation to France for the gene- rous friendship of the nation towards America, and for the generous praises bestowed on my late conduct, which I should be very happy to merit, by future services in the common cause. Above all as an individual I am deeply sensible of the great honor conferred on me by the personal esteem and approbation of the best of kings. I shall through life be happy in every circumstance where I can manifest l)ow much I wish to merit his Majesty's good opinion ; and when I thank you in particular, my lord, for the affectionate manner in which you communicated to me his Majesty's sentiments in my favor, I speak not words without meaning, but my heart overflows with gratitude, and will ever be am- bitious to merit your friendship. « I am with an artless sincerity, my lord, &€. By Si preceding letter from Commodore Jones, it will have been observed that the Alliance required many repairs. — Dr. FrankUn had expected that these would have been made without loss of time, and wrote to Jones accordingly, hi the following letters the cause of the delay will be shewn, and that no blame could be properly ascribed to the Com- modore : «^ Passy, February \2th, 1780. Honorable Capt. Jones. Dear Sir, I received yours from Corogne of the 1 6th past, and from L'Orient of the 13th inst. I rejoice that you are safely ar- rived in France, malgre all the pains taken to intercept you. As to refitting your ship at the expense of this court, I must acquaint you that there is not the least probability of obtaining it, and therefore I cannot ask it. I hear too much already of the extraordinary expense you made in Holland 197 to think ot proposing an addition to it, especially as you seem to impute the damage she has sustained more to Capt. Landais' negligence than to accidents of the cruise. The whole expense will therefore fall upon me, and I am ill pro- vided to bear it, having so many unexpected calls upon me from all quarters. I therefore beg you would have mercy on me, put me to as little charge as possible, and take no- thing that you can possibly do without. As to sheathing with copper, it is totally out of the question. I am not au- thorized to do it, if I had money ; and I have not money for it, if I had orders. The purchase of the Serapis is in the same predicament. 1 believe the sending canvass and cordage from Amsterdam has already been forbidden; if not, i shall forbid it. 1 approve of your applying to Messrs. Gourlade and Moyian for what repairs you want, having an exceeding good opinion of those gentlemen ; but let me re- peat it, for God's sake be sparing, unless you mean to make me a bankrupt, or have your drafts dishonored, for want of money in my hands to pay them. We are likely to obtain 15,000 stand of good arms from the government. They are much wanted in America. M, de la Fayette has just now proposed that you should take them as ballast. You know best if this is practicable. Mr. Ross acquaints me that he has 1 20 bales of public eloth for our army, and wishes it may likewise go in the Alliance. Can this be done ? It is undoubtedly an article of great necessity ; but I have mentioned to him, the room required in a ship of war for the men, their provisions, wa- ter, (Stc, and the difficulty thence of finding place for goods. You will judge of this likewise. Mr. Ross also requests to be permitted to take his pas- sage with you. As he has been a servant of the States in making their purchases in Europe, it seems to me that it would be wrong to refuse him. There is also a particular friend of mine, Mr. Samuel Wharton, of Philadelphia, who desires to go with you. These gentlemen will doubtless lay in their own stores, and pay as customary for their accom- modations ; and I am persuaded you will find them agreea- ble company. Mr. Lee and Mr. Izard propose also to take their passa- ges in your ship, whom I hope you can likewise accommo- date. Pray write me immediately your sentiments on these particulars, and let me know at the same time when you think you can be ready, that I may forward my despatches* 1 am glad to hear that your indisposition is wearing otiC. I hope your health will soon be re-established, being, with sincere esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant, B. Franklin. VOrient, February '2,5th, 1780. His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. I am honored with your Excellency's letter of the 19th, I feel your reasons for urging frugality, and as 1 have not hitherto been among the most extravagant servants of Ame- rica, 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 carry to America the supplies of arms and clothing you mention, and 1 hope to be able to cram a great part, if not the whole, into the Alliance. Should any remain, I hope Capt. Bell will be able to take them on board the Luzern, and it is likely that he will sail with the Alliance. I will pay the most cheerful regard to the accommodation of the four gentlemen that you mention as passengers. I hope they will agree together, and I shall be happy in shewing them attentions. I am in the greatest want of a lieutenant. With the most affectionate respect and esteem, I am your Excellency's very obliged, humble servant. Passy, June I si, 1780. The Honorable Commodore Jones, Commander of the } Alliance frigate, in the service of the United States. 5 Sir, I have received a letter from the Board of Admiralty, containing their orders for the return of the Alliance, a copy of which is annexed for your government ; and I hereby di- rect that you carry the same into execution with all possible expedition. With great regard, I am, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant, B. Franklin. Board of Admiralty, ) Philadelphia, March 28th, 1780.> His Excellency Benjamin Franklin. Sir, By the annexed list you will perceive the present dispo- ^iition of the continental navy in North America. The dc- I'M tachment of tour ships to guard the harbor of Charlestovni has subjected our coasts to the depredations of the enemy's armed vessels from New-York, who of late have frequently appeared in our bays and made many captures. For these reasons the Board think it will be necessary that the frigate Alliance should be forthwith ordered to pro- ceed for this port, and should any supplies for our navy be ready in France, a part may be sent in the Alliance, and the residue in other armed vessels under her convoy. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency's most obedient servant, By order. Fra. Lewis. P. S. The Board would be highly obliged to your Excel- lency to send them a set of drafts of the new ships in the royal navy of France, for the use of our master builders. In writing to the President of Congress, on the 4th of March, 1780, Dr. Franklin informs Mr. Huntington that the Commodore was to return to America in the Alliance, and elucidates the course that had been taken with respect to the exchange of prisoners captured by Jones : Passy, March 4th, 1780. "* Samuel Huntington, Esq. President of Congress. Sir, In my last I gave some account of the success of our little squadron under Commodore Jones. Three of their prizes sent into Bergen, in Norway, were, at the instance of the British minister, seized by order of the Court of Denmark, and delivered up to him. I have, with the approbation of the ministry here, drawn up and sent to that court a memo- rial reclaiming the prizes. In the absence of Capt. Landais from the Alliance, Commodore Jones took command of her, and on quitting the Texel made a cruise through the chan- nel to Spain, and is since returned to L'Orient, where the ship is now refitting, in order to return to America. Capt. Landais had not applied to me to be replaced in her, and I imagine has no thought of that kind, having before, on seve- ral occasions, expressed to me and others his dissatisfaction with his officers, and his inclination on that account to quit her. Capt. Jones will, therefore, carry her home, unless he should be prevailed with to enter another service, which, however, I think is not likely; though he has gained im- wo ineuse reputation all over Europe for his braver)'* Wheu the squadron of Commodore Jones arrived in the Texel with 500 English prisoners, I proposed exchanging there, but this was dechned, in expectation, as I heard from Eng- land, of retaking them on their way to France. The stay of our ships in Holland, through the favor of the States, be- ing prolonged, and the squadrons being stationed to intercept us, being tired of cruising for us, the British ministry consent- ed at length to a cartel with France, and brought French- men to Holland to exchange for these prisoners, instead of Americans. These proceedings have occasioned our poor people to be kept longer in confinement ; but the minister of marine having given orders that I shall have as many" English, another cartel charged with Americans, is now daily expected, and I hope in a few months to see them all at liberty. I have the honor to be, &c. B. Franklin. On his visit to Paris the Commodore seems to have en- joyed the esteem of the French sovereign in a higher de- gree than ever. He was received with the utmost distinc- fioii at court, and the following letter from M. de Sartine to the President of Congress, testifies that the king voluntarily presented him with a superb sword, and proposed to Con- gress to decorate him with the order of Military Merit ; a proposition which that body assented to : From M. De Sartine, to Mr. Huntington, President of the Congress of the United States. Versailles, May 30th, 1 780. Commodore Paul Jones, after having shewn to all Eu- rope, and particularly to the enemies of France and the United States, the most unquestionable proofs of his valor and talents, is about returning to America to give an ac- count to Congress of the success of his military operations, I am convinced. Sir, that the reputation he has so justly ac- quired will precede him, and that the recital of his actions alone will suffice to prove to his fellow citizens that his abi- lities are equal to his courage. But the king has thought proper to add his stitTrage and attention to the public opi- nion. He has expressly charged me to inform you how per- fectly he is satisfied with the services of the Commodore, per- suaded that Congress will render hinj the same justice. He 20 i has offered, as a proof of his esteem, to present liim with a sword which cannot be placed in better hands, and like- wise proposes to Congress to decorate this brave officer with the cross of Military Merit. His Majesty conceives that this particular distinction, by holding Yorth the same honors to the two nations, united by the same interests, will be looked upon as one tie more that connects them, and will support that emulation which is so precious to the com- mon cause. If, after having approved the conduct of the Commodore, it should be thought proper to give him the command of any new expedition to Europe his Majesty will receive him again with pleasure, and presumes that Congress will oppose nothing that may be judged expedient to secure the success of his enterprises. My personal esteem for him induces me to recommend him very particu- larly to you, Sir, and I dare flatter myself that the reception he will receive from Congress and you, will warrant the sentiments with which he has inspired me. I have the honor of being, &c. De Sartine. The following resolution of Congress, shews the sense of that exalted body, of the services rendered by Commodore Jones, and permits his acceptance of the cross of Military Merit offered to him by His Most Christian Majesty : In Congress, Feb. 27th, 1781. The committee to whom was referred the letter of May 30th, 1780, from M. de Sartine, delivered in a report> whereupon, Resolved, That the Congress entertain a high sense of the distinguished bravery and military conduct of John Paul Jones, Esq., captain in the navy of the United States, and particularly in his victory over the British frigate Serapis on the coast of England, which was attended with circum- stances so brilliant as to excite general applause and admi- ration : That the minister plenipotentiary of these United States at the court of Versailles, communicate to His Most Chris- tian Majesty the high satisfaction Congress have received from the conduct and gallant behavior of Captain John Paul Jones, which have merited the attention and approbation of His Most Christian Majesty, and that his Majestv's offer of ador- Co 202 ning Captain Jones with a cross of Military Merit is highly acceptable to Congress. Extract from the minutes. C. Thompson, Secretary, In consequence, M. de la Luzerne gave a fete to all the members of Congress, and to the principal inhabitants of Philadelphia, and in their presence, he, in the name of His Majesty, invested the Commodore with the order of Milita- ry Merit. The naval means of America, in 1780, were exceedingly limited, and the necessity of detaching four ships to guard the harbor of Charleston, rendered it expedient to recal the Alliance to the United States, to aid in the protection of the coasts from the depredations of the enemy's armed vessels, especially from New- York, whence they cruised in the bays of the continent, making a number of captures. An order was despatched by the Board of Admiralty, on the 28th of March, 1780, to our minister in France, to send the Alli- ance home, which order Dr. Franklin communicated to Commodore Jones on the 1st of June, 1780. On the same day, that minister prepared and gave to the Commodore, the annexed unequivocal letter of approbation : Passy^ June I, 1780. Samuel Huntington, Esq. President of Congress. Sir, Commodore Jones, who by his bravery and conduct has done great honor to the American flag, desires to have that also, of presenting a line to the hands of your Excellency. I cheerfully comply with his request, in recommending him to the notice of Congress, and to your Excellency's protec- tion, though his actions are more effectual recommenda- tions, and render any from me unnecessary. It gives me, however, an opportunity of shewing my readiness to do jus- tice to merit, and of professing the esteem and respect with which I am, &c. B. Franklin. On the 30th of May, Dr. Franklin had written to M. de Sartine, for the purpose of ascertaining whether his Majesty would consent that one of his vessels should accompany the Alliance, for the conveyance of supplies for the United States. In reply, on the 30th of June, M. de Sartine inti- mated the King's willingness, and assured the American mi- 203 iiister that directions had been given at L'Orient to afibrd to Commodore Jones every facility that he might require for his armament and departure. The Commodore had stated to M. de Sartine, that seamen for the additional ves- sel might be obtained from the Alliance. On the 28th of June, 1780, M. de Sartine addressed a very flattering letter to Commodore Jones, apprising him that the cross of the institution of Military Merit, agreea- bly to the King's previous determination, was enclosed in a despatch to M. de la Luzerne, the minister of France, near the United States, of which Jones was to be the bearer, and with which cross he was to be invested, by a chevalier of the order, as soon as Congress had assented to his accept- ance of it. M. de Sartine likewise informed him that His Majesty had directed a golden headed sword to be made for him, which would be immediately delivered to him. The letter is in the following words : Versailles, Jtme 28fA, 1780. Mr. Paul Jones, Commodore in the Navy of the United States of America. Sir, The King has already testified his approbation of the zeai and valor which you have displayed in Europe, in support of the common cause between the United States and His Majesty, and he has also informed you of the distinguished proofs he is disposed to give you thereof. Persuaded that the United States will give their consent that you should receive the cross of the institution of Military Merit, I send you in the packet addressed to M. de la Luzerne, the one designed for you. You will be pleased to deliver hini this packet, and he will confer on you this distinction by a chevalier of the institution, agreeably to His Majes- ty's orders. But at any rate that you should have a proof of the King's approbation and munificence. His Majesty ha;s ordered a gold headed sword to be made for you, which will be immediately delivered to you, and he has the great- est confidence in the use you will make of it for his glorv and that of the United States. I have the honor, &:c. De Sartine. Commodore Jones was extremely grateful for the marks of distinction thus conferred upon him, and expressed his feelings in the most fervent manner in his cnrrespondenm 204 with his friends. To one of them, Mr. Genet, he wrote under date of the 19th of July, 1780, " I am bound by gra- titude and honor to give every proof in my power of my affection to France. Tell M. de Sartine, and the rest of the King's ministers, that I would rather be shot to death than suffered to pine away in idleness, while our glorious cause is undetermined. I shall not die happy, unless they give me an opportunity to prove by my actions, how much I wish always to merit the favor of the King, his ministers, and the nation. My best wishes will ever attend my friends in this kingdom, for their liberal minds do honor to human nature." Arrived at L'Orient from Paris, Jones found that Lan- dais, who seemed to be his evil genius, had in his absence, excited a refractory disposition in the crew of the Alliance, which had the effect of preventing the Commodore from taking the command of that frigate, and obliged him to sail for America on board the Ariel. The board of Admiralty afterward took cognizance of tlie dispute between Commo- dore Jones and Captain Landais ; and having propounded questions to Dr. Franklin, in order to elicit information, that minister answered them, explained the circumstances which had occasioned so much chagrin to Jones, and pro- duced the unprofitable dissensions between him, Landais, and the crew of the Alliance. With his answers was for- warded a copy of tlie " concordat,^'' the signing of which .Tones so deeply regretted, and from which sprung almost all his disagreements with Captain Landais, and M. Le Ray de Chaumont. The former, he conceived, had availed him- self of the community of interests established by the " con- cordat,^^ to treat his orders with contempt, and the latter he thought had not acted correctly towards him in relation to the prizes taken from the enemy. In illustrating more par- ticularly the sources of all the Commodore's disquietudes, a date is here anticipated, to lay at once before the reader Dr. Franklin's letter and answers to the board of Admiralty, and a copy of the " concordat,'''' which will render more in- telligible the allusions in some of Jones's letters written previously to that of Dr. Franklin to Francis Lewis, Esq. Francis Lewis, Esq., and the Board of Admiralty. # Gentlemen, Passy, March l7th,]7Sl. I received the honor of yours, dated January the 3d, containing sundry questions relative to the ship Alliance. 20^ and the expedition under the command of John Paul Jones, Esq. I would remark as to the expedition in general that this court having, I suppose, some enterprise in view, which Captain Jones, who had signalized his bravery in taking the Drake, was thought a proper person to conduct, had soon after the action requested we would spare him to them, which was the more readily agreed to, as a difference sub- sisted between him and his lieutenant, which laid us under a difficulty that was by this means got over. Some time passed, however, before any steps were taken to employ him in a manner agreeable to him, and possibly, the first project was laid aside, many difficulties attending any at- tempt of introducing a foreign officer into the French ma- rine, as it disturbs the order of their promotion, &;c., and he himself choosing to act rather under the commission of Con- gress. However, a project was at length found, by fur- . nishing him with some of the King's ships, the officers of which were to have temporary American commissions, which being posterior in date to his commission, would put them naturally under his command for the time, and the final intention, after various changes was to intercept the Baltic fleet : the Alliance was, at that time under orders to carry Mr. Adams back to America, but the minister of the marine, by a written letter, requesting I would lend her to strengthen the little squadron, and offering a passage to Mr. Adams in one of the King's ships, I consented to their re- quest, hoping that, besides obliging the minister, I might obtain the disposition of some prisoners, to exchange for our countrymen in England. Questions of the Admiralty Board, respecting the squadron under the Chevalier John Paul Jones, answered. Ques. Whether any agreement was made by you, or any person in your behalf, with the owners of the ships, con- certed with the Alliance, in that expedition, respecting the shares they were severally to draw, of the prizes which might be taken during that expedition ? Jins. I never made such an agreement, nor any person in my behalf. I lent the Alliance to the King, simply at the minister's request, supposing it would be agreeable to Con- gress to oblige their ally ; and that the division, if there should be any thing to divide, would be according to the 20G laws of France, or of America, as should be found mosl equitable. But the Captains before they sailed, entered in- to an agreement, called the concordat, to divide according to the rules of America, as they acted under American com- missions and colors. Ques, What orders were given to Captain Landais ? Ans. That he should obey the orders of Capt. Jones. Ques. What was the ground of the disputes between Captain Jones and him? Arts. That when at sea together, he refused to obey Captain Jones's orders. Ques. Why did the Alliance lay so long at Port L'Orient after her arrival there from the Texel, and in general every information in your power respecting the Alliance and the expedition referred to ? Jlns. Her laying so long at L'Orient was first occasioned by the mutinous disposition of the officers and men, who refused to raise the anchors until they should receive wages and prize money. I did not conceive they had a right to demand payment of wages in a foreign country, or any where but at the port they came from, no one here knowing on what terms they were engaged, what they had received, or what was due to them. The prize money I wished them to have, but as that could not soon be obtained, 1 thought it wrong in them to detain the vessel on that account, and as I was informed many of them were in want of necessaries, I ad- vanced 24,000 livres on account, and put it into Captain Jones's hands to relieve and pacify them, that they might go more willingly. But they were encouraged by some med- dling passengers to persist. The King would have taken the prizes, and paid for them, at the rate per gun, &c., as he pays for warlike vessels taken by his ships, but they raised a clamor at this, it being put into their heads that it was a project for cheating them, and they demanded a sale by auction. The minister, who usually gives more, when ships are taken for the King, than they will produce by auction, readily consented to this, when I asked it of him ; but then this method required time to have them inventoried, adver- tised in different ports, to create a fuller concurrence of buyers, ervice, as well as to those who are iu the wrong. The authorities you shewed me, consisted of a commission from Congress appointing you a captain in the marine of the United States, and a late order from Dr. Franklin to you to take command of the Alliance, and carry her where she is ordered by the Admiralty. This order from Dr. Frank- lin does not recite or allege any power from Congress to take the command from Captain Landais, and put another in his place. The authorities Captain Landais laid before me, were a commission from Congress, like yours, appointing him cap- tain in the service ; — a resolve %( Congress giving him the command of the Alliance frigate ; and a letter of instruc- tions for that purpose from the Marine Committee. From these documents it is clear, beyond a possibility of doubt, that Captain Landais commands that ship under the full, direct, and express order of Congress ; and that no such authority appears to dismiss him from the command. In this situation, Captain Landais must answer at his peril for the frigate entrusted to him till he receives an order of Congress to deliver her to another. If any such order exists, those who have it do infinite wrong to the service in not producing it, to prevent any disturbance. If there is no such order, the subjects of the United States who attempt to divest Captain Landais of the command he holds from the sovereign power, or to disturb him by violence in the Dd 210 exercise of it, commit a high crime against the laws and 80- Tereigtity of the United States and subject themselves to a proportionable punishment. This, Sir, is my opinion founded upon a cool and candid consideration of the authorities on both sides ; which alone ought to determine our judgment and our actions. Yoa are at liberty to shew this letter to whom you please, or to send it to Dr. Franklin. Should it prevail upon you to urge this matter no farther till you know whether there is authority of Congress for what you are doing, I shall think I have rendered no less service to you personally, in pre- venting you from committing a rash and illegal action, than to the public, the honor of which must be committed by such a contest in a foreign port. When I see such things threatened, my duty to my country, and the love of law and order, call upon me to do whatever is in my power to pre- vent them. I have the honor to be, &;c. Arthur Lee. Mr. Lee, however, was unquestionably in the wrong. Landais had resigned the command of the Alliance, had requested and obtained money from Dr. Franklin to repair to America, under the pretext of having his conduct inves- tigated, and Jones had received instructions both from Dr. Franklin and the court of France to carry the frigate back to the United States. An order, in fact, was issued by the French minister of marine to stop the sailing of the Alliance, if she attempted to proceed under the directions of Landais. But Commodore Jones, justly apprehending the conse- quences of violent measures, declined employing the means within his power to prevent her departure. Jones himself, attributed the partiality of Mr. Lee for Landais to impro- per motives. " I am convinced," said he in a letter to Mr. Morris, of the 27th of June, 1780, "that Mr. Lee has acted in this matter merely because I would not become the ene- my of the venerable, the wise, and good Franklin, whose heart and head does, and always will do honor to human nature. I know the great and good in this kingdom better, perhaps, than any other American who has appeared in Eu- rope since the treaty of alliance ; and if my testimony would add any thing to Franklin's reputation, I could wit- ness the universal veneration and esteem with which his 211 name inspires all ranks, not only at Versailles and all over this kingdom, but also in Spain and in Holland: aid i can add, from the testimony of the first characters of other na- tions, that, with him, envy itself is dumb, when the name of Pranklin is but mentioned." Dr. Franklin was aware of Mr. Lee's proceedings. He had given directions that he should have a passage home io America in the Alliance ; but, on learning that he had been instrumental in promoting disaffection among the crew, he wrote to Jones, revoking the order : PassT/, June 1 7tk, 1 780. Honorable Commodore Jones. Sir, Having been informed by several gentlemen of and from L'Orient, that it is there generally understood the meeting on board your ship has been advised or promoted by the honorable Arthur Lee, Esq. whom I had ordered you to re- ceive as a passenger ; I hereby withdraw that order, so far as to leave the execution of it to your discretion ; that if from the circumstances which have come to your knowledge, it should appear to you, that the peace and good govern- ment of the ship during the voyage may be endangered by his presence, you may decline taking that gentleman ; which I apprehend need not obstruct his return to America, as there are several ships going under your convoy, and no doubt many of their passengers may be prevailed with to change places. But if you judge these suspicions ground- less, you will comply with the order aforesaid. I have the honor to be, &c. B. Franklin, Jones was the more mortified at the delay which these bickerings occasioned in the sailing of the Alliance, as she had on board stores for the use of the United States, which were much wanted for the supply of the American army. In a letter to Madam T , of the 24th of July, 1780, he adverted to the affair between himself and Landais in the following manner : V Orient, July 2Ath, 1780. Madam, When you did me the honor to ask my promise to write to you a particular account of my services in this revoke ^12 tion and of my late expedition, I thought myself veryliappy indeed in enjoying that pleasing proof of your attention ; and it was my iirm intention to have fulfilled my promise with you on that head, immediately after my return here. Had 1 undertaken to write my own history to a lady of a less elevated mind than Madam T , I should have run too great a risk, especially in what relates to my last battle ; many circumstances of which are not yet known to the world, and are of such a nature as not to be believed by an ordinary mind upon the evidence of an individual. With you, Madam, I have not the remotest doubt, and the extraordinary event that took place here, with respect to the Alliance, is the only reason that has withheld my pen. I confess to you I feel rather ashamed that such an event should have happened ; although God knows it was not owing to any fault of mine. The true reason was, M. le Ray de Chaumont unjustly detained from the brave Ame- ricans who had so well served in the squadron under my command, not only their wages, but also their prize-money ; and he has not, even to this hour, given the means of pay- ing them their just claims. One or two envious persons here, taking advantage of these circumstances, persua- ded these poor people that I had joined with M. de Chau- mont to detain from them their just dues ; and that it was besides my intention to carry them on new expeditions in Europe, and not to suffer them to return to their families in America during the war. These insinuations were false and groundless. I had disapproved the conduct of M. le Ray de Chaumont so much as neither to speak nor write to him after my return to France. My sole business at court was to obtain the free sale of the prizes, which I effected. And far from being then bound on new expeditions in Europe, I was ordered by the Board of Admiralty in America to return forthwith to Congress, and had in consequence received the public despatches both from Mr. Franklin and the court. — The Alliance, however, was hurried out of this port before the crew had time for reflection ; yet before they sailed from the Road of Groaix many of them, seeing their error, refused to weigh anchor, and were carried to sea confined hands and feet in irons. The government of France had taken mea- sures to stop the ship, but 1 interposed, to prevent blood- shed between the subjects of the two allied nations. I am now again almost ready to sail in the Ariel, and I know soon 213 after my arrival in America, that Congress will render me impartial justice. I will then have the happiness to furnish you with the account I promised, and the circumstances will be supported by the fullest evidence. I dare promise that it will then appear that 1 have only been to blame for hav- ing returned here from Paris, without having insisted abso- lutely on the previous payment of my men. Money is essential in war : in love, you will tell me, perhaps, the case may be otherwise. I have still in contemplation to return to France soon after I arrive in America, for I have the most ardent desire to give the court, the nation, and my friends, farther proofs of my gratitude, by my services in the glori- ous cause of freedom that France has so nobly espoused in concert with America. The singular honors I have lately received from the King, have made the deepest and most lasting impression on my heart, and it shall be my constant care to deserve the continuance of His Majesty's esteem. Although my departure is near, yet I hope to have the honor of a letter from you before I sail. I hope my con- duct will always merit your good opinion, and that you will honor me in consequence with your attention, and permit me to consider you as one of my best friends. I am, Madam, with the most profound respect, yours, &c. As the name of the Alliance and that of Capt. Landais, have been frequently introduced into this volume, in con- nexion with the occurrences incident to the life of Commo- dore Jones, it may not be unacceptable to the reader to be made more particularly acquainted with the history of the captain and of the ship. The only account of the former, within the reach of the author, is from the pen of Commo- dore Jones ; and, as it is from that source, should be recei- ved with some degree of caution. In a memorandum, dated at Versailles, on the 17th of June, 1780, Jones stated, that, " When the treaty of alliance with France arrived in Ame- rica, Congress, feeling the most lively sentiments of grati- tude towards France, thought how they might manifest the satisfaction of the continent by some public act. The finest frigate in the service was on the stocks, ready to be launch- ed, and it was resolved to call her the Alliance. M. L^-.n- dais, a French subject", who had then arrived in America from France, as master of a merchant ship laden with pub- lic stores, had reported that he had been a captain in the 214 loyal navj of France, had commanded a ship of the hnc, been a chief officei* of the port of Brest, and was of such worth and estimation for his great abihties that he could have had any honors or advancement in his own country that he pleased to accept ; but that his desire to serve Ame- rica had induced him to leave his own country, and even to refuse to receive the Cross of St. Louis, that he might be at liberty to abjure the religion of his forefathers, which he did accordingly. Congress, believing M. Landais to be ia high esteem at the Court of Versailles, and thinking, with reason, that it would give pleasure to His Majesty to 6nd that one of his worthy subjects had been treated with dis- tinction in America, appointed him captain of the Alliance." Capt. Landais was well known to the citizens of the Uni- ted States, especially during the latter years of his life. He died on Long-Island, in the state of New- York. For a con- siderable time prior to his death, he was an annual petition- er to Congress, on whose sessions he often attended, to urge his claim for indemnity, on account of his portion of the prize-money which ought to have accrued from three prizes sent into Norway, whilst he was in command of the Alli- ance in Europe. His temper, even in old age, appeared to be severe ; for whilst at Washington, he could not avoid be- traying his irritability. A remarkable instance of this un- happy constitutional excitability is related of him with re- spect to a member of Congress, who had spoken rather slightingly of him. Landais dressed himself in his uniform, with a small sword by his side, and repaired to the gallery of the House of Representatives, when in session ; indica- ting thereby, as well as in conversation with his acquaintan- ces, that he was prepared to give any gentleman satisfaction who might be offended with him. He afterward observed, quoting a remark ascribed to Henry IV. of France, that " if there was bad blood in Congress he would draw it." — He affirmed to the last, that he, and not Jones, captured the Serapis, attributing her surrender entirely to his having raked her from the Alliance ; — about which the reader has seen that his assertion was entirely void of foundation. On the 2d of August, 1780, Jones addressed the following letter to the Count de Vergennes, and a similar one to the Count de Maurepas. The contents denote the activity of his mindj his continual anxiety for the furtherance of the American cause, and his accurate views of the best method M 213 of annoying the enemy. Of the ideas or plan to which he alludes in this letter there is no written statement in posses- sion of the author, farther than what' is contained in the an- swer of the Count de Maurepas, which is subjoined : V Orient, August 2d, 1780. His Excellency M. le Compte de Vergennes, &;c. My Lord, I should be unworthy of the illustrious marks that I have lately received of the royal favor, if I were not constantly impressed with the most ardent zeal to merit the continu- ance of his Majesty's approbation, by an invariable atten- tion to the mutual interests of France and America. Al- though my departure for America has been protracted by unforeseen events, it is not yet too late for government to pray the Congress that I may, during the remainder of this war, be constantly employed on active and useful services, tending to distract and distress the common enemy. After having been so highly honored by the kind attentions of the King's ministers, and their approbation of my poor services, I am convinced that 1 shall still find such support and pro- tection from this government, as may enable me to prove my gratitude by my future actions. Since L had the honor of laying before your Excellency, in the month of May last, my project for future expeditions, the events of the war have not so altered circumstances as to render my ideas inexpedient : on the contrary, the farther the war advances, I am the more confirmed in the utility that would result to the common cause from such services as I have therein hinted at. I was then happy in finding that your excellency approved of my ideas : It is therefore that I now enclose a copy, which I beseech your Excellency to reconsider and lay before his Majesty's privy council. If such expeditions as I wish to command were to be fitted out in America, 1 might be able with the greater certainty to strike the first blow by a complete surprise. Before the fleet of his Majesty sailed from Brest the first time, under Count D'Orvihiers, M. de Chaumont told me it was the desire of government to have my ideas on private expedi- tions in writing. I gave him with great pleasure many ideas, from my long knowledge of the enemy's trade and situation, that might have proved of great advantage to our cause, and I wish M. de Chaumont had given all my then ideas to the m--' 216 court, although I am told he has taken credit for some ot them as his own. I am now nearly ready for the sea with His Majesty's sloop of war the Ariel, and I should be happy to carry with me to Congress the interest of this government for my promotion ; but especially that I may be henceforth constantly employed in the most active and enterprising ser- vices, with such a force under my command as may enable me effectually to promote the interest of our glorious cause. This, my lord, would be my supreme ambition, actuated by no mean views of self-interest, but inspired by the purest principles of gratitude and philanthropy. It is upon this ground alone that 1 depend on the constant protection of the King, your Excellency, and this government. It is absolutely necessary, my lord, to destroy the foreign commerce of the English, especially their trade to the Bal- tic, from whence they draw all the supplies for their marine. It is equally necessary.to alarm their coasts, not only in the colonies abroad, but even in their islands at home. These things would distress and distract the enemy much more than many battles between fleets of equal force. England has carried on the war against America in a far more barba- rous form than she durst have adopted against any power of Europe. America has a right to retaliate ; and by our hav- ing the same language and customs with the enemy, we are in a situation to surprise their coasts and take such advan- tage of their unguarded situation, under the flag of America, as can never be done under the flag of France. This is not theory, for I have proved it by my experience ; and if I have opportunity I will yet prove it more fully. I shall be happy, my lord, to be honored with your Excel- lency's determination as soon as possible, as I purpose to proceed with the utmost expedition to Philadelphia, and as there is no time to lose in preparing for the operations of the next campaign. I am, my lord, your Excellency's most obliged, Most obedient, and most humble servant. Versailles, August 1 5th, 1780. Com. Paul Jones. Sir, I have received with great pleasure, and read with atten- tion the letter wrote me the 2d instant from L'Orient. I have remarked therein the continuation of your zeal for the common cause. I have examined and communicated to M. de Sartine the project annexed to your letter, and we have no manner of doubt of the good effect that would re- sult, were it entrusted to you. But at present it could not be said what number of frigates might be employed, they being all actually armed on account of the King, and the plan of the approaching campaign is not yet sufliciently de- termined, positively to say how many frigates may be given to you. But this need njot prevent, if you have the consent of Congress, the execution of the first part of your scheme, to come here as you propose with the Alliance, and the other vessels which you may have, and with a sufficient American crew to arm the frigates which may join you. I will endeavour here to secure some for you, or to substitute privateers in their place. This is all I can inform you\-f for the present. The conduct you have observed, and the zeal you have shown for the service, mitst assure you of the readiness with which I shall always aid any enterprise in which you may be concerned. Be assured. Sir, of the de- sire I have of rendering you any service, and convincing you of the sentiments with which, I am, &ic. Maueepas. On the 21st of September the Commodore replied to the Count de Maurepas evincing the same resolute spirit of per- severance in the cause of American Independence, for which, from his first entrance into the service, he had been remarkable : Ariel, Groaix, September 2\sf, 1780. His Excellency M. le Compte de ^ Maurepas, &:c. 3 My Lord, I received in its due course, the letter that your Excel- lency condescended to write me from Versailles the 15thult., I having been detained in this road by contrary and stormy winds ever since the 4t.h current. I have postponed wri- ting to you until I could tell you at the same time, the wind being fair, that I was immediately about to depart. The prospect is become promising this evening, and I hope to set sail to-morrow. My lord, I want words to express my thanks for your very kind letter ; but it shall be the ambition of my life to merit your Excellency's pretection, and to exert all my abilities, such as they are, with double ardor, to prove Ee W' 2 1 a my gratetul attachment and zeal for the glory and interesi of the King, his ministers, and this generous minded nation. By the four late ships that are arrived at L'Orient from Phi- ladelphia, I learn that the Congress and all America were warmly my friends. This cannot but afford me real satis- faction as a citizen of America ; and more especially, be- cause I shall be the better able to accomplish the first part of my project, agreeable to your Excellency's proposal, — by providing the frigates and men in question in America, which will I fondly hope enable me effectually to promote the glory and success of the common cause. With the most lively sentiments of esteem, and respect, I am. My lord, &c. Commodore Jones proceeded from L'Orient to Groaix. on the 4th of September, and was detained in that road, by storms and contrary winds, until the 7th of October 1 780, when he put to sea in the Ariel the first time. She had the misfortune to be dismasted, which occasioned his return. To the dangers he escaped, he alludes in a letter to Dr. E. Bancroft, of the 1 7th of October : V Orient, October 17th, 1780. E. Bancroft, Esq. Dear Sir, 1 am, my dear Sir, returned to France without laurels, and which is worse without having been able to render service to our cause. 1 must refer you to Count de Vauban, the bearer of this letter, for a description of the late storm. I shall only say, it far exceeded all my former ideas of tempest. We must console ourselves that no lives were lost, — an event remarkably fortunate under such circumstances. You have no doubt received news from America. I have seen sonie of the papers, but find nothing very agreeable, except the address of the assembly of Rhode Island to the Count de Rochambeau and the answer. Mr. Wharton and myself would be glad to hear from you any thing you find inte- resting. Lee had reached Philadelphia the night before one of Captain Hall's passengers left it ; but we know nothing farther, except that no guns were fired, no bells were rung, nor bonfires made in consequence of so great an event! Your affairs are dry and safe, though many of our things are damaged, I mean our clothing, and books &c. Part of the powder, arms, and bread, &c. are wet. Count de Vauban il9 behaved remarkably well, and appears to me to be a very worthy character. He is determined to use his interest with the Duke de Orleans, that the Terpsicore, may be substituted for the Ariel. I am not less a friend now, than I was formerly to Madam Chaumont and her family. Pray have you seen my fair friend the Countess of N. — she is I understand returned from Aix, and I am very anxious to hear from her. I am, &c. A more particular account of this calamity is contained in the following document: — We, the ofiicers of the ship of war Ariel, in the ser- vice of the United States of America, do hereby declare, that having been detained in the road of Groaix by stormy and contrary winds from the 4th ult. so that it was impos- sible to proceed on our voyage to America, before the 7th current ; we on that day weighed anchor at 2 in the after- noon, the wind being at N. N. W. and the weather having a very good appearance. We had under convoy two brigantines belonging to America named the Duke of Lein- ster and Luke, partly laden with public stores, and one lug- ger named the belonging to France. In the night the wind fell very moderate, and the weather was very serene. At — o'clock in the morning of the 8th the wind sprung up a moderate breeze at S. by W. At 8 o'clock the island of Groaix bore by compass N. E. by E. distance 5 leagues. It was then squally weather with showers of rain, the wind at S. by W., and immediately afterward we lost sight of the land. The weather became very thick and the wind increased. By this time the storm had become sq violent, that the lee fore yard-arm was frequently under water. The lee gangway was laid entirely under the water, and the lee side of the waist was full. The water in the hold flowed into the cockpit, notwithstanding the utmost efforts of the chain pumps. In this distress at 11 we let drop the best bower anchor in 30 fathom, but it would not bring the ship's head to the wind. The captain ordered the wea- ther shrouds of the fore-mast to be cut, and the ship then brought up and rode head to the wind. The heel of the fore-mast carried away from the bow the stream and kedge anchors. The agitation of the elements was so violent that ihp main-mast could not stand, but reeled about likp a man '2-20 • drunk. Orders were therefore given to cut away the star- board shrouds so as to let it fall over the larboard side to save, if possible, the mizen-mast. Before this could be done the larboard shrouds and chain-plates gave way, and the main-mast fell over the starboard side, carrying with it the mizen-mast and quarter gallery. The main-mast had worked the heel out of the step. The ship leaked, though less than might have been expected, and the people were employed at the pumps and to clear away the wreck ; on the 9th at noon, saw the sun, and observed the latitude 47 deg. and 47 min. The storm continued with very little in- termission until the morning of the 1 0th, and the agitation rendered it impossible to erect jury-masts 5 wc made the best preparation we could for that purpose, and succeeded so as to be able to cut our cable at 1 o'clock in the morn- ing of the 1 1 th. The wind had then come round to W. N. W., and we steered out S. S. W. till 4 o'clock, and finding then 10 fathom water, we bore away, E. S. E. At 8 o'clock, steered easterly; at 10 o'clock saw the island of Groaix bearing E. N. E., and at 6 in the evening anchored in the road of Groaix. In the morning of the 1 2th we got a pilot from L'Orient, who, at 3 o'clock, brought the Ariel to an anchor in the harbor of L'Orient, where we now at- test and subscribe all the circumstances of the within de- claration as matters of fact. And we apprehend that part of the public stores on board are damaged. Done on board the Ariel in the harbor of L'Orient, this 13th of Octo- ber, 1780. Signed by the officers. He sailed again on the 1 8th of December, and arrived safely in the United States. The following extract from the journal, given by him to His Majesty the King of France, will illustrate the dexterity with which on the following occasion he extricated himself from peril, and the more so at this particular time, as the Ariel was deeply laden with military stores for the use of the army : — " After having met several vessels I at last met the frigate Triumph of 20 guns, belonging to the British navy. As that frigate sailed much faster than the Ariel, I could not avoid an engagement, but I so well manoeuvred and so well concealed ray preparations for an engagement that the 221 enemy thought of nothing else than making an easy con- quest and a good prize. As the night approached the Triumph hailed the Ariel, and the enemy was much surprised to find he had to con- tend with a force so nearly equal to his own. As the two frigates carried the English flag, there ensued a conversa- tion between the commander of the Triumph and me, by which I learned the situation of the English affairs in Ame- rica. At last I pretended not to believe that the Triumph belonged to the British navy, and 1 insisted that the captain should come on board the Ariel to show me his commission. The captain excused himself by saying that his boats leak- ed, and that 1 had told him neither my name nor that of my frigate, I answered I had no account to give to him, and that I allowed him only five minutes to determine. That time hav- ing expired, and the Ariel being situated abreast and to leeward, about 30 feet distant, 1 hoisted the American flag and began the engagement. Never was 1 in any preceding action, so much pleased as in this of the Ariel, with the regular and vigorous fire of the tops and the deck guns. This proceeded from the arrangement and preparation which had preceded the action, by placing the oflScers and passengers of the Ariel in different parts of the ship to pre- vent the men from deserting their posts, and to encourage them to do their duty ; which proves the advantage of hav- ing good officers, for there never was a more indifferent crew than that of the Ariel. After a short resistance the enemy struck his colours ; the captain of the Triumph begged for quarters, saying that he surrendered, and that half of his people were killed. 1 immediately ordered the firing to cease, and there were several huzzas on board the Ariel, as is usual after a vic- tory ; but a minute afterward the captain of the Triumph had the baseness to fill his sails and run away. It was not in my power to prevent this, the Triumph sailing much faster than the Ariel. But if the British government had that feeling of honor and justice which becomes a great na- tion, they would have delivered up to the United States that frigate as belonging to them ; and would have punished in the most exemplary manner, her captain, for having thus violated the laws of war, and the custom of civilized nations." Complaints by Mr. l,ee and Capt. Landais, had, no >^ 22i2 doubt, preceded him ; for he was unmediately afterward called upon by the Board of Admiralty to answer forty-seven interrogatories, the answer^ to which would embrace the whole of his public transactions, from the period of his de-* parture from Portsmouth in the Ranger, until his return to the United States in the Ariel. On the 20th of February 1781, Mr. John Brown enclosed the interrogatories to him in the subjoined terms : Admiralty Office^ February '20th, 1781. Captain Paul Jones is hereby required to answer the fol- lowing questions in writing, as soon as possible ; and to pro- duce the original orders. By order of the Board, John Brown, Secretary. With this requisition Jones complied on the 2 1st of March, and as the copy of the answers is in his own hand writing, being indeed, the original thereof, they are here introduced, as containing a precise narrative of the incidents of his life during a very interesting period of it : — Philadelphia, March, 1781. John Brown Esq., Secretary of Admiralty. Sir, I have the honor to give the following answers to the questions proposed to me by the board of Admiralty, Feb- ruary 20th, and March 1st, 1781 : — Answer \st. I sailed from Portsmouth in New Hamp- shire, the first day of November 1777, by order of the Ma- rine Committee, dated September 6th, 1777; having on board the despatches respecting the victory of Saratoga, and being bound for France, to take command of a large ship then building for America at Amsterdam, agreeable to orders from the Secret Committee, dated May 9th, to the commissioners at Paris. 2. I took two brigantines on the passage, laden with fruit, wine, &;c., bound from Malaga for London. I ordered the prize masters to deliver them to the Continental agents, Mr. Thomas Morris, and Mr. Alderman Lee in France, in con- formity to the orders I had formerly received from the Com- mittee of Congress. One of these prizes arrived at Bour- deaux,the other at Nantes. Being at Nantes myself, I pro- posed to send the one arrived there to America, finding she x!2J would tetch very little in France, but this Mr. Morris would not agree to. I believe Mr. Dunlap had his authority either from the agents, or the commissioners. He had no appoint- ment from me. He accounted at last for the captors' part of the sale to Mr. Williams, who paid them before the Ran- ger left France for America ; and 1 suppose he accounted for the Continental part to the commissioners. The commis- sioners sent for me to Paris, to consult on future operations respecting the ship of war Indien, built for America at Am- sterdam, and proposed to be put under my command ; but after I had remained at Paris three weeks, the commission- ers informed me they had assigned over the property of that ship to the King of France, whose property she still seems to be. As nothing had been hitherto done for the re- lief of the unfortunate Americans confined in English dun- geons, I determined if possible to effect their exchange, and to put an end to the cruel burnings of our enemies on this continent. The commissioners were not in my secret, as appears by the unrestraining papers I then received from them, dated Paris, January 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th, 1778. I returned to Nantes, and sent the commissioners the scheme that was afterward adopted for Count d'Estaing's expedition. I also demanded, and obtained a salute from the flag of France, both at Quiberon, and at Brest, before the treaty of alliance was announced. I sailed from Brest in the Ranger into the Irish channel, made a descent at Whitehaven with 30 men only, surprised and took two strong forts, with 30 pieces of cannon, and set fire to the shipping, where there lay 300 or upwards, in the dry pier. That both the shipping and town, containing from 40 to 50 thousand inhabitants was not burnt to ashes, was owing to the back- wardness of some persons under my command. I landed the day afterward in Scotland, in order to take some noble- man prisoner, as an hostage for the good treatment and ex- change of our countrymen in England. The Earl of Sel- kirk hved near the shore, and it was my intention to take him ; but he being from home, I was obliged to give way to the murmurs of my party, and suffer them to bring away the family plate. I have since purchased it, and restored it to the fair owner. We took the sloop of war Drake of 20 guns, and an hundred and seventy-five men, sent in pursuit of the Ranger. I had but an hundred and twenty-three men and IB guns in the Ranger. We took also five other prizes. 2M sunk three of tiiem, and arrived with the Drake, the other two, and 200 prisoners at Brest, May 7th, 1 778, having been absent only 28 days. 3. I am unable to say with certainty, by whom the then agents were appointed. Mr. Morris was dead, and Mr. Sweighauser informed me by letter that Mr. Williams had nothing to do with public atTairs, and that Mr. Alderman Lee, before he went to Germany, had appointed him (Mr. Sweighauser,) as his deputy agent, «Sz:c. His conduct was not satisfactory to me, because his inquiry was oniy res- pecting the prizes : because he left me for a month, to cure my wounded, to feed my people, to guard my prison- ers, and to refit the Ranger on my own credit : because my prizes were actually attached afterward for provision that had been furnished to the Ranger, by Monsieur Bersole be- fore that ship sailed on the expedition from Brest : because he sold my prizes at last, without my proper authority, and without giving the public proper notice of that sale ; and be- cause I believe he has not yet accounted to the crew of the Ranger, for their share in their prizes, that were, I under- stand, while in his hands, shamefully plundered, and at last given away rather than sold. The second year after these transactions were ended, I authorized Mr. Williams to re- ceive from Mr. Sweighauser what he pleased to allow as my share in these prizes, and Mr. Williams gave me credit in his account, in part of the monies I had been obliged to bor- row from my private friends. I do not remember the amount of what Mr. Williams received ; nor do I find the account among my papers, that have been several times broken open. Perhaps Mr. Sweighauser had Alderman Lee's appoint- ment confirmed by the commissioners, for his deputy assumed the agency at L'Orient immediately on the revolt of the Alliance, and went to a considerable expense, which he has since repented, as I understand, his bills having been refused by Mr. Franklin. 4. The prisoners were guarded on board one of my pri- zes by French soldiers, and none escaped from the month of May until the middle of September. This guard cost Ame- rica nothing : I obtained it on my own credit, and the sol- diers were even fed at the King's expense. Many of them escaped afterward while they remained under the care of Mr. Sweighauser, and the remainder were at last exchanged for American seamen. 225 b. I left the Ranger in the beginning of June, 1778, on an invitation from the Court of France, communicated to me by His Excellency B. Franklin Esq., (which was after- ward approved of by the commissioners,) in order as it then appeared, to command the ship built for America at Amsterdam, that had been assigned over to the King, by the commissioners. That ship to be, as I understood, pre- sented to America, and supported under our flag by the King. 6. I took comniand of the Bon homme Richard, the 4th of February 1779, agreeable to a letter of that date, ad- dressed to me by His Excellency M. de Sartine. 7. The Bon homme Richard was the property of the King, and all the squadron I commanded was at the expense of the crown of France. This is clear from a letter I re- ceived from His Excellency B. Franklin Esq., dated 12th of August, 1780, &c. 8. I have never borne, nor acted under any other commis- sion than that of the Congress of America. 9. The squadron I commanded, was at the first left en- tirely at my discretion, as well as the French troops that go- vernment proposed to embark. I had a variety of objects in view, and should have endeavoured to execute some of the projects I had laid before the Minister of the marine. But when the Marquis de la Fayette arrived in France, the court again sent for me express to L'Orient. It was deter- mined the Marquis should command the troops ; — the Al- liance was made part of the squadron, and I received orders for an expedition, from His Excellency Benjamin Frank- lin, Esq. 10. The Alliance was put under my orders by His Ex- - cellency B. Franklin, Esq. 1 1 . The squadron being at first committed to my discretion^ I had, as I have already said, a variety of objects, but ne person was in my secret. I hope it is not doubted it was my intention to distress the enemy, and promote to the ut- most of my ability the mutual interests of France and Ame- rica, and it is not improbable I might have appeared season- ably on this coast. 12. I have already said 1 had a variety of objects in view. This will best appear by a general review of mj correspondence. My first object was the cause of humanity to effect the liberty and exchange of our unfortunate fellom" F f S>^6 ciiizcns conlined as '• pirates, felons, and traitors," in the dungeons of England, and to put a stop to the savage burn- ings and wanton cruelties of the enemy on this continent. My second and last object has been the honor of the Ame- rican flag. The orders I received in Europe will best ex- plain the objects of the Court of France, and of the Ame- rican minister at that court. 1 3. The expense of the armament was paid by the Court of France, (the men's wages who belonged to the Bon homme Richard, and were carried away from L'Orient in irons on board the Alliance excepted,) these poor men were not paid owing to the revolt on board that ship, and the trifling, and idle excuses formerly made from time to time by M. le Ray de Chaumont, to whom government had entrusted the funds as a commissary for the expense of that armament. The Alliance appears to have been provided with stores and pro- vision at the expense of the court from the time of joining the squadron until her return to L'Orient from Spain, the 10th day of February, 1780. But I did not find that the court meant to pay the men's wages' of that ship, though I endeavored to obtain that payment. I am uncertain whether the expense of the Alliance after her return to L'Orient was on account of the Court, or of the United States : — ^sometimes I believed the one, and sometimes the other. 1 4. The Alliance was undoubtedly to share in prizes taken by the squadron, in proportion to the number of her men, and the number and cahbre of her guns. 15. I know of no ordinance made by the King, respect- ing the squadron His Majesty put under my command. — But as the squadron was under the flag of America, the ofli- eers appear entitled to every advantage that any other ofti- cers may or can claim under the establishment of the marine laws of America, and the rules of the continental navy. 16. I have given a particular account of my expedition from L'Orient round the west of Ireland, north of Scotland, and east of England, to the Texel, in a letter to the Minis- ter of these States at the Court of Versailles, and to the Minister of the Marine, dated on board the Serapis, ofl" the Texel, the 3d of October, 1779, copies whereof were sent to the President of Congress. I find on the return of 405 prisoners at the Texel, November 4th, 1779, 13 masters of meKchantmen. so that the squadron took 1 5 sail, including the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough. I need not ob- serve how much might have been done, if due subordination had prevailed in the squadron. 17. A ship and two brigantines, taken by the squadron off the entrance of the Channel and west of Ireland, were ordered for France. The brigantines arrived at L'Orient,, and were sold there. The ship was not heard of afterward. Two rich letter-of-niarque ships were taken oft" the coast of Scotland, and Capt. Landais took upon himself, even under rmy nose, and without my knowledge, to order them to Ber- gen, in Norway, where they were given up to the English. A brigantine collier was sent, as I understand, to Dunkirk, by Capt. Landais, during his second separation from the squadron in the East Sea. The Countess of Scarborough arrived, and was publicly sold at Dunkirk. The Serapis arrived, and was publicly sold at L'Orient. The rest of the prizes taken, were either sunk, burnt, or destroyed, except one brigantine, from Holland for England, that was retaken, and a small collier, that I gave up to the master, on account of his attachment to America, and the faithful information and important services he rendered me, by his general know- ledge of the east coast of Britain, particularly in the Firth of Forth, in my projected enterprise against Leith and Edin- burg. I had given orders to sink the old vessel, when the tears of that honest man prevailed over my intention. He became security for the good behaviour and payment of the pilots of the Pallas and Vengeance. 18. The officers and men of the Bon homme Richard and Alliance appointed Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan their agents for prizes. I had nothing to do with that appoint- ment. I can give no certain account respecting the ap- pointment of agents for the United States. But I hope my correspondence, which h wish to be examined, respecting these prizes, will shew I have done my utmost for the gene- ral good. ;, 19. I never received any account of the nett proceeds of the prizes taken by the squadron. 20. The American officers and men did, I believe, receive from their agents some part of their shares arising from the sale of the prizes taken by the squadron under my com- mand ; but what part they received I cannot say, it being their own private transaction. 21. His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Esq. wrote rn<*> 22ii n liie 4lh of December, 1780, "he understood the prize-mo- ney was not then received from the King." My corres- ' pondence will, I hope, shew 1 have done ray best to obtain payment. 22. I have always considered and now consider the pri- soners taken by the squadron I conimanded as the property of the United States ; and I believe Mr. Franklin had assu- rance from government, to receive an equal number of pri- soners in France to exchange for the Americans in England, before he sent me orders to deliver up the prisoners I had taken to the Duke de la Vauguyon, Ambassador of France in Holland. After I returned to France, a cartel arrived at Morlex with an hundred Americans from England. I had occasion to lay before government a paper mentioning the American prisoners remaining in England ; and nothing was either said or written to me by the King's ministers that could bear an unfavorable construction. On the contrary, Count Maurepas wrote me a very kind letter expressing his general approbation of that paper. 23. I had command of the Serapis from the time the Bon homme Richard sunk until she was remasted, repaired, and fit for sea at the Texel. 24. When ready for sea, I received a letter from his Ex- cellency Benjamin Franklin, Esq. referring me to the am- bassador of France, who sent for me to Amsterdam, and, after a dispute of thirteen hours, I yielded to go from on board the Serapis to the command of the Alhance. This, as I afterward understood, was brought about through M. le Ray de Chaumont. This will best appear by my corres- pondence on that subject. 25. When Capt. Landais received orders to appear at Paris, His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Esq. wrote me either to appoint a commander for 4;he Alliance, or take it upon myself. I had applied to him to name a commander, and he said he had no fit person. I was in the same predi- cament. Lieut. Degge was the senior officer on board, and iny giving him an order to act as commander, was matter of necessity, not of choice ; for, as I then expected to bring the Serapis to America, after having landed the prisoners in France, and as the Alliance was abominably dirty and out of order, 1 did not choose to go on board that ship as captain. 2ft. I took command of the Alliance at last, by the autho- rity and repeated order of His Excellency Benjamin Frank- lin, Esq. 1 may add I had also all the authority that could be given me by the Ambassador of France ; and I conceive my own authority, as commander in chief of the squadron, might justify me had I acted in consequence of it. 27. The Alliance left the Texel the 27th of December, 1779. 28. The Alliance arrived in Spain the 16th of January, 1780, and at Groaix without L'Orient, the 10th of Febru- ary, 1780. 29. At L'Orient the Alliance required very considerable repairs. She had not one good sail — had left the Texel with only one anchor, and had I not procured two new ca- bles from Amsterdam after I left the Serapis, I should have lost the Alliance at the Texel. I never found a frigate in so bad a condition. Epidemical disorders raged among the crew. The cutwater was loosened by laying in the trough of the swell in a gale of wind, while separated from the squad- ron in the North Sea. I was obliged to secure it with a haw- ser. The bowsprit was too long, ran out too much in a hori- zontal Une, and was loose. The ballast was, a considerable part of it, laid before the magazine in the fore-peak, and on the breast hooks ; the rest was ranged along the wings, elected up at a very considerable distance from the keel, and above the dead- rising. The remainder of it was laid in the after-peak, and on the transums. The two fore guns had been carried and run out over the bow ; the after guns run out at the stern ports. The top-masts, yards, and rigging, were large enough for a sixty-gun ship, and the tops were so ill made, and so narrow, as to give the masts no proper support. It is impossible to imagine a worse arrangement than that of the store-rooms. They were divided and subdivided into little closets, nooks, and winding passages, and, instead of being adapted to contain the ship's stores, appeared only fit to lodge dirt, and increase the quantity of rats, already im- mense. The magazine was not only inconvenient, but very insecure from fire, &:c. There was no fit orlop for the ca- bles, and the sail-room could contain at most only one of the spare courses. The deck was burnt through under the hearth, and the bottom of the copper burnt out. Many obstructions of useless hatchways, &:c., were in the way of the recoil of the guns ; and the gangways were so ill contri- ved, as neither to afford a convenient passage from the qqar- .23U ler-deck to the forecastle, nor cover the men at the guns in the waist. The mizcn-mast stood too close to the main- mast. The ship was very crank — plunged very deep in a head sea, and could neither sail nor work as a frigate. I began to put that ship in order immediately on my taking command ; and after my arrival at L'Orient, the essential repairs were finished early in April, by the crew of the ship and four or five Anerican carpenters, hired from the Luzern to assist ours. The materials of the old arrangement did not fall much short of finishing the new. Judges have al- lowed, that when the business was finished every thing about that frigate was perfect. 1 know not what was the amount of the disbursements. The accounts were never shewn to me ; but I understand from Mr. Ross, an expense of 30 or 40,000 livres was contracted afterward, by Capt. Landais and his advisers, which Mr. Franklin refused to pay. 1 took on board the AlHance 28 18-pounders, and 12 9-poundcrs, that I had myself contracted for at Angouleme, for the Bon homme Richard; also 76 chests of arms, and 216 barrels of powder, from the King's magazine, and 1 had allotted a place for the bales of clothing, afterward shipped in the brig Luke, which the Alliance could have carried without any inconvenience, and 1 should also have endeavoured to take in part of the clothing that was made up. 30. M. le Ray de Chaumont had promised from day to day, to remit the government monies to L'Orient, for the payment of wages, and also 100,000 livres, in part of prize- money, to be divided among the Americans of the squadron, then on board the Alliance ; but at last, instead of comply- ing with either, he prevailed on the Minister of the Marine to order the Serapis to be valued in the French way, for account of the King, and without giving the captors any satisfaction whatever, or obtaining their leave or consent, the workmen in the port began to rip up the orlop deck, and all the interior work of that ship. Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan did not interfere to prevent this. Mr. Lee took much pains to persuade the people they had been sailing with me in a privateer^ would be detained in Europe during the war, and get nothing at last. 1 found it impossible to reason them into good humor, so as to go to sea ; they posi- tively declared ihey would not weigh anchor till they were ftilly paid, and wrote to this effect to Mr. Franklin. I wa* 231. tiien greatly disgusted with the treatment that, in appear' ance, 1 had met with from M. de Sartine, but which in real- ity did not prove to be his fault, but that of M. le Ray de Chaumont. But as I saw no way of overcoming my diffi- culties by remaining at L'Orient, I, with the advice of Mr. Samuel Wharton, and the majority of the Americans then assembled at L'Orient, waiting to proceed with me to Ame- rica, went up to court to demand the free sale of our prizes, agreeable to the laws of the American navy. Mr. Franklin went with me to the Minister, who, contrary to my expect- ation, gave me the most friendly welcome, and sent imme- diate orders to publish the inventories and advertise the sale of all the prizes. This, however, took up more time than had been imaii;ined. I improved this moment and the favor- able disposition of government, to ask for and obtain the Ariel, to assist the Alliance in transporting the clothing, &:c., for our armies. I purposed to mount the Ariel with only 16 guns, with 60 or 80 men ; and as I had left near 400 men in the Alliance, 1 had a crew sufficient for both ships. Thus the Ariel would have carried a large quantity of public stores, and no additional expense would have been incurred on ac- count of that ship. The men must have been fed, whether in the Alliance or the Ariel, and being in part removed to the latter ship, the former would have had so much the less water and provision to carry. Upon learning that the sale of the prizes was protracted beyond expectation, 1 returned to L'Orient in the beginning of June, and as the sale was published, I hoped to be able to remove the idea of their having sailed in a "jsn'ra/eer," and to be able to prevail with the people to leave the prize-money to be settled by their agents in France, and to sail immediately with the two frigates and merchant ships that waited my convoy ; but, to my great mortification, my scheme was entirely defeated by Mr. Lee, Capt. Landais, and his party. 31. 1 know not exactly the date of Admiral de Temey's sailing from Brest for America, but think it was about the latter end of May. 32. I understood it was proposed to charter two ships from Messrs. Bondfield and Haywood, for the purpose of transporting from France the clothing and stores for our armies, which was not concluded, because the terms were thou j;ht too extravagant. 33. 1 know the Marquis de la Fayette took much pains to 232 obtain clothing and stores from government. I never under- stood, that the funds for such purchase were put into the hands of the minister plenipotentiary of these States. The arms and powder came directly from the King's manufacto- ries. I understood M. le Ray de Chaumont was princi- pally concerned in the purchase of the clothing, and that he employed Mr. Wiliiaijis of Nantes, who drew his bills on M. le Ray de Chaumont, at sundry usances ; but I am unable to say who employed M. le Ray de Chaumont, or who is now charged to ship the clothing and stores for America. — Mr. Joseph Wharton, who was at Passy, and intimate both with Mr. Frankhn and M. le Ray de Chaumont, when the purchase of clothing was made, and is now here, can, 1 be- lieve, give a satisfactory answer respecting that transaction. 34. The reasons already assigned will shew why Admiral de Terney's convoy was not embraced for the Alliance. 35. Captain Landais repossessed himself of the Alliance the 13th of June. Mr. Lee and the rest of his council can best answer why he sailed contrary to my orders, as well as the orders of Mr. Franklin. The passengers he had on board were, Mr. Lee and his two nephews, Mr. M. Living- ston, Major Frazer, Mr. Brown, and three French officers now with the Marquis de la Fayette ; I heard of no others. I cannot answer as to what private property might have been on board the Alliance, at the time she left France. 36. The brig Luke appeared to be in very good condi- tion when she left France — was, I understand, owned by Mr. James Moylan. I believe she had some private freight on board. 37. I took command of the Ariel the beginning of June, when lent by the King, whose property she is, for a voyage from France to America, for the purpose I have already mentioned. 38. I have already explained what was the object of my taking command of the Ariel. If I had any personal view, it was to appear here to answer for my past conduct. I have obeyed orders, and refer to my correspondence. 39. I have already said I never commanded under any other commission than that of the Congress of these United States. 40. I sent from France to the Board of Admiralty a de- claration of my officers and men, shewing that the Ariel sailed from L'Orient to Groaix the 4th of September, and ^33 was detained in that road by storms and contrary winds till the 7th of October, when 1 put to sea, the first time. 41. The Ariel had on board for the United States four liundred and thirty-seven barrels of powder, one hundred and forty-six chests of arms, a quantity of medicine, a quantity of 1 2 and 9 pound shot, and a small quantity of sheet lead. 42. It was well known at Nantes and L'Orient what time I was ready to sail. The Luke, Duke of Leinster, and a French lugger all bound here, sailed under my convoy. I I had no official information, nor indeed any private cer- tainty respecting captains or agents having charge of the public stores of any kind, — therefore I could not write to such persons ojfficially. 43. I put to sea with the Ariel the second time the 1 8th of December last. 44. I had on board, when I last sailed, the articles I have mentioned in my last answer but two, except the arms, which being wet when the Ariel was dismasted were left under the care of Messrs, Gourlade and Moylan. 45. I never knew officially in Europe, who were the American agents. The brig Luke sailed the second time about the last of October, before the Ariel was again masted. The clothing lay in the warehouse of Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan, the military stores being in the hands of the King's officers at Port Louis. Both were well acquainted with the time of my sailing : I waited ten or twelve days with a fair wind for the despatches. I do not believe either the King's officers, or Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan were au- thorized to ship any part of the public stores in their hands in any merchant ships that have in the course of last year been bound from France to America. 46. No private merchandise came over in the Ariel to my knowledge. There was on board some 8 or 10 small trunks and boxes, which I conceive to have been presents to the gentlemen of Congress. Mr. Ross, an old servant to the pubhc, had his books and accounts on board. The pas- sengers had but little baggage. These trifling articles were put into my own store room : and I am above deriving any benefit or profit whatever either from the passengers or articles here mentioned. 47. The officers and crew of the Ariel are at the expense of the United States, they are enlisted for three years, ex- 234 cept some lew who entered at L'Orient for one year alter the ship put back there, as will best appear by the entry book. Having thus endeavored to answer all the questions that have been put to me by the Board of Admiralty, I lay all mj' correspondence on the subject of this inquiry before that board. I submit with the utmost deference my own con- duct to the impartial inspection of the board, and am with great respect, Sir, Yours, &;c. On the 1 4th of April ensuing. Congress, then in session, passed the following vote of thanks : By the United States in Congress assembled. Saturday, April \Ath, 1781. On the report of a committee, consisting of Mr. Varnuni. Mr. Houston, and Mr. Matthews, to whom was referred a motion of Mr. Varnum : The United States in Congress assembled, having taken into consideration the report of the Board of Admiralty of the 28th of March last, respecting the conduct of John Paul Jones, Esq., captain in the navy, do Resolve, That the thanks of the United States in Con- gress assembled, be given to Captain John Paul Jones, for the zeal, prudence, and intrepidity with which he has sup- ported the honor of the American flag ; for his bold and successful enterprises to redeem from captivity the citizens of these States who had fallen under the power of the ene- my ; and in general for the good conduct and eminent ser- vices by which he has added lustre to his character, and to the American arms : That the thanks of the United States in Congress assem- bled, be also given to the officers and men who have faith- fully served under him from time to time, for their steady affection to the cause of their country, and the bravery and perseverance they have manifested therein. The subjoined letters from the Commander in Chief, Gen. Lafayette, and the Hon. John Adams, express in very hand- some terms, their opinion of the conduct and services of Commodore Jones : Head-Quarters, Nexo Windsor, May l9//t, 1781. The Chevalier Paul Jones, Captain in the Navy of the United States. Sir, My partial acquaintance with either our naval or com- mercial afTairs, makes it altogether impossible for me to ac- count for the unfortunate delay of those articles of military stores and clothing which have been so long provided in France. Had I had any particular reasons to have suspected you of being accessory to that delay, which I assure you has not been the case, my suspicion would have been removed by the very full and satisfactory answers which you have, to the best of my judgment, made to the questions proposed to you by the Board of Admiralty, and upon which that Board have, in their report to Congress, testified the high sense which they entertain of your merit and services. Whether our naval affairs have in general been well or ill conducted, would be presumptuous in me to determine. Instances of bravery and good conduct in several of our officers, have not, however, been wanting . delicacy forbids me to mention that particular one which has attracted the admiration of all the world, and which^has influenced the most illustrious Monarch to confer a mark of his favor, which can only be obtained by a long and honorable service, or by the performance of some brilliant action. That you may long enjoy the reputation you have so just- ly acquired, is the sincere wish of. Sir, your most obedient, and very humble servant, George Washington. Alliayice, off Boston, Dec. 22 J, 1781. John Paul Jones, Esq., Chevalier of the Royal Order of Military Merit, Commander of the ship^of the line Ame- rica, at Portsmouth in New Hampshire. Sir, I have been honored with your polite favor, my dear Paul Jones, but before it reached me I was already on board the Alliance, and every minute expecting to put to sea. It would have afforded me great satisfaction to pay my re- spects to the inhabitants of Portsmouth, and the State in which you are for the present. As to the pleasure to take yiou by the hand, my dear Paul Jones, you know my affec- lionale sentiinenis, and my very great regard for you, so that I need not add any thing on that subject. Accept of my best thanks for the kind expressions in your letter. His Lordship's (Lord Cornwalhs) downfall is a great event, and the greater, as it was equally and amicably shared by the two allied nations. Your coming to the army 1 had the honor to command, would have been considered as a very flattering compliment to one who loves you and knows your worth. I am impatient to hear that you are ready to sail ; and I am of opinion that we ought to unite under you every continental ship we can muster, with such a body of well appointed marines (trouper de mer) as might cut a good figure ashore, and then give you plenty of provisions and carte blanche, I am sorry I cannot see you : I also had many things to tell you. Write me by good opportunities, but not often in ciphers, unless the matter is very important. On my arri- val in France, I will be able to let you know about the one you gave mc, but am almost certain I have got it. Your friends will be happy to hear from you : and I, my dear Sir, need not tell you that your letters will be grate- fully ackjiowledged, by, &c. Lafayette. Hague, August 12th, 1782. John Paul Jones, Esq., Commander of the America, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Dear Sir, I had yesterday the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 10th of December last, and am much obliged to you for your care of the articles which Mr. Moylan, at my desire, sent to my family. The command of the America could not have been more judiciously bestowed, and it is with impatience that I wish her at sea, where she will do honor to her name. Nothing gives me so much surprise, or so much regret, as the inatten- tion of my countrymen to their navy : it is a bulwark as essential as it is to Great Britain. It is less costly than ar- mies, and more easily removed from one end of the United States to the other. Our minister of finance used to be a great advocate for this kind of defence. I hope he has not altered his sentiments concerning it. Every day shows that the Batavians have not wholly lost their ancient character. They were always timid and slow ''237 in adopting their political systems, but always firm and able in support of them, and always brave and active in war. They have hitherto been restrained by their chiefs ; but, if the war continues, they will shew that they are possessed of the spirit of liberty, and that they have lost none of their great qualities. Rodney's victory has intoxicated Britain again to such a degree that I think there will be no peace for some time. In- deed, if I could see a prospect of half a dozen line-of-battle ships under the American flag, commanded by Commodore Paul Jones, engaged with an equal British force, I appre- hend the event would be so glorious for the United States, and lay so sure a foundation for their prosperity, that it would be a rich compensation for a continuance of the war. However, it does not depend upon us to finish it. There is but one way to finish it, and that is — Burgoynizing Carl- ton in New York. I should be happy to hear from you, and remain, &c. John Adams. After remaining a short time in the United States, Jones was appointed on the 26th of June, 1781, unanimously by bal- lot, to the command of the America, one of the 74 gun ships ordered to be built by a resolution of Congress of the 20th of November, 1776. The following is the resolution adopted on the occasion : In Congress, June 26th, 1781. Congress proceeded to the appointment of a captain to command the ship America 74, and the ballots being taken, John Paul Jones, Esq. was unanimously elected. In superintending the construction of this vessel, he was engaged sixteen months. But the King of France having, about this time, lost a ship of that class from his navy, the United States made a present of the America to him to sup- ply the place of the one that was lost. The annexed is the resolution passed by Congress on the occasion : — In Congress, September 3d, 1782. Whereas the Magnifique, a 74 gun ship belonging to the fleet of His Most Christian Majesty, commanded by the Marquis de Vaudreuil, has been lately lost by accident in the 238 harbor ot" Boston, and Congress are desirous ol" testifying on this occasion to his Majesty, the sense they entertain of his generous exertions in behalf of the United States : — Resolved, That the agent of marine be, and he is hereby instructed to present the America, a 74 gun ship, in the name of the United States, to the Chevalier de la Luzerne, for the service of his Most Christian Majesty. The following letter from the Hon. Robert Morris w^ls written to Jones with the intention, no doubt, of soothing hi« feelings under this severe disappointment : Chevalier Paul Jones. Dear Sir, Marine office, Sept. 4th, 1782. The enclosed resolution* will shew you the destination of the ship America. Nothing could be more pleasing to me than this disposition, excepting so far as you are affected by it. I know you so well as to be convinced that it must give you great pain, and I sincerely sympathize with you : but, although you will undergo much concern at being de- prived of this opportunity to reap laurels on your favourite field, yet your regard for France will, in some measure, alleviate it, and to this your good sense will naturally add the delays which must have happened in fitting this ship for sea. I must entreat of you to continue your inspection until she is launched, and to urge forward the business. When that is done if you will come hither, I will explain to you the reasons which led to this measure, and my views for employing you in the service of your country. You will, on your route, have an opportunity of conferring with the General, on the place you mentioned to me in one of your letters, I pray you to believe me your affectionate friend, &c. Robert Morris. Jones was then left without employment ; and, ever im- patient when not occupied, he addressed, in 1782, a long memorial to the United States' minister of marine, in which he set forth his claims to promotion, and submitted some * Resolution of Congress of September 3d, 1782, directing the pre- sentation to His Majesty the King of France, of the America, to replace the Magnifique which had been lately lost by accident in tlie harbor of Boston. 239 projects and suggestions, which, had they been adopted, would have had the effect to bring him once more into ser- vice. As several passages in that memorial may prove in- teresting to our naval officers, a few of them are inserted from the rough draft in the hands of the author. Some of the extracts here published, appear to have been crossed and cancelled by Jones himself, so that they were probably not communicated to the Board of Admiralty. The United States' Minister of Marine. Sir, Philadelphia, Sept. 22c?, 1782. The beginning of our navy, as navies now rank, was so singularly small, that I am of opinion it has no precedent in history. Was it a proof of madness in the first corps of sea officers, at so critical a period, to have launched out on the ocean with only two armed merchant ships, two armed brigantines, and one armed sloop to make war against such a power as Great Britain ? To be diffident is not always a proof of ignorance ; but sometimes the contrary. I was offered a captain's com- mission at the first to command the Providence, but declined it. Let it, however, be remembered, that there were three grades of sea lieutenants estabUshed by the act of Congress of the 22d of December, 1775, and as I had the honor to be placed at the head of the first of those grades, it is not quite fair to confound me with the last. I had sailed be- fore this Revolution in armed ships and frigates, yet when I came to try my skill, I am not ashamed to own I did not find myself perfect in the duties of a first lieutenant. If mid- night study, and the instruction of the greatest and most learned sea officers, can have given me advantages, I am not without them. I confess, however, I have yet to learn. It is the work of many years' study and experience, to acquire the high degree of science necessary for a great sea officer. Cruising after merchant-ships, the service in which our fri- gates have generally been employed, affords, I may say no part of the knowledge necessary for conducting fleets and their operations. There is now, perhaps, as much difference be- tween a battle between two ships and an engagement between two fleets, as there is between a duel and a ranged battle between two armies. The English, who boast so much of their navy, never fought a ranged battle on the ocean, before the war that is 240 HOW ended. The battle off Ushant was, on their part, like their former ones, irregular; and Admiral Keppel could only justify himself by the example of Hawke in our re- membrance, and of Russel in the last century. From that moment the English were forced to study and to imitate the French in their evolutions. They never gained any advan- tage when they had to do with equal force, and the unfor- tunate defeat of Count de Grasse was owing more to the unfavorable circumstance of the wind coming ahead four points at the beginning of the battle, which put his fleet into the order of echiquier when it was too late to tack, and of calms and currents afterward, which brought on an entire disorder, than to the admiralship or even the vast superio- rity of Rodney, who had forty sail of the line against thirty, and five three deckers against one. By the account of some of the French officers Rodney might as well have been asleep, not having made a second signal during the battle, so that every captain did as he pleased. The English are very deficient in signals as well as in naval tactic. This I know, having in my possession their present fighting and sailing instructions, which comprehend all their signals and evolutions. Lord Howe has, indeed, made some improvements by borrowing from the French. But Kempenfelt, who seems to have been a more promising officer, had made still greater improvement, by the same means. It was said of Kempenfelt, when he was drowned in the Royal George, England had lost her du Pavillion. That great man, the Chevalier du Pavillion, commanded the Triumphant, and was killed in the last battle of Count de Grasse. France lost in him one of her greatest naval tac- ticians, and a man who had besides the honor, in 1773, to invent the new system of naval signals, by which 1600 orders, questions, answers, and informations, can, without confusion or misconstruction, and with the greatest celerity be communicated through a great fleet. It was his fixed opinion that a smaller number of signals would be in- sufficient. A captain of the line must at this day be a tactician. A captain of a cruising frigate may make shift without having ever heard of naval tactics. Until I arrived in France and became acquainted with that great tactician Count D'Orvil- liers, and his judicious assistant the Chevalier du Pavillion, who each of them honored me with instructions respectincr 241 the science of governing the operations, 6ic. oi a fleet, 1 confess I was not sensible how ignorant I had been before that time, of naval tactics. I have already said, there were three grades of sea lieutenants, established by the act of Congress, of the 22d of December, 1 775. If I may be allowed at this day to judge, it would be sound wisdom to re-adopt the same number of subaltern grades, exclusive of midshipmen, under the- same, or some other denomination. From the observations I have made, and what I have read, it is my opinion, that in a navy there ought to be at least as many grades below a captain of the line, as there are below a colonel of a regiment. Even the navy of France is defi- cient in subaltern grades, and has paid dearly for that error in its constitution, joined to another of equal magnitude, which authorizes ensigns of the navy to take charge of a watch on board ships of the line. One instance may be sufficient to shew this. The Zele, in the night between the 11th and 12th of April, 1782, ran on board the Ville de Paris, which accident was the principal cause of the unfor- tunate battle that ensued next day between Count de Grasse, and Admiral Rodney. That accident in all probability would not have happened, had the deck of the Zele been at the time commanded by a steady experienced lieutenant of the line, instead of a young ensign. The charge of the deck of a ship of the line, should in my judgment never be entrusted to an officer under twenty-five years of age. At that time of life he may be supposed to have served nine or ten years, a term not more than sufficient to have furnished him with the necessary knowledge for so great a charge. It is easy to conceive that the mind of officers must become uneasy, when they are continued too long in any one grade, which must happen (if regard be paid to the good of the service) where there are no more subaltern grades than midshipman and lieutenant. Would it not be wiser to raise young men by smaller steps and to increase the number ? T have many things to offer respecting the formation of our navy, but shall here limit myself to one, which I think a pre- liminary to the formation and establishment of a naval con- stitution suitable to the local situation, resources, and preju- dices of the Continent. The constitution adopted for the navy in the year 1775 and by which it has been governed ever since, and crumbled away I mav sav to nothing, is so very defective, thart I am Hh of opinion it would be difficult to spoil it. Much wisdom, and more knowledge than we possess, is in my humble opinion necessary to the formation of such a naval consti- tution as is absolutely wanting. If when our finances ena- ble us to go on, we should set out wrong, as we did in the 35*^ year 1775, but much more so after the arrangement, or rather derangement of rank in 1776, much money may be thrown away to little or no purpose. We are a young peo- ple, and need not be ashamed to ask advice from nations older and more experienced in marine affairs than ourselves. This I conceive might be done in a manner that would be received as a compliment by several or perhaps all the ma- rine powers of Europe, and at the same time would enable us to collect such helps as would be of vast use when we come to form a constitution for the creation and government of our marine, the establishment and police of our dock- yards, academies, hospitals, &c., and the general police of our seamen throughout the Continent. These considera- tions induced me on my return from the fleet of his Excel- lency the Marquis de Vaudreuil to propose to you to lay my ideas on the subject before Congress, and to propose sending a proper person to Europe in a handsome frigate to display our flag in the ports of the different marine powers, to offer them the free use of our ports, and propose to them com- mercial advantages, &:c. — And then to ask permission to visit their marine arsenals,to be informed how they are furnished both with men, provision, materials, and warlike stores ; by what police, and officers they are governed, how and from what resources the officers and men are paid, iSic.-^-The line of conduct drawn between the officers of the fleet, and the officers of the ports, &c. — Also the armament and equipment of the different ships of war with their dimensions, the num- ber and qualities of their officers and men, by what police they are governed in port and at sea, how and from what re- sources they are fed, clothed and paid, &c. ; and the gene- ral police of their seamen, academies, hospitals, &c. If you still object to my projects on account of the expense of sending a frigate to Europe and keeping her there till the business can be effected, I think it may be done, though per- Iiaps not with the same dignity, without a frigate. My plan for forming a proper corps of sea officers, is by teaching them the naval tactics in a fleet of evolution. To lessen the ex- pense as much as possible, I would compose that fleet of fri- # 243 gates instead of ships of the line : on board of each I would have a little academy, where the officers should be taught the principles of mathematics and mechanics, when off duty. When in port the young officers should be obliged to attend at the academies established at each dock -yard, where they should be taught the principles of every art and science thai; is necessary to form the character of a great sea officer. And every commission officer of the navy should have free access, and be entitled to receive instruction gratis at those acade- mies. All this would be attended with no very great ex- pense, and the public advantage resulting from it would be immense. I am sensible it cannot be immediately adopted, and that we must first look about for ways and means ; but the sooner it is adopted the better. We cannot, like the ancients, build a fleet in a month, and we ought to take ex- ample from what has lately befallen Holland. In time of peace it is necessary to prepare, and be always prepared for war by sea. I have had the honor to be pre- sented with copies of the signals, tactics, and police that have been adopted under the diflferent Admirals of France and Spain during the war, and have in my last campaign seen them put in practice. While I was at Brest, as well as while I was inspecting the building of the America, as I had furnished myself with good authors, I applied much of my leisure time to the study of naval architecture and other matters that relate to the establishment and police of dock- yards, &c. I however feel myself bound to say again I have yet much need to be instructed. Disappointed in the command of the America, and un- willing to remain an idle spectator of the passing scene, Commodore Jones exerted himself to obtain permission from Congress to join the French fleet then in the United States, under the command of the Marquis de VaudreuiJ, on an expedition against the island of Jamaica. In this application he was successful, being aided by his friend the Hon. R. Morris, who procured for him the gratification of his wishes : Marine office, Oct. 9th, 1782. Chevalier Paul Jones, Portsmouth. Sir, I have received your letter of the 22d of last month. The sentiments contained in it will always reflect the high- 'ii * est honor upon your character. They have made so strong an impression upon my mind that 1 immediately transmit- ted an extract of your letter to Congress. 1 doubt not but they will view it in the same manner which I have done. I am, &c. Robert Morris. Marine office, Philadelphia, J^ov. 2dth, 1782. The President of Congress. Sir, I do myself the honor to enclose your Excellency the copy of a letter received this morning from the Chevalier Paul Jones. The present state of our affairs does not permit me to employ that valuable officer, and I confess that it is with no small degree of concern that I consider the little probability bf rendering his talents useful to that country, which he has already so faithfully served, and with so great disinterestedness. His present desire to be sent with the Marquis de Vau- clreuil to join Count d'Estaing on his projected expedition from Cadiz against Jamaica &;c., consists with all his for- mer conduct ; and it will, I dare say, be a very pleasing reflection to Congress, that he is about to pursue a know- ledge of his profession, so as to become still more useful if ever he should be again called to the command of a squad- ron or fleet. I should do injustice to my own feelings, as well as to my country, if I did not most warmly recommend this gentleman to the notice of Congress, whose favor he has certainly merited by the most signal services and sa- crifices. I have the honor to be, &c. R. Morris. By the United States in Congress assembled, December 4th, 1782. On the report of a committee to whom was referred a letter of the 29th November, from- the agent of marine, enclosing a copy of a letter of the same date to him from Capt. J. P. Jones — Resolved, That the agent of marine be informed that Congress having a high sense of the merit and services of Capt. J. P. Jones, and being disposed to favor the zeal manifested by him to acquire improvement in the line of his profession, do grant the permission which he requests ; 24o and that the said agent be instructed to recommend him ac- cordingly to the countenance of his Excellency the Mar- quis de Vaudreuil. Extract from the minutes. George Bond, Dep, Secretary/. Extract from the Journal of Commodore John Paul Jones, prepared by him for his Majesty, Louis XVI. When I foresaw that the plan concerted between M. La Luz-erne and Mr. Morris,'according to all appearances, would not succeed, I addressed Congress without loss of time. On the 4th of December, 1782, I obtained an act of that body permitting me to embark on board the fleet of your Majes- ty, at Boston, under the command of the Marquis de Vau- dreuil, for the purpose of joining the Count D'Estaing in his expedition against Jamaica. The appearances were very favorable, since of all those who were appointed to serve in this expedition, no one knew the island of Jamaica so well as myself; and as the Marquis D'Estaing had commanded a fleet of more than seventy sail of the line, and a large body of troops, I had the flattering hope of finding myself in the first military school in the world, in which I should be able to render myself useful, and to acquire knowledge very important for conducting great military operations. M. de Vaudreuil received me with distinction on board his own vessel, the Triumphant, and lodged me in his cham- ber of council, with M. le Baron de Viomenil, who com- manded the troops. By order of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, a squadron, consisting of ten sail of the line, two frigates, and a cutter, left Boston the 24th of December. The in- tention of the Marquis was to join, off Portsmouth, two other ships of the line, the Augustus and the Pluto, which were then in that port, and under the command of his brother, (for the America was not then ready to put to sea ;) but a storm and contrary winds prevented this junction, and pla- ced the squadron in a dangerous situation, from the proxi- mity of ice and the Bay of Fundy. The Admiral then made an attempt to join the Fantasque, with the troops which he brought from Rhode-Island, with the same results. The squadron having lost sight of many vessels laden with troops, and twenty merchant vessels from Boston, directed its course towards the island of Porto Rico. i^^ V '246 When they came within sight of this island, the Marquis de Vaudreuil learnt that Admiral Hood was cruising off Cape Francois, with 16 sail of the line, and that Admiral Pigot, with a larger force, was at St. Lucie, so that the enemy would necessarily consider the squadron of the Marquis de Vaudreuil an easy prey, which could not escape from Hood or from Pigot. M. le Marquis de Vaudreuil remained off St. John's, Porto Rico, for ten days, and made all kinds of naval evolutions, and then he took sixteen sail of merchantmen, arrived from France, and convoyed them to the west end of that island. Some light vessels of observation, which Admiral Hood had sent on a cruise, perceived the squadron in the Mona Passage, and went immediately to inform him that the Mar- quis de Vaudreuil had sailed by the south side of St. Do- mingo, in order to go to some port on the west of that isl- and, or on the east of Cuba, for his expedition against Ja- maica. They were mistaken : the squadron directed its course to the south, more to windward, and passed in sight of the island of Cura^oa, near the coast of South-America. The rendezvous which had been fixed between Don So- lano and the Marquis de Vaudre lil, at Cape Fi-ancois, after the defeat of Count de Grasse, was kept in the greatest se- crecy, and no person had the least suspicion that it was Porto Cabello, about 20 leagues to the windward of Cura(joa. — The squadron beat against the wind for three weeks along the coast, against a current which drove the merchant ves- sels out of sight to the leeward 5 and as he had neither pilots nor good charts of this coast on board the squadron, the Bourgoyne, of 74 guns, ran upon a rock in the night, about two leagues from the coast, and was entirely lost, with 200 men, including officers, among the number was the first lieu- tenant. The Triumphant arrived at Porto Cabello the 1 8th of February, 1783; the Augustus and Pluto had arrived some days before, and the other vessels of the fleet betook themselves, one after another, to places of safety. Don Solano was to have joined the Marquis de Vaudreuil at Porto Cabello in December. He did not keep his word, and no news was received of his squadron at Porto Cabello. The anxiety which this disappointment occasioned, while at the same time no news was received from Europe, so affected the spirits of many of the officers that they fell sick, and I myself was dangerously ill. 247 Finally, the news of a general peace was brought liom France by a frigate. The most brilliant success, and the most instructive experience in the art of war, could not have given me a pleasure comparable to that which I recei- ved when I learned that Great Britain, after so long a con- test, had been forced to acknowledge the independence and sovereignty of the United States of America. On the 8th of Apiil, 1783, the day after the cessation of hostilities, the squadron left Porto Cabello, and after a pas- sage of eight days, arrived in safety at Cape Francois. The Spanish fleet had left Havana for Porto Cabello, and, on learning the news of the peace at Porto Cabello, directed its course for Cape Francois, and arrived there some days before the Marquis de Vaudreuil. I delayed but little time at Cape Francois, where I recei- ved the particular attentions of M. Belle Combe, the Go- vernor. I embarked then foi' Philadelphia, penetrated with gratitude for all the attentions which had been shewn me by the Marquis de Vaudreuil, Baron Viomenil, and the other officers, during the five months I spent on board the fleet of your Majesty. My health was not confirmed during the rest of the sum- mer. I recovered it in the autumn, from the use of the cold bath. 1 addressed myself then to Congress for authority to re- turn to Europe, and there to arrange with the court of France the payment of the prize-money due to the officers and men who had served on board the squadron which I had com- manded in Europe. And the Congress gave me the autho- rity, by a resolution passed at Princeton, the 1st of Sep- tember, 1783. Copy of a letter from His Excellency the Marquis de Vau- dreuil, Lieut. General of the Navy of France, Com- mander of the Royal and Military order of St. Louis, commanding the squadron of His Most Christian Majesty in the West Indies, to His Excellency the Chevalier de LA Luzerne, Minister Plenipotentiary of France in America. Sir," Cape Francois, April '20th, 1783. The peace which has been so much desired, and which is going to make the happiness of America, since it puts the seal to her liberty, terminates our projects. We shall •^ 24B sail for France in a week with the troops under the com- mand of the Baron de Viomenil. The other regiments will sail as soon as there will be vessels ready to transgfigrt them. *»X Mr. Paul Jones, who had embarked with me is about re- turning to his dear country. I was very glad to have him. His well deserved reputation had made him very accepta- ble to me, not doubting but that we would have had some opportunities in which his talents might have shone forth ; but peace, of which I cannot but be glad, puts an obstacle in the way ; — so we must part. Permit me. Sir, to request of you the favor of recommending him to his superiors. The intimate acquaintance which I made with him since he has been on board the Triumphant, makes me take a lively interest in what concerns him, and 1 shall be vciy much obliged to you if you will find the means of being serviceable to him. Peace will not restore you to your country. On account of the great services which you render to France, it will be necessary for you to remain in America a long time; but you have the consolation to be amongst a people who love and respect you : thus it is for you a second home, which you have acquired by your virtues and talents. I am, &;c. Le Marquis de Vaudreuil. Desirous of procuring a final adjustment of the claim for prize-money due in Europe to himself and others, the Che- valier Jones applied to Congress to be appointed agent for the settlement of that business. The Congress consented, and, on the first of November, 1783, passed the following resolution : — In Congress, November 1st, 1783. On the report of Mr. S. Huntington, Mr. A. Lee, and Mr. Duane, to whom were referred a letter from Capt. John Paul Jones to the agent of marines, of the 1 3th of October, and a letter from him to Congress, of the 1 8th of the same month, Resolved^ That Capt. John Paul Jones be and he hereby is recommended to the Minister Plenipotentiary of the Uni- ted States at the Court of Versailles, as agent, to solicit, under the direction of the said Minister, for payment and satisfaction to the officers and crews for all prizes taken in 249 Europe under his command, and to which they arc anpvise entitled. And the said Capt. John Paul Jones shall receive the commissions usually allowed in such cases out of the money which he shall recover, as agent for the said prizes, in full compensation for his services and expenses : Provi- ded alioays^ that the said Capt. John Paul Jones, previous to his entering upon the execution of the said trust, shall give to the Superintendent of Finance, for the benefit of all concerned, sufficient bonds, with good security, for the faith- ful discharge thereof, and for the just payment of the same to the said Superintendent of Finance, to be by him distri- buted to those persons who may be entitled thereto : « Resolved, Tliat the agent of marine provide Capt. Jones with a passage to France in the ship Washington. Repairing to Paris, he there found a competitor in M. Ic Ray de Chaumont, who claimed to have been the one who planned the expedition for intercepting the Baltic fleet, to have had the direction of it under the orders of the King's ministers, and insisted that, as the cost of the enterprise had been defrayed by the treasury of France, the distribution of the prize-money ought to be made in pursuance of the pro- visions of the ordinances of the kingdom, which would have caused a deduction of four deniers per livre, for the benefit of the Hospital of Invalids, at Paris. To these pretensions, Jones replied with considerable acrimony. He contended that the force he commanded was under the commission, laws, and flag of the United States ; that the officers and men were engaged, as under his command, in the American navy; that he received his orders, as an American officer, from the Minister of Congress ; and that, consequently, the captors were entitled to be treated according to the laws of the navy of the United States. He remarked, moreover, to the Marshal de Castries, the Minister of Marine, that whatever understanding there might have been between the two governments, respectihg the expense of the armament, it made not the least difference to the captors. The fol- lowing correspondence will, evince the indefatigable indus- try of the commodore, the zeal with which he prosecuted the interests of the brave men who served under his com- mand, in 1779, in endeavoring to influence the French court in favor of their rights, and the success which attend- ed his efforts. It will show that, in a just cause, he was a? li 2jO tiitrepid in his contests in the cabinet as on the ocean, and that his knowledge of the human character was in each situ- ation aUke useful to him. To the Honorable Captain John Paul Jones, Commander in the service of the United States of America. In pursuance of a resolution of Congress of the first of November, 1783, a copy whereof is hereunto annexed, I do hereby authorize and direct you to solicit, as agent, fbr pay- ment and satisfaction to the officers and crews, citizens or subjects of the said United States, for all prizes taken in Europe under your command, and to which they are in any- wise entitled, and in whose hands soever the prize-money may be detained. Given at Passy, this 17th day of December, 1783. B. Franklin, Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America at the Court of France. Paris, February Isf, 1784. His Excellency the Marechal Castries, Minister of Marine. My Lord Marechal, As 1 wish to give your Excellency as little trouble as may be respecting the money arising from the prizes taken by the squadron I had the honor to command in Europe, I have waited since the duy you did me the honor to present me to His Majesty until this moment, in order to give you suffi- cient time for any arrangement that you might find essential, before the division should take place between the ships and vessels that composed the force under my command when the prizes were taken. I now do myself the honor to trans- mit you the enclosed official letter on that subject, from Mr. Franklin, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States, containing a copy of my credentials, as agent, fi'om Congress, of which 1 had occasion to render an account on my arrival. I also enclose a statement of the force, in guns and men, of each ship and vessel that composed the squadron 1 command- ed, which is the only paper essential to the first division of the prize-money. It is the custom, in cases like the present, to multiply the number of the crew by the sum of the calibre of the cannon mounted on board each ship. The product gives the intrinsic force, in proportion to which the share of 251 the prize-money arising to each ship is determined. On that ground it is my duty to claim the proportion arising to the Bon homme Richard and the AUiance ; their propor- tions will afterward be divided by the American Superin- tendent of Finance, agreeably to the rules of the American navy, between the officers and crews of these two ships. The subdivision of the shares of the other ships and ves- sels, in proportion to their force in men- and metal, of the prizes in which they are concerned, will remain with your Excellency to determine as may be most agreeable to the respective officers and men. As those ships and vessels were entirely His Majesty's property, and their officers and men composed of French subjects, I do not presume to in- terfere in their respect any farther than to pray your Excel- lency, in the most earnest manner, to render them and all concerned that immediate justice to which all Europe knows their distinguished services so highly entitle them. As near- ly four years and a half have already elapsed since those captures were made, I rely on the kind promise you gave me that the prize-money shall now be immediately settled. 1 am, with profound respect, my Lord Marechal, Your most obedient and most humble servant. Paris, February 18 States to the Court of France. 3 Sir, I have been with M. Clonet, 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 sub- jects of the United States from the prizes taken by the squad- ron I commanded in Europe. I find that a French mer- chant, M. Puchilberg, of this place, who opposed Dr. Frank- lin, and did all in his power to promote the revolt that took place in the Alliance, has produced a letter of attorney which he obtained from the officers and men of that frigate when their minds were unsettled, authorizing him to receive their share in the prizes. And notwithstanding the orders of the Marechal of the 15th, I find there is a disposition here to pay the money to M. Puchilberg, in preference to me. When 1 undertook the difficult and disagreeable business of settling for the prize-money with the Marechal de Cas- tries, I thought it necessary, to prevent any reflection on my conduct, to give security for two hundred thousand dollars •i05 to remit the money I recovered to the treasury ol the Uui- ted States, to be from thence divided among the persons concerned. Not to mention the great expense I have been at, and the loss of two years of my time since the peace, to obtain a settlement, I may be permitted to say, that M. Pu- chiiberg was at no expense, and never took any effectual steps to obtain a settlement of the prize-money ; and it would have been very difficult, if not impossible, for him to have obtained any satisfaction for the concerned, because no other man but myself, (except Dr. Franklin, who would not act,) could have explained, at Versailles, the nature and circum- stances of my connexion with that court. And I may add, that M. Puchilberg will not, and cannot, if he had the best intentions, do justice to the subjects of America. He has given no security to do them justice. He has no authentic roll of the crew of the Alliance, which can only be had in America, and he is unacquainted with the manner of classing the officers and men in the division of prize-money by the laws of the American flag. What I request of you, therefore, is, to write to the court to obtain an explicit order from the Marechal de Castries to M. Clonet, to pay into my hands the whole mass of the prize-money that appears due to the Alliance, and also ti© share of the Bon homme Richard, (after deducting the pro- portion due to the French volunteers, who were embarked on board the ship as marines.) As my situation here is exceedingly disagreeable, because till this new difficulty is I'emoved I cannot receive any part of the money that appears due, I shall hope to be relieved from my embarrassment as soon as possible, by a letter from you. They have objected here, that the captain of the Alliance was born in France. But he had abjured the church of Rome, and been naturalized in America, (as his officers re- ported to me,) before he took command of the Alliance, and his crew were all the subjects of the United States. I am sorry to give you this trouble, but I am convinced that the business would have continued in suspense for a long time, if I had not come here myself. I am, with great esteem and respect. Sir, Yours, &c. N. B. M. Clonet has written to court by this post, there- fore it will be nec€96arv to make your application immedi- LI 260 ately. M. Barcley can give you the character of iVL Fu- chilberg. UOrient^JulyZUt^llZb. Plis Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, I had the honor to write you the 29th of this month, pray- ing you to address the court to prevent M. Puchilberg, a French merchant here, from receiving the prize-money due to the subjects of the United States vs^ho served on board the squadron I commanded in Europe. I have done my duty, and with great trouble and expense both of time and money, obtained a settlement in their favor from government. But if M. Puchilberg, (who has taken no trouble, and been at no expense to obtain a settlement,) should receive the mo- ney, the greatest part of it will never reach America, nor find its way into the pockets of the captors. Were M. Pu- chilberg the most honest man in the world, he cannot, at this distance from America, and being ignorant of the laws of the American flag, do justice to the concerned. Besides, a pre- ference is due to the application of one government to ano- ther for what regards the interests of its subjects, especially where it is clear that every caution has been observed for obtaining justice to each individual. The enclosed copy of a letter, which has just now been communicated to me, from Monsieur de Soulanges, k M. M. les Juges Consuls, dated at Toulon, the 14th day of this month, announcing that the Algerines have declared war against the United States, is of too serious a nature not to be sent immediately to you. This event may, I believe, surprise some of our fellow- citizens ; but, for my part, I am rather surprised that it did not take place sooner. It will produce a good effect, if it unites the people of America in measures consistent with their national honor and interest, and rouses them from that ill-judged security which the intoxication of success has pro- duced since the revolution. My best wishes will always attend that land of freedom, and my pride will be always gratified when such measures are adopted as will make us respected as a great people 7cho deserve to be free. 1 am, Sir, with great esteem, &;c. -267 Copie de la lettre de M. Soulanges, a M. M. les Juges et Consuls de Nantes. Toulon, le 14 Jullief, 1785. M. le Commandeur de Scgondes, qui arrive d' Alger sur la fregate la Minerve qu'il commande, M. M. ma rendu compte en Mouillant dans cette radc, que cette Regence faisvit armer 8 batiments, tant chebecs que barques, depuis 18 jusqu' a 34 canons destines a croiser du Cap St. Vincent aux Azores, pour y prendre les Americains, a qui ils deck- rent la guerre. Je vous en donne avis sur le champ, M. M., tant pour les interets que votre place peut prendre dans ces batiments, que pour que vous veuilles bien en donncr avis aux capitaines Americains. Les Algeriens ont une autre division de 4 batiments, mais trop petits pour donner de Pinquietude dans nos mers. Soulanges. UOrient^ August 17th, 1785. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, I am still waiting for a decision respecting the claim ol' 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 in- formed, they have been persuaded to write to M. Puchil- berg, desiring that their share in the prizes may not be sent to America, but paid to them here. This I am told, has been urged as a reason to the Marechal to induce him to decide in favor of M. Puchilberg's claim. Those two men will, however, sail in a day or two for Boston, and perhaps may never return to France ; besides, their objection is too trifling to be admitted, as it would greatly injure the other persons, both officers and men of that crew, who would, in all probability, never receive any part of their prize money unless they should come from America to L'Orient on pur- pose ; which would not pay their expenses. As the post is just going, 1 must defer answering the let- ter you did me the honor to write me on the 3d, till another opportunity. I am with great esteem, &c. N. B. I beg you therefore to write again to the Mare- <^hal de Castries. 26ii UOrient, August Idth, 1786. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir,' I am by this day's post honored with yours of the 13th current, which appears to have been intended to be for- warded by M. 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 miscarried, and it is therefore that I have now written the foregoing copy. The 6th of this month, finding a ship here bound directly for Philadelphia, I sent a copy of Monsieur de Soulanges' letter to Mr. Jay for the information of Congress. I had the honor to write to you on the 17th to inform you, that I was just then told that two of the seamen, formerly of the Alliance frigate, who are now here in a brig belonging to Boston, have been wrought upon by an expectation of immediately receiving their prize money, to desire that M. Puchilberg might, in their name, object to sending the prize money of the Alliance to America. That brig is now at Port- Louis, and will sail for Boston it is supposed to-morrow morning. I am with great esteem, &c. UOrient, August 24«//, 1785. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, I yesterday received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 17th, mentioning the difficulty made by the Marechal de Castries in his letter to you of the 12tb, 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 con- cern that it is not in my power to send you the roll you ask for of the crew of the Alliance. The rolls were in the proper time sent to court, and put into the hands of Mr. de Sartine by M. Genet, first Commissioner of foreign affairs, the certificate of which I have among my papers at Paris ; and the Marechal de Castries might remember that 1 show- ed him and that he read that certificate. Those rolls, how- ever, have been mislaid or lost in the bureau. Copies of them were sent at the same time to Dr. Franklin, who I suppose, put them into the hands of M. Le Ray de Chau- mont ; but since my return, I never could obtain any ac- count of them. A third set of the rolls T carried with me to America, and before 1 embarked in the French fleet at Boston I put them into the hands of Mr. Secretary Living- ston ; and they were sealed up among the papers of his oflice when I left America. It is, however, impossible that any legal demands should be made on you for French sub- jects in consequence of your engagement to the Marechal. The Alliance was manned in America, and I never heard of any person's having served on board that frigate who had been born in France except the captain, who, as I was in- formed, had in America abjured the church of Rome and been naturalized. I have made all the inquiry I have been able here re- specting the expedition you mentioned in a former letter ; but I have not obtained much satisfaction. I propose to go to Brest. 1 am, &:c. U Orient, September 5th, 1785. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, 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 conse- quence, 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 pretensions of Puchil- berg ; which though perhaps not quite exact, may how- ever answer all your purposes. I really do not believe that ever any claims will be made on you ; for I never heard that any French subject had served on board that frigate except the captain, and I commanded the Alliance in per- son seven months. I am, Sir, &c. N. B. I take the liberty to enclose a letter for M. Led- yard. It contains a small bill. If he is not at Paris, I re- quest you to keep the letter till I come. Paris, October 8th, 17S5. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, 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 pri- zes taken by the squadron I commanded in Europe, and 210 given up to the British, by the people in authority at Ber- gen in Norway ; if you approve it, I will assign the powers I received, for that business from Congress, to my friend Dr. Bancroft in London. You will oblige me therefore, if you will write to Mr. Adams, requesting him to support Dr. Bancroft's application through the Danish minister in London. I am, with great respect and esteem, &:c. Paris, February 2Bth, 1786. His Excellency Thomas JEFFERSON.'Esq. Dear Sir, I 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 ta- lents. It has been remarked by professed judges that it docs no discredit to the talents of M. Houdon ; but it receives its value from your acceptance of it, with the assurance you give me of your particular esteem, which will ever be felt by me as an honor truly flattering. I am, dear Sir, with great esteem, &c. Paris, August 9th, 1786. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, As it now appears by the reply 1 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, and Mr. Adams advises me in his letter, to apply to the Danish Minister at his court ; it now becomes my duty to ask your advice and assistance in the steps that remain to be pur- sued, to obtain a compensation from the government of Denmark for those prizes. And in order to give you the necessary information on this subject, I here subjoin some extracts from the papers left in my hands by Mr. Franklin, to wit : No. 1 . Extract of a letter from Monsieur Duchezaulx, Consul of France, to M. Caillard, Charge des affairs du Roi ^ Copenhagen, dated a Berghen en Norvege le 14 July 1779. 271 •• Les deux dites prises son! considerables ; elles etoient armees en guerre et en marchandises, et les commandants pourvus de commissions aux Lettres de Marque ; savoir L^ Union de Londres, du port de 400 tonneaux arme de 22 canons de 6, et 4 livres de balie, plusieurs pierriers et au- tres armes ; charge de cables, cordage, et toile a voile, enfin tout ce qu'il faut en ce genre pour le grement de sept Batiments de guerre, avec plusieurs autres etFets, destines pour Quebec ; et le Betsey de Liverpool, du port de 350 tonneaux arme de 20 canons de 6, et de 2 de 9 livres de balle, 12 pierriers et autres armes, charge de fleur de farine, boeuf, et lard sales, et autres provisions et marchandises des- tines pour la Nouvelle York, et la Jamaique. Les deux car- gaisons peuvent etre evaluees au moins un million de livres." No. 2. Extract from a letter written by the Consul of France, before mentioned, to Dr. Franklin, minister of America at the coui't of France, dated a Berghen le 26 Oct. 1779. " II mest douloureux au de la detoute expression, d'avoir a vous informer aujourdhui, que les deux prises the Bet' sey and the Union., ont ete ces jours ci restitnees aux An- glais, en vertu d'une resolution emanee du Roi de Dane- mark : Resolution injuste et contraire au droit des gens." — No. 3. Extract from the same letter. " La valeur de ces deux prises que Ton vous enleve in- justement, est au moins de 40,000/ sterling, independam- mentdes Frais et I'argent debourse par les banquiers M. M. Danekert and Krohn, dont je vous remettrai le compte." — No. 4. Extract of a letter from all the American officers in Norway to Dr. Franklin, minister of America in France, dated Bergen, Jan. 4th, 1780. "The Brigantine Charming Polly., which arrived 14 days after us, was likewise delivered up in the same man- ner." — No. 5. Extract of a letter from the same officers to Dr. FrankHn, dated at Bergen, April 1 1th, 1780. " Our expenses while on board the ships, were paid by tlie English Consul ; and those since, by the King of Den- mark ; which enables us to proceed without drawing bills upon France. — We have also the protection of the Danish flag till our arrival in France." — After my return here from L'Orient, you remember I was prevented, by circumstances, from pursuing the ap- plication to the Court of Denmark, in person. The bills I had received were not yet payable, and I thought it would be necessary for me to go to America in the spring, to de- posit the prize-money received from this government, in the Continental treasury; so that I was prevented from going to the Court of Denmark. And there being no Danish minister here, nor expected here during the winter, you remember your having approved of my deputizing Dr. Bancroft to solicit the Court of Denmark, through the Danish minister in London ; and that you was so obliging as to join me in requesting Mr. Adams to support that ap- plication. But as experience has now shewn that this method is slow and uncertain ; and as the late order of the Board of Treasury respecting the prize-money I have recovered, makes my return to America, on that account, at present unnecessary ; I presume the best thing I can do will be to proceed to Copenhagen, and there make application to that court. If you approve of this, it would be useful for me to have a letter from the Count de Vergennes to the Baron de la Houze, minister of France at the Danish Court, di- recting him to support my reclamation. — The interference of this government may be asked for with propriety, be- cause the King had the gallantry to support under the flag of America, the squadron I commanded in Europe. — It is also to be wished that I could carry letters with me from the Danish minister at this court, and it is therefore very xmlucky that he is now absent at the waters. If you think fit to write to him, I can at the same time, obtain and for- ward a letter from his particular friend the minister of the Due de Wertemburg ; which may have a good effect. I am persuaded that the Count de Vergennes, on my own application to him, would immediately give me a proper letter to the Baron de la Houze ; but it will be more offi- cial to obtain it through your application, which I therefore request. As 1 flatter myself that the Danish Court is still disposed to make a compensation, it is necessary for us now to de- termine on the lowest sum to be accepted. — Doctor Frank- lin, in his letter to me from Havre, says the result of his letter to a broker in London was, that those Quebec ships were worth 16 or 18 thousand pounds each. 1 have reason to believe that the two ships delivered up, with their car- 273 goes and armament, worth a greater sum. ^nd besides, you will observe thr\t the brigantine Charming Polly, was also delivered up. I cannot judge of the value of this last prize ; and perhaps it may be necessary for me to write to Bei^en to obtain information. « I am, with respect, &:c. Paris, Aug. 2L^/, 178G. His Excellency Thomas Jeffersox. Esq. Sir, 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 Wal- tersdorff was ten thousand pounds sterling. As you have misapprehended the amount of that offer, 1 take the liberty to return your letter to the Baron de Blome, praying you to alter the word five with your own hand. I should be glad to be favored with your opinion whether I ought to accept of any sum less than what was offered to Doctor Franklin ? It is very improbable that a less sum will be of- fered by the Danish ministers ; but supposing them less fa- vorably disposed now than formerly, it is necessary for us to be determined beforehand. I have the honor to be, such measures as may appear to them to be most effectual for procuring accurate returns of the officers and men serv- ing on board the Bon homme Richard, commanded by John Paul Jones, and the frigate Alliance, commanded by Peter Landais, at the time the captures were made by the late squadron under the command of John Paul Jones : That the amount of the prize-money paid by Capt. John P. Jones to the order of the Board of Treasury, on account of the officers and crew of the vessels above-mentioned, be by the said Board distributed to the officers and men entitled to receive the same, or to their proper heirs or assigns, in proportion to the shares respectively due to them, agreea- bly to the returns above-mentioned, and the ordinances of Congress in that behalf made. Among the papers communicated by Mr. Jefferson for this work, is a statement of the settlement, which does not exactly correspond in the total amount as communicated to Mr. Jay. This may be accounted for, by supposing a pro- posed deduction in his favor, for additional expenses incur- red in his prosecution of the claim at the court of France, to which he refers in his correspondence vfith Mr. Jefferson : Paris, July 7th, 178G. Amount of prize-money belonging to the American part of the crew of the Bon homme Richard, (and to some few foreigners, whose names and qualities, «&:c., are inserted in the roll,) with the amount, also, of the prize-money belong- ing to the crew of the Alliance ; received at L'Orient, by ■order of the Marechal de Castries, in bills on Paris, Livres. S. i), 181,03» 01 10 From which deduct, viz. Nett amount of my ordinary expenses since I arrived in Eu- rope to settle the prize-money belonging to the citizens and subjects of America, who serv- ed on board the squadron f « c*>ininandecl, under the flag of the United States, at the ex- pense of His Most Christian Majesty, stated to His Excel- lency Thomas JelFerson, Esq. the 4th of this month, 47,972 1 1 Paid thfe draft of M. le Jeune, for the amount of prize-money due to Jacque Tual, pilot of the Alliance, 670 13 C Amount of prize-money paid iVI. de Blondel, Lieutenant of Marines of the Pallas, as stated on the roll of the Bon homme Richard, 283 00 Advances made to sundry persons, which stand at my cre- dit on the roll of the Bon homme Richard, 264 09 6 Advances made by me to sundry persons belonging to the Bon homme Richard : these advances do not stand at my credit on the roll settled at L'Orient, by M. le Jeune, be- cause the commissary had ne- glected to send him the origi- nal roll from the Bureau at Versailles ; but that commis- sary has rectified that omission by his certificates, dated Sept. 5th, 1785, and Feb. 22d, 1786, 6,385 00 My share by the roll, as cap- tain of the Bon homme Ri- chard, 13,291 05 6 68,866 19 Ot> Balance nett, 112,1720204 Paul Jones. Paris, July 4th, 1786. His Excellency Thoaias Jefferson, Esq. Sir, I have the honor to enclose for your examination the do- cuments of my proceedings, with those of this government. ->-77 111 tlie settlement 1 have obtained of the prize-money belongs ing to the officers and crews of the squadron I commanded in the late war in Europe, at the expense of His Most Chris- tian Majesty, but under the flag of the United States. By those documents I presume you will be convinced that, from a want of sufficient knowledge of circumstances, it would have been very difficult, if not impossible, for any other man, (except Dr. Frankhn, who never would act in it,) to have gone through this business. Mr. Barclay made no progress in it, though he was charged with it by Congress two years and a half before I undertook it. I could not obtain an allowance in favor of the captors for the service of their prizes as prison-ships in the Texel, nor for the da- mage done to the Serapis at L'Orient, previous to her sale ; but I have taken care of the honor of the American flag. — The American captors pay nothing towards the support of the Royal Hospital of Invalids ; and His Majesty has gene- rously renounced, in favor of the captors, the proportion of the sale of the merchant prizes, which, by the laws of the flag of America, he might have retained. I ask the favor of you to return me those papers, with your observations. I enclose, also, a note of my expenses since I arrived in Europe on this business. When 1 am honored with your sentiments on this subject, I will prepare copies of the with- in papers, and, I flatter myself, comply to your satisfaction with the order you have received from the Board of Trea- sury; I have the honor, &:c. Paris, July 7th, 1786. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, I have the honor to enclose and submit to your considera- tion the account I have stated of the prize money in my hands, with sundry papers that regard the charges. I can- not bring myself to lessen the dividend of the American cap- tors 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 of their services. I would not have undertaken this business from any views of private emolument that could possibly have resulted from it to myself, even supposing I had recovered or should recover a sum more considerable than the penalty 21 1 ui my bon4. But I was anxious to force some ill-natureU persons to acknowledge that, if they did not tell a wilful falsehood, they were mistaken when they asserted " that I had commanded a squadron of privateers!" And, the war being over, I made it my first care to shew the brave instru- ments of my success that their rights are as dear to me as my own. It will, I believe, be proper for me to make oath before you to the amount charged for my ordinary expenses. 1 flatter myself that you will find no objection to the account as I have stated it, and that you are of opinion, that after this settlement has been made between us, my bond ought 1o stand cancelled, as far as regards my transactions with the Court of France. Should any part of the prize money re- main in the treasury, without being claimed, after sufficient time shall be elapsed, I beg leave to submit to you — to the treasury — and to Congress, whether I have not merited by my conduct since I returned to Europe that such remainder should be disposed of in my favor ? I have the honor to be with great esteem, &:c. Paris, July lOth, 1786. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, 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 oflfer you proofs to support the charges I have made, I naturally flattered myself and 1 still hope you will do me the favor to receive and transmit them to Congress with your sentiments. This becomes the more necessary to me at present, because from what Dr. Bancroft tells me of the ap- plication to the Court of Denmark, it will be necessary for me to continue in Europe for some time longer, and to take your advice on some farther steps to obtain an answer from that government. With respect to the balance of the prize money I have re- covered, you may if you please give an immediate order on nte for the amount, or I will pay it into your own hands. I have the honor. &c. 279 Paris^ August lAilt. 1786. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Dear Sir, I send you herewith the rolls of the Bon homme Ri- chard and Alliance, with copies 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 conduct will in consequence be approved. The second set of papers are not yet finished, but will be ready in a few days so as to be forwarded by the next good opportunity, with the second set of the papers in English now in your hands. I have the honor, &c. Congress afterward confirmed the division of prize money made by the French government, and directed the distribu- tion thereof to be made amongst the ofiicers and crews of the Bon homme Richard and Alliance, on which subject that body passed the following resolution : — In Congress, October 11th, 1787. Congress took into consideration the report of a com- mittee consisting of Mr. Smith, Mr. Dane, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Carrington and Mr. Clarke, to whom had been com- mitted a report of the Board of Treasury, and a letter of the 1 8th of July, from Captain John Paul Jones, together with a report of the committee of accounts for the Marine department relative to the division of the prize money due to the officers and crews of the Bon homme Richard and Alliance, and the charges of Captain Jones for recovering the same. Resolved, That the quotas assigned to the several ships which were under the command of Captain John Paul Jones in Europe, by direction of the Court of France, be confirmed and considered as valid, and that a distribution of the prize money be made amongst the crews of the said ships, separately, agreeably to such quotas. Resolved, That the monies paid by Captain John Paul Jones into the hands of the Hon. Thomas Jefferson, be dis- tributed by the Board of Treasury, as soon as may be among the captors, agreeably to the division made there- of, under the direction of the Court of France. i8() in Virtue ol" the general authority given to the Chcvahri Jones to collect all the prize-monej due to American citi- zens in Europe, he turned his attention to the reclamation from Denmark of the value of the three ships sent into Bergen, in Norway. The Baron de Waltersdorff, the Danish minister at Paris, not returning in that capacity, and the Chevalier being anxious to accomplish his object, he proposed, with the approbation of Mr. Jefferson, on the 8th of October 1785, to transfer the powers confided to him by Congress for that purpose, to his confidential friend Doctor Bancroft, then in London, and solicited Mr. Jeffer- son to write to his Excellency John Adams, the American minister near the Court of St. James, to lend his aid in en- forcing the demand. Mr. Adams wrote to Mr. Waltersdorff^ on the subject, urging the justice of the claim ; but no an- swer was returned, that minister of Denmark having de- parted for the West Indies. Mr. Adams advised the Che- valier to apply to the new Danish minister at Paris. This minister was absent, at the time, at some of the watering places, and Jones was inclined to proceed directly to Co- penhagen. To further his views, he procured, through the friendship of Mr. Jefferson, from the Count de Vergennes, a letter of introduction and favor to the Baron de la Houze, French minister plenipotentiary at the Danish Court. This letter is in these terms : Versailles, Aug. 15th, 1786.. The Baron De la Houze, Minister Pleni- potentiary to the King of Denmark. Sir, Mr. Paul Jones, an officer in the sea-service of the Uni- ted States of America, having some business and certain claims in Denmark, on account of prizes which he took during the last war, proposes going on these accounts to Copenhagen. You will be pleased. Sir, to receive this of- ficer favorably, to hear what he may wish to communicate on the subject of his claim, and to assist him with your counsels and good offices in case he should want them, du- ring his stay at your residence. I have the honor of being, with perfect regard, &lc. De Vergennes. Mr. Jefferson likewise gave the Chevalier a letter of in- troduction and friendship to the Danish Envov- Baron 281 Blome, who was expected to be in Paris again in a tew days. The value of the prizes sent into Bergen, was estimated at the highest, at about fifty thousand pounds steriing. A well informed English insurer, to whom application had been made, to ascertain for what amount they had been in- sured, considered them to be worth fr-om 16 to 1 8 thousand pounds sterling each ; and the Baron de Waltersdorff, on the part of his government had offered to pay ten thousand pounds as an indemnification : Havre, July2lsf, 1785. The Honorable Paul Jones. Dear Sir, The offer of which you desire I would give you the par- ticulars, was made to me by M. le Baron de Waltersdorff in behalf of his Majesty the King of Denmark, by whose ministers he said he was authorized to make it. It was to give us the sum of ten thousand pounds sterling, as a com- pensation for having delivered up the prizes to the English. I did not accept it, conceiving it much too small a sum, they having been valued to me at fifty thousand pounds. I wrote to Mr. Hodgson, an insurer in London, requesting he would procure information of the sums insured on these Canada ships. His answer was, that he could find no traces of such insurance, and he believed none was made, for that the government on whose account they were said to be loaded with military stores, never insured ; but by tlie best judgment he could make he thought they might, be worth about sixteen or eighteen thousand pounds each. With great esteem, &c. B. FrankliiV. In all his transactions at this period the Chevalier regu- larly consulted Mr. Jefferson, and kept up a correspond- ence with Dr. Franklin. Jones, however, suddenly sus- pended his journey to Copenhagen, and, as will be seen in the following letter to Mr. Jay, returned to America : New-York, My \8th, 1787. His Excellency John Jay, Esq. ) Minister of Foreign affairs. ) Sir, The application I made for a compensation for our N n prizes through the Danish minister in London not liaving succeeded, it was determined between Mr. Jefferson and myself, that the proper method to obtain satisfaction, was for me to go in person to the Court of Copenhagen. It was necessary for me to see the Baron de Blome before I could leave France on that business, and he being then absent on a tour in Switzerland did not return to Paris till the beginning of last winter. I left Paris in the spring, and went as far as Brussels on my way to Copenhagen, when an unforeseen circumstance in my private affairs, rendered it indispensable for me to turn about and cross the ocean. My private business here being already finished, I shall in a few days re-embark for Europe, in order to proceed to the Court of Denmark. It is my intention to go by the way of Paris, in order to obtain a letter to the French mi- nister at Copenhagen, from the Count de Montmorin, as the one I obtained is from the Count de Vergennes. It Avould be highly flattering to me if I could carry with me a letter from Congress to His Most Christian Majesty, thank- ing him for the squadron he did us the honor to support under our flag. And on this occasion. Sir, permit me, with becoming diffidence, to recal the attention of my sovereign to the letter of recommendation I brought with me from the Court of France, dated 30th May, 1780. It would be pleasing to me, if that letter should be found to merit a place on the journals of Congress. Permit me also to in- treat that Congress will be pleased to read the letter I re- ceived from the minister of marine, when his Majesty deigned to bestow on me a golden hiltcd_sword, emblema- tical of the happy alliance — an honor which his Majesty never conferred on any other foreign officer. I owed the high favor which I enjoyed at the Court of France, in a great degree, to the favorable testimony of my conduct, which had been communicated by his Majesty's ambassa- dor, under whose eye I acted in the most critical situation, in the Texel, as well as to the public opinion of Europe. And the letter with which I was honored by the prime minister of France, when I was about to return to America, is a clear proof that we might have drawn still greater ad- 'vantages from the generous disposition of our ally, if our marine had not been lost whilst I was, by perplexing cir- cumstances, detained in Europe, after I had given the Count de Maurepas my plan for forming a combined squad- - i283 ron of 10 or 12 sail of frigates, supported by the America, with a detachment of French troops on board, the whole at the expense of his Majesty. It is certain that 1 am much flattered by receiving a gold sword from the most illustrious Monarch now living ; but I had refused to accept his commission on two occasions, before that time, when some firmness was necessary to resist the temptation. He was not my sovereign. I served the cause of freedom, and honors from my sovereign would be more pleasing. Since the year 1775, when I displayed the American flag for the first time, with my own hands, I have been constantly devoted to the interests of America. Foreigners have perhaps given me too much credit, and this may have raised my ideas of my services above their real value, — but my zeal can never be overrated. I should act inconsistently if I omitted to mention the dreadful situation of our unhappy fellow-citizens in slavery at Algiers. Their almost hopeless fate is a deep reflection on our national character in Europe. I beg leave to influ- ence the humanity of Congress in their behalf, and to pro- ^, pose that some expedient may be adopted for their redemp- I tion. A fund might be raised for that purpose, by a duty of a shilling per month from seamens' wages throughout the continent, and I am persuaded that no difficulty would be made to that requisition. I have the honor to be &c. Jones when in France had transmitted information of the hostile designs of the Algerines against the American trade, in a copy of a letter from M. Soulanges, dated at Toulon, the 14th of July, 1785, written to the consular authorities in the ports of that kingdom. Annexed is a translation of it : " Toulon, July 14th, 1785. M. de Legordes, who has arrived from Algiers in the fri- gate Minerva, which he commands, has, on entering this road, given me information that that Regency had armed eight vessels, xebecks and barks, with from 18 to 34 guns each, destined to cruise from Cape St. Vincent to the Azores, to capture Americans, against whom they have de- clared war. I give you immediate advice of this circum- stance, gentlemen, as well on account of the interest your place may have in the cruise of these vessels, as to enable you to give notice of it to American captains. The Alge- lines have another division of four vessels, but too small to occasion any disturbance in our seas. ^ SOULANGES." " This event," said Jones, writing to Mr. Jefferson, on the 31st July, 1785, " may, I believe, surprise some of our fellow-citizens ; but for my part I am rather surprised that it did not take place sooner. It will produce a good effect if it unites the people of America in measures consistent with their national honor and interest, and rouses them from that ill-judged security which the intoxication of suc- cess has produced since the Revolution." On the 3d of October, 1 787, the Chevalier Jones wrote farther to Mr. Jay : J^ew-York, October 3d, 1787, His Excellency John Jay, Esq. Minister } of Foreign Affairs, New-York. 5 Sir, As Congress have now referred back to you for your re* port, the^chief part of the letter I had the honor to address you the 1 8th of July last, I beg leave to observe on the lat- ter part of that letter, respecting the fund I wish to see esta- blished for the redemption of our fellow-citizens at Algiers, that I had also in view, at the time, a national establishment, on the plan of the Greenwich Hospital in England, or Ho- tel des Invalides at Paris, which would be effected from the residue of the increasing fund I have proposed. I beg you, therefore. Sir, to take notice of this in your report. I have the honor to be. Sir, yours, &c. On perusing the subjoined resolutions and letter to the King of France, a just conception will be entertained of the high consideration in which the Chevalier was held by the United States in Congress assembled. They are sufficient to refute all the calumnies circulated against him by his enemies : In Congress, October 16th, 1787. Resolved unanimous h/, That a medal of gold be struck, and presented to tiie Chevalier John Paul Jones, in com- memoration of the valor and brilliant services of that offi- cer, in the command of a squadron of American and French ships under the flag and commission of the United States* V off the coast of Great Britain, in the late war ; and that the Hon. Mr. Jefferson, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the court of Versailles, have the same executed, with the proper devices. Resolved^ That a letter be written to His Most Christian Ma.esty, informing him, that the United States in Congress assembled, have bestowed upon the Chevalier John Paul Jones this medal, as well in consideration of the distinguish- ed marks of approbation which His Majesty has been plea- sed to confer upon that ofhcer, as from a sense of his merit : and that, as it is his earnest desire to acquire greater know- ledge in his profession, it would be acceptable to Congress, that His Majesty would be pleased to permit him to embark with his fleets of evolution, convinced that he can no where else so well acquire that knowledge which may hereafter render him more extensively useful. Ordered^ That the Secretary for Foreign Affairs prepare a letter for the above purpose, to be signed by the Presi- dent ; and that the Chevalier Jones be the bearer of the said letter. In Congress, October 16th, 1787. The Secretary for Foreign Affairs reports : That, agreeably to the order of the 16th, he hath prepar- ed the following letter to His Most Christian Majesty, which, having been duly signed and countersigned, was delivered to the Chevalier John Paul Jones : Great and Beloved Friend, We, the United States in Congress assembled, in consi- deration of the distinguished marks of approbation with which your Majesty has been pleased to honor the Cheva- lier John Paul Jones, as well as from a sense of his merit, have unanimously directed a medal of gold to be struck and presented to him, in commemoration of his valor and bril- liant services, while commanding a squadron of French and American ships under our flag and commission, off the coast of Great Britain, in the late war. As it is his earnest desire to acquire greater knowledge in his profession, we cannot forbear requesting of your Majesty to permit him to embark in your fleets of evolution, where only it will be probably in his power to acquire that degree of knowledge which may hereafter render him more exten- lively useful. 280 Permit us to repeat to your Majesty our sincere assuran- ces, that the various and important benefits for which we are indebted to your friendship will never cease to interest us in whatever may concern the happiness of your Majesty, your family, and people. We pray God to keep you, our great and beloved friend, under his holy protection. Done at the city of New- York, the 16th day of Octo- ber, in the year of our Lord, 1787, and of our sove- reignty and independence, the 1 2th. In Congress, October 25th, 1787. Resolved, That the minister of the United States, at the Court of Versailles be and he hereby is authorised and instructed, to represent to His Danish Majesty, that the United States continue to be very sensibly affected by the circumstance of His Majesty having caused a number of their prizes to be delivered to Great Britain during the late war, and the more so, as no part of their conduct had for- feited their claim to those rights of hospitality which civi- lized nations extend to each other. That not only a sense of the justice due to the individuals interested in those pri- zes, but also an earnest desire, that no subject of discontent may check the cultivation and progress of that friendship^ which they wish may subsist and increase between the two countries, prompt the United States to remind His Majesty of the transaction in question ; and they flatter themselves that His Majesty will concur with them in thinking, that, as resti- tution of the prizes is not practicable, it is reasonable and just that he should render, and that they should accept a compensation equivalent to the value of them : That the said minister be authorized and instructed to settle and conclude the demand of the United States against His Danish Majesty, on account of the prizes aforesaid, by such composition and on such terms as may be the best in his power to obtain ; and that he be directed to retain in his hands all the money so recovered till the further order of Congress : That the said minister be, and he is hereby authorized, in case he shall think it proper, to despatch the Chevalier John Paul Jones, or any other agent, to the Court of Den- mark, with such powers and instructions relative to the above-mentioned negotiation as, in his judgment, may be 287 , most conducive to the successful issue ihereoi ; provided, that the ultimate conclusion of the business be not made by the agent without the previous approbation of the said minister : That the person employed shall, for his agency in the business aforesaid, be allowed 5 per cent, for all expenses and demands whatever, on that account. Ordered, That the Board of Treasury transmit to the Minister of the United States at the Court of Versailles all the necessary documents relative to the prizes delivered up by Denmark. In Congress, October 26th, 1787. Ordered, That the Secretary of Congress inform the Chevalier John Paul Jones that the business relative to the prizes taken during the late war, and sent to Denmark, is put under the management of the Hon. Thomas Jefferson Minister of the United States at the Lourt of Versailles, and that he furnish Mr. Jones with a copy of such part of the Resolution as respects the appointment of an agent by Mr. Jefferson, relative to the said prizes. Chevalier Jones, in embarking again for Europe, evidently had some dread of falling into the power of the British. From what this apprehension proceeded is uncertain •, whe- ther from incidents in his life prior to his entering the Ame- rican service, or from the injury he had inflicted on British subjects during the Revolutionary war. It could hardly have been the latter ; for honored and protected as he was, by both America and France, it is not likely he would have apprehended molestation or capture for having participated in the war of the Revolution. Whatever the ground of his fears may have been, it is certain that he entertained them : for writing to Mr. Jefferson from New- York, on the 24th of October, 1787, he said, " 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 squadron is cruising in the North Sea, has induced me, with the advice of my friends, to postpone my embarkation till the next opportunity, an American ship, about the beginning of next month." The Chevalier reached Paris in December, 1 787, when he sent to Mr. Jefferson the annexed private note. What his "strong reasons" for temporary seclusion were, do not appear : — ■ 288 (Private.) Hotel de Beauvais rue des vieux Augustines. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq.- SiK, Paris, December X'ith, 1787.- I am just arrived here from England. I left New-York the 11th of November, and have brought public despatches 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 letter from Congress for the King, and perhaps you will think it adviseable not to present it at this moment. I shall not go out, till I hear from, or see you. — And, as the people in this hotel do not know my name, you will please to ask for the gentleman just arrived, who is lodged in No. 1. I am with great esteem and respect, &c. When Jones vras in Europe in 1783, he was, by a letter from Dr. Franklin, of the 1 7th of Decemher of that year, authorized and directed to solicit justice from the Court of Denmark, in relation to the prizes sent into Bergen, and restored to the British. As far back as the 22d of Decem- ber 1779, Dr. Franklin had addressed a memorial to the prime minister of Denmark on the same subject. That pa- per is so characteristic of the philosophical turn of mind of our illustrious countryman, that it is offered to the perusal of the reader : Memorial sent to the Prime Minister of Denmark, by B. Franklin, Minister of the United States of America at Paris, respecting the prizes given up by Denmark to the English. Passy, near Paris, December 22d, 1779. Sir, I have received letters from M. de Chezaulx, Consul of France at Bergen in Norway, acquainting me that two ships, viz. the Betsy and the Union, prizes taken from the English on their coasts by Captain Landais, commander of the Alliance frigate, appertaining to the United States of North America ; which prizes having met with bad weather at sea, that had damaged their rigging, and occasioned lealcs, and being weakly manned, had taken shelter in the supposed neutral port of Bergen, in order to repair their damages, procure an additional number of sailors, and the necessary refreshments ; that they were in the said port enjoying as they conceived the common rights of hos- pitality established and practised by civilized nations, under the care of the above said consul, when on the 28th of October last, the said ships with their cargoes and papers, were suddenly i?eized by the officers of His Majesty the King of Denmark, to 289 whom the said port belongs, the American officers and seamen turned out of their possession, and the whole delivered to the English consul. M, de Chezaulx has also sent me the following as a translation of his Majesty's order,by which the above proceedings are said to be authorized, viz. : "The English minister having insisted on the restitution of the two vessels captured by the American frigate the Alliance, Cap- tain Landais, and which have been brought into Berghen, viz., the Betsey of Liverpool, and the Union of London, his Majesty has granted the demand, on the ground that he has not yet recog- nised the independence of the colonies associated against Eng- land, and because the vessels could not be considered as good and lawful prizes, the two said vessels are therefore declared free, and have liberty to depart immediately with their cargoes." By a subsequent letter from the same consul I am informed that a third prize belonging to the said United States, viz., the Charming Polly, which arrived at Bergen after the others, had also been seized and delivered up in the same manner, and that all the people of the three vessels being thus stript of their property, (for every one of them had an interest in the prizes,) were turned on shore to shift for themselves, without money, in a strange place, no provision being made for their subsistence, or for sending them baek to their country. Permit me, Sir, to observe on this occasion, that the United States of America have no war but with the Enj^lish. They havp npvp.r done any injury to other nations, particularly none to the Danish nation ; on the contrary, they are in some degree its benefactors, as they have opened a trade of which the English made a monopoly, and of which the Danes may now have their share, and by dividing the British empire have made it less dangerous to its neighbors. They conceived that every nation whom they had not offended, was by the rights of humanity their friend ; they confided in the hospitality of Denmark, and thought themselves and their pro- perty safe when under the roof of his Danish Majesty. But they find themselves stript of that property, and the same given up to their enemies, on the principle only, that no acknowledge- ment had yet been formally made by Denmark, of the independ- ence of the United States, which is to say, that there is no obli- gation of justice towards any nation, with whom a treaty promi- sing the same has not been previously made. This was indeed the doctrine of ancient barbarians ; a doctrine long since explo- ded, and which it would not be for the honor of the present age to revive ; and it is hoped that Denmark will not by supporting :ind persisting in this derision obtained of his Majesty apparenth O o 290 by surprise, be the first modern nation that shall attempt to te^ vive it.* N The United States oppressed by, and in war with one of the most powerful nations of Europe, may well be supposed incapa- ble in their present infant state, of exacting justice from other nations not disposed to grant it ; but it is in human nature that injuries as well as benefits received in times of weakness and distress, national as well as personal, make deep and lasting im- pressions ; and those ministers are wise, who look into futurity, and quench the first sparks of misunderstanding between two nations, which, neglected may in time grow into a flame, all the consequence whereof, no human prudence can foresee, which may produce much mischief to both, and cannot possibly produce any good to either. I beg leave through your Excellency, to submit these con- siderations to the wisdom and justice of his Danish Majesty, whom I infinitely respect, and who I hope will consider and re- peal the order above recited, and that if the prizes which I hereby reclaim in behalf of the United States of America, are not actually gone to England, they may be stopt and redelivered to M. de Chezaulx the said consul of France at Bergen, in whose care they before were, with liberty to depart for America, when the season shall permit. But if they shall be already gone to England, I must then reclaim from his Majesty's equity the value of the said three prizes, which is estimated at 50,000/. sterling, but which may be regulated by the best information that can by any means be obtained. I am, with the greatest respect, &c. B. Franklin, Minister Plen. The Chevalier now received a regular appointment from Mr. .Tefferson; who, it is believed, drew up a memorial which Jones carried with him. Among the papers fur- nished to the author by Mr. Jefferson is a memorandum, in the handwriting of Mr. Jefferson, of references to par- ticular passages of the works of Grotius and other eminent writers on the law of nations, intended for the Chevalier's * Lcs Anciens (says Valtel in his excellent treatise entitled " le droit des gens,) ne''se era joient tenus a rien envers les peuples qui ne leurs etoient imis par un trait^ d'amite enfin la voix de la nature ?e fit entendre aux peu- ples civ^ilis^s ; ils reconnurent que tous les hommes etoient freres." An in- fustice of the same kind done a century or two since by some English in the East Indies, Grotius tells us, " ne manquoit pas de partisans, qui soute- moient que par ie anciennes loix d'Angleterre on ne punissoit point en ce Royaume les outrages commis contre, les etrangers quand il n'y avoit point d' Alliance, contracted avec eux." But this principle he condemns in thp ,strongest terms. Hist, des troubles des Pays bas, livre XVI. it) I use, when he should arrive at Copenhagen. This commife- sion ran thus ; To John Paul Jones, Esq., Commodore in the service of the United States of America. 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 the prizes delivered to Great Britain during the late war ; — and to despatch yourself, or any other agent, to the Court of Denmark, with such powers, and instruc- tions relative thereto, as I might think proper, provided the ulti- mate conclusion of the business be not made by the said agent, without my previous approbation, I hereby authorize you to pro- ceed to the Court of Denmark, for the purpose of making the necessary representations on the subject, and for conferring thereon with such persons, as shall be appointed on that behalf by the said Court, and for agreeing provisionally on the arrange- ment to be taken, transmitting the same to me at Paris, for final approbation. Given under my hand and seal at Paris, this 24th day of Janu- ary in the year of our Lord 1788, and of the independence of the United States of America, the twelfth. Th. Jefferson, The Chevalier proceeded on his mission. His health, it seems, had suffered on the way to his destination, probably from the severity of the weather. From the capital of Den- mark, where he was treated with the most distinguished marks of regard, he wrote to Mr. Jefferson as follows : Copenhagen, March llth, 1788. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, 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. 1 have kept my bed for several days ; but I now feel myself better, and hope the danger is over. On my arri- val, 1 paid my respects to the minister of France ; he received me with great kindness. We went five days ago to the minister of foreign affairs, I was much flattered with my reception, and our conversation was long and very particular respecting Ame- rica and the new constitution, of which 1 presented a copy ; he observed, that it had struck him as a very dangerous power to make the President commander in chief ; in other respects, it appeared to please him much, as leading to a near and sure 292 treaty of commerce between America and Denmark ; it waa a day of public business, and I could not do more than present your letter. I shall follow the business closely. In a few days, when I am re-established in health, I am to be presented to the whole court, and to sup with the King. I shall after that be presented to all the corps diplomatic, and other persons of dis- tinction here ; I am infinitely indebted to the attentions I recei- ved from the minister of France. 1 made the inquiry you de- sired in Holland, and should then have written to you in conse- quence, had I not been assured by authority (M. Van Staphorst,) that I could not doubt, that letters had been sent you on the sub- ject, that could not fail of giving you satisfaction. Mr. Van Staphorst was very obliging. At Hamburg I ordered the smoked beef you desired to be sent to you, to the care of the American agent at Havre de Grace : you have nothing to do but receive it, paying what little charges may be on it. My ill health and fatigue on the road, hindered me from pre- paring the extract of the engagement. When you see Mr. Lit- tle Page, I pray you to present my kind compliments. It is said here, that the Empress confides the command of her fleet, that will pass the Sound, to Admiral Greg ; and that he means to call at an English port to take provisions, &c. The Ham- burg papers, I am told, have announced the death of Dr. Frank- lin ; I shall be extremely concerned if the account proves true — God forbid ! The departure of the post obhges me to con- clude. I am, with a deep sense of your kind attachment, Sir, yours, &c. On the 1 8th of the same month, he again wrote to the American minister at Paris : Copenhagen, March IBth, 1788. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, Yesterday His Excellency the Baron de la Houzfi, Minister Plenipotentiary of France at this court, did me the honor to present me publicly to His Majesty, the royal family, and chief personages at the royal palace here. I had a very po- lite and distinguished reception. The Q,ueen Dowager conver- sed with me for some time, and said the most civil things. Her Majesty 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 is a charming person, and the graces are so much her own, that it is impossible to see and converse with her. without paying to her that homage 293 wliicli artless beauty and good nature will ever command. AU the royal family spoke to me except the King, who speaks to no person when presented. His Majesty saluted me with great complaisance at tirst, and as often afterward as we met in the course of the evening. The Prince Royal is greatly beloved, and extremely affable : he asked me a number of pertinent questions respecting America. I had the honor to be invited to sup with His Majesty and the royal family. The company at table consisting of seventy ladies and gentlemen, including the royal family, the ministers of state, foreign ambassadors, &c. was very brilliant. The death of Dr. Franklin seems to be generally beUeved. Every person I have spoken with at court, laments the event, as a misfortune to human nature. I have bad a second conference with the minister of foreign aifairs^ but nothing is yet done ; I will press him to conclude. I am so con- tinually feasted, and have so many visits to pay and receive, that I have scarcely a moment to call my own ; and the departure of the post does not now afiford me the time necessary to com- pare the whole of my last. I have received no letter whatever since I came here. 1 am, with great esteem and respect, Sir, yours, &c, Copenhagen, March 20th, ITSff. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, 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 satisfac- tory 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 immediately. The minister of foreign affairs will receive me on Saturday. Please to present my kind compliments to Mr. Little Page. If there is any thing new from that quarter, you will no doubt communicate it. I am, sincerely, yours, &c. Copenhagen, March 25th, 178C. His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, I propose to send the present, under cover, to Messieurs Ni- cholas and Jacob Van Staphorst of Amsterdam ; presuming you may be there by the time they will receive it. If you are not arrived, or fully expected to arrive there in a day or two, the}' will be requested to forward you my letter. My mission here is not yet at an end, but the minister has promised to determine '' 294 300U, and I liare wrote to claim that promise. Beibre you caa receive this. Monsieur de Semolin will have informed you, that your proposal to him, and his application on that idea, have been well received. The matter is communicated to me here, in the most flattering expressions, by a letter I have received from His Excellency the Baron de Krudener. There seems, however, to remain some difficulty respecting the letter of Mon- sieur de Semolin's proposal, though it is accepted, in substance, with an appearance of great satisfaction. I find myself under the necessity of setting out for St. Petersburg through Sweden, in a few days, instead of returning first, as was my wish and intention, to Paris. 1 hope in the mean time to receive a satis- factory answer, which I shall duly communicate to you. Your future letters for me, you will please to send under cover, to the minister of France at Petersburg, or rather deliver them to Monsieur de Semolin, to whom I tender my sincere and re- spectful thanks for his good offices, which 1 shall ever remem- ber with pleasure and gratitude, and which I shall always be ambitious to merit. I esteem myself also much indebted to Mr. Little Page, and hope I may one day convince him how sensible I am of his friendly behavior. I say nothing at present of your attachment, but my feelings do you justice. I am, with unbounded esteem and sincere regard, &c. Jones did not remain long at Copenhagen, but whilst there he pressed the business entrusted to him with his usual ardor. The Danish Court, either from a fear of offending Great Britain, or a desire to procrastinate, pleaded a want of full powers in the ChevaUer to treat, and transferred the negotiation to Paris, as will be seen in the subjoined corres- pondence with Count Bernstorff. Jones was impatient to go to Russia, whose sovereign, the celebrated Catharine II., had invited him thither by the most flattering promises of patronage. It was Mr. Jefferson who originally pro- jected for the Chevalier this adventure, which so admirably accorded with his chivalric disposition. Copenhagen, March ^4th, 1788. His Excellency M. le Comte de Bernstorff, Knight of ^ the order of the Elephant, Secretary of State for Fo- > reign Affiurs, &c., Copenhagen. ) Sir, From the act of Congress, (the act by which I am honored with a gold medal,) I had the honor to shew your Excellency the 21st of this month, as well as from the conversation that followed, vau must be convinced that circumstances do not per- 2dif uiit me to remain here ; but that I am under a necessity, either to return to France, or proceed to Russia. As the minister of the United States, at Paris, gave me the perusal of the packet he wrote by me, and which I had the honor to present to you on my arrival here, it is needless to go into any detail on the object of my mission to this court, which Mr. Jefferson has particularly explained. The promise you have given me of a prompt and explicit decision from this court, on the act of Con- gress of the 2oth of October last, inspires me with full confi- dence. I have been very particular in communicating to the United States, all the polite attentions with which I have been honored at this court ; and they will learn with great pleasure the kind reception I had from you. 1 felicitate myself on being the instrument to settle the delicate national business in ques- tion, with a minister who conciliates the views of the wise states- man, with the noble sentiments and cultivated mind of the true philosopher and man of letters. 1 have the honor to be, with great respect, yours, &c. Copenhagen, March 30th, 1788. His Excellency M. le Comte de Bernstorff. Sir, Your silence on the subject of my mission from the United States to this court, leaves me in the most painful suspense ; the more so as I have made your Excellency acquainted with the promise I am under, to proceed as soon as possible to St. Petersburg. This being the ninth year since the three prizes reclaimed by the United States, were seized upon in the port of Bergen, in Norway, it is to be presumed, that this court has long since, taken an ultimate resolution respecting the compen- sation demanded by Congress. Though I am extremely sensi- ble of the favorable reception with which 1 have been distin- guished at this court, and am particularly flattered by the polite attentions with which you have honored me at every confe- rence, yet I have remarked, with great concern, that you have never led the conversation to the object of my mission here. A man of your liberal sentiments will not, therefore, be surpri- sed or offended at my plain dealing, when I repeat that 1 impa- tiently expect a prompt and categorical answer, in writing, from this court, to the act of Congress of the 25th of October last. Both my duty and the circumstances of my situation, constrain me to make this demand, in the name of my sovereign the Uni- ted States of America ; but I beseech you to believe, that though I am extremely tenacious of the honor of the American flag, yet ray personal interest in the decision I now ask, would never have induced me to present myself to this court. You are ton just, Sir, to delay my business here ; which would put me uii- fier the necessitv to break the promise I have made to Her Imperial Majesty, conformable to your advice. I have the honor to be, with great respect, &c. Copenhagen^ April 4th, 1788. The Chevalier Paul Jones, Commander in Chief of ) the squadron of the United States of America. ^ Sir, You have requested of me an answer to the letter you did me the honor to remit to me from Mr. Jefferson, minister pleni- potentiary of the United States of America, near His Most Christian Majesiy. I do it with so much more pleasure, as you have inspired me with as much interest as confidence, and this occasion appears to me favorable to make known the sentiments of the King mv master, on the objects to which we attach so much importance. Nothing can be further from the plans and the wishes of His Majesty, than to let fall a negotiati^^n, which has only been suspended in consequence of circumstances ari- sing from the necessity of maturing a new situation, so as to enlighten himself on their reciprocal interests, and to avoid the inconvenience of a precipitate and imperfect arrangement. I am authorized. Sir, to give you, and through you to Mr. Jeffer- son, the word of the King, that His Majesty will renew the ne- gotiation for a treaty of amity and commerce in the forms al- ready agreed upon, at the instant that the new constitution (this admirable plan, so worthy of the wisdom of the most enhght- ened men) will have been adopted by the States, to which nothing more was wanted to assure to itself a perfect considera- tion. If it has not been possible, Sir, to discuss definitively with you, neither the principal object nor its accessaries, the idea of eluding the question, or of retarding the decision, had not the least part in it. I have already had the honor to ex- press to you, in our conversations, that your want of plenipo- tentiary powers from Congress, was a natural and invincible obstacle. It would be, likewise, contrary to the established custom, to change the seat of negotiation, which has not been broken off, but only suspended, thereby to transfer it from Paris to Copenhagen. I have oaly one more favor to ask of you, Sir, that you would be the interpreter of our sentiments in regard to the United States. It would be a source of gratification to me to think that what I have said to you on this subject, carries with it that con- viction of the truth which it merits. We desire to form with them coniexions solid, useful, and essential ; we wish to esta- blish there on bases natural and immovable. The momentary 297 ■ *: - clouds — the incertitudes which the misfortunes ot" the time's brought with them, exist no longer. We should no longer recol- lect it, but to feel in a more lively manner, the happiness of a more fortunate period ; and show ourselves more eager to prove the dispositions most proper to effect a union, and to pro- cure reciprocally the advantages which a sincere alliance can afford, and of which the two countries are susceptible. These are the sentiments which I can promise you. Sir, on our part, and we flatter ourselves to find them likewise in America ; no- thing then can retard the conclusion of an arrangement, which I am happy to see so far advanced. Permit me to repeat to you. Sir, again, the assurances of the perfect and distinguished consideration with which I have the honor to be, &c. Bernstorff. Copenhagen^ April bth, 1788. His Excellency M. le Comte de Bernstorff, Sic. Sir, I pray your Excellency to inform me when I can have the honor to wait on you, to receive the letter you have been kind enough to promise to write me in answer to the Act of Con- gress of the 25th of October last. As you have told me that my want of plenipotentiary powers to terminate, ultimately, the business now on the carpet between this Court and the United States has determined you to authorize the Baron de Blome to negotiate and settle the same with Mr. Jefferson at Paris, and to conclude at the same time an advantageous treaty of commerce between Denmark and the United States ; my busi- ness here will of course be at an end when I shall have receiv- ed your letter, and paid you my thanks in person for the very polite attentions with which you have honored me. I am, with great respect, &:c. Copenhagen, April 2>th, 1788, His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, 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 opportuni- ties are lost when the supreme power does not place a suffi- cient confidence in the distant operations of public officers, whether civil or military. I have, however, the melancholy satisfaction to reflect, that I have been received and treated here with a distinction far above the pretensions of mv pviblic mis- 29 S si.bn ; and I felicitate myself sincerely, on being, at my own ex- pense, (and even at the peril of my life, for my sufferings, from the inclemency of the weather, and my want of proper means to guard against it on the journey, were inexpressible ; and I be- lieve, from what I yet feel, will continue to affect my constitution) the instrument to renew the negotiation between this country and the United States : the more so, as the honor is now reserved for you to display your great abilities and integrity by the com- pletion and improvement of what Dr. Franklin had wisely be- gun. I have done then, what perhaps no other person would have undertaken under the same circumstances ; and while I have the consolation to hope that the United States will derive solid advantages from my journey and efforts here, I rest per- fectly satisfied, that the interests of the brave men I commanded will experience in you parental attention, and that the American flag can lose none of its lustre, but the contrary, while its honor is confided to you. America being a young nation with an in- creasing commerce, which will naturally produce a navy, I please myself with the hope, that in the treaty you are about to conclude with Denmark, you will find it easy and highly advan- tageous to include certain articles for admitting America into the armed neutrality. I persuade myself before-hand, that this would afford pleasure to the Empress of Russia, who is at the head of that noble and humane combination ; and as I shall now set out immediately for St. Petersburg, I will mention the idea to her Imperial Majesty, and let you know her answer. If Congress should think I deserve the promotion that was proposed when I was last in America, and should condescend to confer on me the grade of rear-admiral, from the day I took the Serapis, (23d of Sept. 1779) I am persuaded it would be very agreeable to the Empress, who now deigns to offer me an equal rank in her service, although I never yet had the honor to draw my sword in her cause, nor to do any other act that could di- rectly merit her imperial benevolence. While I express, in the warm effusion of a grateful heart, the deep sense I feel of my eternal obligation to you, as the author of the honorable prospect that is now before me, I must rely on your friendship to justify to the United States the important step I now take, conformable to your advice. You know I had no idea of this new fortune when I found that you had put it in train, before my last return to Paris from America. I have not forsaken a country, that has had many disinterested and difficult proofs of my steady affection ; and I can never renounce the glorious title of a citizen of the United States ! It is true I have not the express permission of the sove- reignty, to accept the offer of her Imperial Majesty : yet Anre- I'ica is indepeodent, is in perfect peace, has no public employ- ment for my military talents ; but why should I excuse a conduct which I should rather hope, would meet with general approba- tion ? In the latter part of the year 1782 Congress passed an act for my embarkation in the fleet of his most Christian Majesty ; and when, a few months ago, I left America to return to Europe^ 1 was made the bearer of a letter to his most Christian Majesty, requesting me to be permitted to embark in the fleets of evolu- tion. Why did Congress pass those acts ? To facilitate my improvement in the art of conducting fleets and military ope- rations. I am then, conforming myself to the views of Con- gress ; but the roll allotted me, is infinitely more high and difli- cult than Congress intended. Instead of receiving lessons from able masters, in the theory of war, I am called to immediate practice ; where I must command in chief, conduct the most difficult operations, be my own preceptor, and instruct others. Congress will allow me some merit in daring to encounter such multiplied difficulties. The mark I mentioned of the approba- tion of that honorable body, would be extremely flattering to me in the career I am now to pursue, and would stimulate all my ambition to acquire the necessary talents, to merit that and even greater favors, at a future day. I pray you. Sir, to explain the circumstances of my situation, and be the interpreter of my sentiments to the United States in Congress. I ask for nothing ; and beg leave to be understood only as having hinted, what is natural to conceive, that the mark of approbation I mentioned, could not fail to be infinitely serviceable to my views and suc- cess in the country where I am going. The Prince Royal sent me a messenger, requesting me to come to his apartment. His Royal Highness said a great many civil things to me, told me the King thanked me for my attention and civil behaviour to the Danish flag, while I commanded in the European seas ; and that His Majesty wished for occasions to testify to me his personal esteem, &c. I was alone with the Prince half an hour. I am with perfect esteem, &c. In 1788 the Russians were at war with the Turks, and, wanting naval talent, sought and procured it, wherever.it was to be found. Among others, it is not surprising that Jones should have attracted the notice of so enlightened a, ruler as Catharine. He went to St. Petersburg; and no longer opposing the wishes of the Empress, attached himself to her service, under this single condition, "that he should never be condemned unheard." So expeditious was he in his movements, that we find him, in the month of June 1 788, writing a letter from an board a Russian man-of-war, on the 300 Liinan sea, to the iVIarquis de la Fayette. It contains an account of his passage through Sweden to St, Petersbui^, and of his reception by the Empress: On board the Imperial ship IVolodimer, at anchor in the Liman, before Oczacoff, June 15-26, 1788. Monsieur le Marquis de la Fayette, Major General el } Chevalier du plusieurs Ordres, a son Hotel a Paris. ^ My Dear General, and dear Friend, The kind letter you did me the honor to write me, the 20th of April, was dehvered to me at St. EUzabeth, on ray way here from St. Petersburg. It was very flattering for me to receive such a letter from a man whom 1 so much love and respect as I do, and have long done the Marquis de la Fayette. You will yourself do justice to my sensibility for all your good offices and good intentions, so I need only say, I shall always be ambitious to merit the flattering compliment with which you honor me by subscribing yourself my " sincere fi-iend." I must tell you that Mr. Elliot, (the same who filched Dr. Lee's papers at Berlin,) was furious when he found my business at Gopenhagen ; and that I was received with great distinction at court, and in all the best societies in Denmark. Every time I was invited to sup with the King, Elliot made an apology ; he shut himself up for more than a month, and then left town. This occasioned much laughter ; and as he had shunned society from the time of my arrival, people said he had gone oft" in a fright! I hope Mr. Jefierson is satisfied with the train in which I left the Danish business. It would have been impossible for me to have pushed it any farther, as I had not full powers to conclude it finally. I went through Sweden to St. Petersburg. The advanced season did not permit my return to Paris, the distance would have been too long through Germany, and Elliot had influenced the English to put difficulties in the way of my passage by the Baltic. I found the Gulf de Botenea barred with ice, and after making several fruitless attempts to cross it in a small open boat, ^about 30 feet long,) I compelled the Swedish peasants to steer as I directed them, lor the Gulf of Finland ; after about four, or five hundred miles of navigation, I landed at Reval, and having paid the peasants to their satisfaction, I gave them a good pilot, with some provision, to reconduct them to their home. My voyage was looked upon as a kind of miracle, being what never had been attempted before, unless in large vessels. The Empress received me with a distinction the mo^t flatter- ing that perhaps any stranger can boast of. On entering into the i^ 301 Kussian service, her Majesty conferred on me immediately the grade of Rear- Admiral. I was detained against my will a fort- night, and continually feasted at court and in the first society. This was a cruel grief to the English, and I own that their vex- ation, which I believe was general in and about St. Petersburg, gave me no pain. I presented the Empress with a copy of the new American constitution. Her Majesty spoke to me often about the United States, and is persuaded that the American revolution cannot fail to bring about others, and to injluence every other government. I mentioned the armed neutrality, so honorably patronised by Her Majesty ; and I am persuaded that no difficulty will be made about admitting the United States into that illustrious association, so soon as America shall have built some ships of war. 1 spoke of it to the Danish minister of foreign affairs, who seemed pleased with the idea. The United States have some commerce with Russia, which perhaps we may be able to increase. I should think whale oil, dried fish, spermaceti and rice, may be articles to suit the Rus- sia market ; if the Mediterranean was not shut to the American flag, many articles might be supplied to the Russian fleet, now destined for the Archipelago. I certainly wish to be useful to a country I have so long served. 1 love the people and their cause, and shall always rejoice when I can be useful to promote their happiness. I am glad that the new constitution will be, as you tell me, adopted by more than nine states. I hope, however, they will alter some parts of it ; and particularly that they will divest the President of all military rank and command ; for though Gene- ral Washington might be safely trusted with such tempting power as the chief command of the fleet and army, yet, depend on it, in some other hands it could not fail to overset the liberties of America. The President should be only the first civil Magis- trate, let him command the military xaith the pen ; but deprive him of the power to draw his sword and lead them, under some plausible pretext, or under any circumstances whatever, to cut the throats of a part of his fellow-citizens, and to make him the tyrant of the rest. These are not my apprehensions alone, for 1 have mentioned them to many men of sense and learning since I saw you, and I have found them all of the same sen- timent. What are you about my dear General ? Are you so absorbed in politics as to be insensible to glory ? That is impossible, quit then your divine Calypso, come here, and pay your court once more to Bellona, who, you are sure, will receive you as her fa- vorite. You would be charmed with the Prince de Potemkin, 302 He is a most amiable man, and none can be more noble- minded. For the Empress, fame has never yet done her justice. I am sure no stranger who has not known that illustrious character, ever conceived how much her Majesty is made to reign over a great empire, to make the people happy, and to attach grateful and susceptible minds. Is not the present a happy moment for France to declare for Russia ? Would it not be a means to retrieve her dignity, and to re-establish the affairs of Holland ? What would England find to oppose to such an alliance ? Denmark is with Russia, and Sweden ought surely to be with France. An alliance with Rus- sia might be very advantageous, and can never be dangerous to France. In these circumstances the Isles of Candia and Cyprus appear among the objects which ought to attract her attention. Perhaps they might be obtained and the affairs of Holland re-es- tablished without the expense of a war, for it is a question if England and Russia would venture to make opposition. One sure advantage would result to France, I mean the breaking of her destructive treaty of commerce with England. Since the lime of the assembly of notables, I have always thought that the ministry ought to have seen the expediency of a war with England ; to break the treaty of commerce, and prevent the ruin of French manufactories ; to obtain loans from Holland, and to render that Republic for ever dependant on French pro- tection ; and, above all, to unite the nation, and prevent the ■ broils that have since ensued, by exciting a brave patriotic people to support their national dignity. My motives are pure, and 1 am influenced only by the affec- tion I feel for the two countries you love. Your known patriot- ism assures me that if you can make my ideas useful, you will not fail to do it. My kind respects await Madame La Marquisse, and I hope her interesting family is well. It would afford me great happi- ness to see or hear from you, and if you cannot favor us with a visit, I beg the favor of any news that may be interesting. J am my dear General, j^ours, &c. P. S. Mr. Little Page has arrived at the army of the Prince de Potemkin, and I expect to see him here in a {ew days. The Captain Pacha has been beaten last week. This is a good be- ginning, and I hope we shall soon have greater success. The Count de Dumas was in the affair. To speak in our republican way he is a gallant fellow, I marked him well. He has my esteem, and his fair mistress owes him twenty sweet kisses for his first effort. He keeps his picture always at his heart. 303 On board the Wolodimer, before Oczacqff^, ~ ugusi ^^^^ His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Sir, Some of my friends in America did me the honor to ask for my bust ; I enclose the names of eight gentlemen, to each of vphom I promised to send one. You will oblige me much by desiring Mr. Houdan to have them prepared, and packed 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 time, a few words to each of the gentlemen, I shall esteem it a particular favor. Before I left Copenhagen I wrote to Mr. Amoureux, mer- chant at L'Orient, to dispose of some articles of mine in his hands, and remit you the amount. I hope he has done it. and that his remittance may be sufficient to pay Mr. Houdan, and the expense of striking the medal with which J am honored by the United States. But lest this should not turn out as I expect, I have directed Dr. Bancroft to pay any draft of yours on him for my account, as far as four or five thousand livres. I shall want four gold medals as soon as the dies are finished. I must present one to the United States, another to the King of France, and I cannot do less than offer one to the Empress. As you will keep the dies for me, it is my intention to have some more gold medals struck ; therefore 1 beg you, in the mean time not to permit the striking of a single silver or copper medal. I pray you to present me in the most respectful terms to Mon- sieur de Simolin. However my situation in Russia may termi- nate, 1 shall ever esteem myself under great obhgation to him. I pray you to present my affectionate respects to the Count d'Estaing, and tell him I am infinitely flattered by the obliging things he has had the goodness to say of me in my absence. I admire him for his magnanimity, and it vexes me every time I reflect how little his bravery and patriotism have been rewarded by government. He is the only officer who served through the last war without promotion or honors. It is his honor, to be beloved by his nation and to have deserved it. I send enclosed an extract of my Journal on my expedition from France to Holland in the year 1779, for the information of the Academy of Inscriptions and Bellos-Lettres. I trust at the same time more to your judgment than to theirs. There is a medal- list who executed three medals for me in wax. One of them is the battle between the Bon homme Richard and the Serapis. The position of the two ships is not much amiss ; but the ac- cessory figures are much too near the principal objects ; and he has placed them to windward instead of being, as they really were, to leeward of the Bon homme Richard and Serapis. I do 304 not at this moment recollect the medallist's name ; but he lives on the 3d or 4th stage at a marble-cutter's, almost opposite, but a little higher than your former house, Cul-de-sac Rue Taite- bout, and may be easily found. It would be of use to see the medal he has made, although it is by no means to be copied. I owe him a small sum, perhaps 200 livres. I wish to know how much, that I may take an arrangement for paying. I have not comprehended in the extract of my journal the extreme difficul- ties I met with in Holland nor my departure from the Texel in the Alliance, when I was forced out by the Vice-Admiral Rhynst in the face of the enemy's fleet. The critical situation I was in in Holland needs no explanation, and I shall not say how much the honor of the American flag depended on my conduct, or how much it affected all the belligerent powers. I shall only say it was a principal cause of the resentment of England against Holland, and of the war that ensued. It is for you and the academy to determine, whether that part of my service ought to be the sub- ject of one side of the medal ? Before Oczacoff, Sept. 15-26, 1788. Mr. Littlepage has postponed his departure. I expected him to remain with me till the end of the campaign, but he now sets out so suddenly, that I cannot send by him the extract of my journal in 1779. I will send it in a week or two to my friend the Count de Segur at St, Petersburg, and he will forward it to you with his ministerial despatches. Your letters with which you honor me may also be forwarded to him. I persuade my- self that Count de Montmorin will do it with pleasure. I trou- ble you with two enclosed letters, and am with perfect esteem, &c. List of gentlemen to whom busts are to be sent. General St. Clair, and Mr. Ross, of Philadelphia. — Mr. .lohn Jay, General Irvine, Mr. Secretary Thompson, and Colonel Wadsworth, of New- York. — Mr. J. Madison, and Colonel Carrington, of Virginia. Admiral Paul Jones presents his respectful compliments to Mr. Short, and begs the favor of him to forward the eight busts mentioned in the above list by the most direct opportunities, from Havre de Grace to America. Mr. Jefferson is wrote to on this subject ; and Mr. Houdan, who prepares the busts, will also have them carefully packed up in four boxes. The Admiral prays Mr. Short to be so obliging as to write a line or two to each of the gentlemen for whom the busts are destined. Jones was now again in active employment, on the ele- ment most favorable to the display of his talents. That much reliance was placed on his skill and energy, may be inferred from the annexed note of the Prince of Nassau : 30b To the VicE-AoMiRAr.. May'dOth 1788. I send you, my dear General, the two answers of M. de Suvorow, which he has transmitted unsealed. I beg you to in- form me what are you intentions, as I have decided, since I have the liberty, to march only when you can protect me. Prince Nassau-Siegen. From his flag ship, tlie Wolodimer, the Vice Amiral wrote to that Prince. His letter shews that some diiference of opinion existed between them : On board the frigate Wolodimer, June 1st, 1788, opposite } the first village to the West of the River Bog. ^ The Vice Admiral to the Prince Nassau-Siegen. My Prince, No person can desire more than myself to make a happy and at the same glorious campaign, for the arms of her Imperial Majesty. If you can shew me a more advantageous position than the one I already have, I will change my plan with pleasure to adopt yours. If you are of opinion that my duty requires me to attack the Turkish fleet, under existing circumstances, I ask you if 1 ought not to wait until I can conquer it. Where is the man who will justify me, if following my own will, and with- out any necessity, knowing nothing certain of the position of the army of His Highness the Marshal Prince Potemkin, I should expose the squadron under my command to be burnt or taken. Do you believe the enemy will dare make a descent on this side of Kimbourn, and thus place himself between two fires ? The experience of the last year proves that nothing is risked on the other side, and that the garrison is strong enough and the gene- rals able enough, to repel an attack of ten thousand men. But if the squadron %vhich I have the honor to command, should be destroyed, it is not necessary for me to inform you, that the Bog, the Cherson, &c. &c. would be open to the ravages of the enemy. I would desire from my heart, that Your Highness would place one or two batteries under the walls of Kimbourn, to reinforce the place ; but you must feel that it is impossible for me to es- cort you even\inder the guns of Kimbourn, without having first conquered the Turkish fleet. My intention is to protect Kim- bourn, and I believe I do so at this moment. If I advance i shall find myself in a position much less favorable, without any perceptible advantage. The council of war of the squadron and of the flotilla, which I held the 4th of June, very inconsiderately determined to abandon the only good position in the Limaa fwithout knowing the intentions of His Highness the Princt^ 30G Marshal) and to advance three versts to occupy another inlinitel v more exposed and less strong. It was compromitting our meaner for the remainder of the war, without placing Kimbourn the least more in safety — in fact all was to the contrary. We have a stronger force in our barges than" the Turks, in consequence we can always go to the assistance of Kimbourn, even against the wind. I have the honor to be, with the most distinguishedconsidera- tion and attachment, -My Prince, &c. Prince Potemkin, if the following letter may be consi- dered as proof, highly approved of the behaviour of Jones, and professed to be his friend : Head quarters, on the Bog, near Nova Grigorersky, June mil, 1 788. To the Vice Admiral. The part you have taken, in concert with the Prince of Nassau in uniting your forces with his, and acting thus against the enemy, cannot. Sir, but give me most particular pleasure. This junction is as necessary fis useful for the service of Her Imperial Majesty and particularly at this time. I recommend it to you therefore. Sir, in the strongest manner possible, in assur- ing you that on every occasion, it will do me the greatest plea- sure to appreciate to the Empress the services you may render the country. I would desire you could defer your operations, until I may have approached nearer to you, excepting in case the enemy should give you a good opportunity to offer battle, or that the safety of Kimbourn should require it. T have the honor to be with perfect consideration, Sir, your most obedient servant. Prince Potemkin-Tauricien. Although there was not, in the whole fleet on the Liman. «ron the Black Sea, an ofliccr so well qualified to direct the liiaval operations against the Turks as Jones, yet, situated as he was, among rival commanders, he found it indispen- sable to defer his judgment to that of others. He appeared ^o he disposed to court the favor of Prince Potemkin. On the 8th of June the Prince Potemkin had also writ- ten to the Vice- Admiral a letter of thanks in the following terms : To the Vice-Admiral. June 8nd, my apprehensive terrors ; I will compel my foolish heart to be more tranquil. Judge of the excess of my love by roy agonizing dread of losing your esteem — your heart. S3o These letters Irom Delia, it will be admitted, are in ra- ther^an extravagant strain. They certainly discover a great excess of feeling, and if the effusions be not sincere, the writer must have had an uncommon faculty of giving reality to artificial expressions. Jones wrote an affectionate letter to Delia after his arri- val in America : December 25, 1781. I wrote my most lovely Delia various letters from Phila- delphia, the last of which was dated the 20th of June. On the 26th of that month I was unanimously elected by Con- gress to command the Americn of 74 guns, on the stocks, at Portsmouth, New-Hampshire. I superintended the building, which I found so much more backward than I expected, that a plan of operation I had in view is entirely defeated. I expected to have been at sea this winter, but the building does not go on with the vigor I could wish. Since I came here I have not found a single good opportunity to write to Europe. I have not since heard from your relation I left be- hind, but suppose he is with the army. This situation is doubly irksome to me, my lovely friend, as it stops my pursuit of honor as well as love ! It is now more than twelve months since 1 left France ; yet I have not received a single letter from thee in all that time, except the one written in answer to my letter at taking leave. That one is a tender letter indeed, and does honor to thy matchless heart I I read often and always with transport the many charming things that are so well ex- pressed in thy letters ; but especially the last. Thy adieu has in it all the finer feelings, blended with the noblest sentiments of the heart ! Providence, all good and just, has given thee a soul worthy in all respects to animate nature's fairest work. I rest therefore sure that absence will not diminish, but rejine the pure and spotless friendship that binds our souls together, and will ever impress each to merit the affection of the other. Remem- ber and believe my letter at parting. It was but a faint picture of my heart. I will find opportunities to write, and be every thing thou canst wish. My address is under cover to the Hon. Robert Morris, Esq. Minister of Finance, Philadelphia. The men as well as the women were infatuated with the Chevalier. The annexed letter affords proof of the flame which his reputation had kindled up, impelling individuals of good families and connexions to seek for celebrity under his command : Januui'y, 1780. SlK, Although I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance ^vith you, the fame of your exploits, and the glory you acquired in your last engagement, induce me to ask a favor at your hands ; it is to grant me an opportunity of being a witness of, and a par- taker in your chivalrous adventures. Understanding that you are now at Dunkirk, where, without doubt, the desire of flying to achieve new conquests, will not suffer you to remain long ; I hasten to offer you my services. I have the honor to request that you will receive me simply as a volunteer, in order that having no fixed post, I may be every where : I have farther only to stipulate that you will admit me to your own table, and place me under your immediate command, so that I may satiate my eyes with the pleasure of beholding your courage, and at least imitate, for it is impossible to equal it. If I should be fortunate enough to obtain this favor, rest assured that you will always find me in the path of honor. I have been long in the service of my country ; but the reform which I have introduced in the corps to which I belong, leaves me at leisure to employ myself elsewhere. Having a passion for a sea-hfe, which I have already partially gratified by a voyage to the Indies, I am eager to make one or two campaigns. Since the moment when the fame of your glorious expedition spread through the world, I have wished to serve under your orders ; and seize the present opportunity to assure you, that, if you accept my proferred services, you will never have cause to repent it : circumstances of a very pecu- liar nature render me very anxious to execute this intention. I will waive all mention of my family ; chance has thrown me in an elevated situation ; this is my only observation on this sub- ject. If you design an expedition immediately, and will receive me in the number of those who are emulous to acquire glory under your command, have the goodness to write me, and I will immediately repair to the spot you may point out. I have the honor to be, &c. De Tourneville. On one occasion a lady declined his advances in the fol- lowing delicate manner ; although it would appear that she had induced them : Sir, I am grateful for the sentiments which you entertain for me, and it would give me pleasure to reply to them ; but I could not do so without deceiving a gentleman with whom I live ; and that is what 1 am incapable of doing. After this confession you must be aware of my way of thinking ; and that what I said yesterday was only meant in jest. With all possible consideration, Sir, I have the honor to be your affectionate servant. The annexed note is rather more equivocal : Madame de H., begs Mr. Jones to pardon the liberty she lakes in addressing him without having the honor of his ac- quaintance ; and requests a moment's conversation with him at her apartments in the royal palace, or at the hotel of the Duch- ess of . She asks a thousand pardons if she should be the means of giving him any trouble at the moment of his de- parture ; but he must not be astonished that all are eager to profit by the present opportunity of seeing him. In one of the preceding letters, the enraptured Delia speaks of certain verses of the Chevalier. Among his pa- pers are those subjoined, which are, perhaps, the same that the lad J alluded to : I. When Jove I'rom high Olympus goes To Ida, and the fair below, All heav'n laments — but Juno shews. A jealous and superior wo : III vain to her all pow'ris given. To female weakness ever dear ; She scorns the sov'reignty of heav'n. Her God, her Jove, seems all to her ! II. But when the Thunderer returns. And seeks his skies, (so Homer sings.) Soft flames th' impatient goddess bums I She hastes to meet the King of kings ; Swift as the light her chariot flies, Her swifter wishes fly before ; Still joyous in the middle-skies, She meets the cloud-compelling pow'<. in. T'rolilic nature feels th' embrace, Superior blossoms, fruits and flow'rg, irpring up, — heav'n wears a brighter fatr- And fragrance ^n profusion show'r? Uu 338 Celestial raptures who can tell r Ours all divine I are only felf, \Vhat bold presumptuous stiains shall swell. With transports which the gods can melt ! IV. 'I'hus when thy warrior, though no god, Brings JFVeerfoni's standard o'er the main. Long absent from thy blest abode, Casts anchor in dear France again ; ' O ! thou more heavenly I — far more kind Than Juno, as thy swain than Jove, With what heart' s-transport, raptur'd mind ! Shall we approach on wings of love I This is no unfavorable sample of Jones's poetical abili- ties. The sentiments are impressive, and in some degree sublime. The thoughts arc comprehensive, and correspond with the vigor of his general character. It is apparent, from the original manuscript, that the Chevalier, in making love, was a truant, adapting his rhymes to situation and circum- stances. The fourth line of the fourth stanza is varied, so as to answer either for France or America : Thus, " Cast anchor in dear France again,"' fs changed to, " Infair Columbia moors again."" This may be denominated the economy of versification. It is a trick probably often practised by more persons than Jones. Whatever may have been the devotion which Jones pro- fessed for the sex, it was obvious that ambition was the predominating passion in his breast, and that he even made his love affairs subservient to his desire of glory. The fol- lowing letter to a lady at court, just before his departure for America, contains a mixture of respectful salutation, and a solicitation of female influence in his behalf : — UOrient, August 6th, 1780. To A Lapv. Madam, I had the honor to write to you on the 14th ult. but have not yet had the satisfaction to receive any of your letters since that rime. This makes me fear you are now determioed to punish me 339 tor my former silence ; yet I am frequently in doubt about this, as I hope you will shew mercy when you know that I repent ?— 1 send this by a certain conveyance ; and will hope for the ho- nor of having a letter from you in return. Present if you please my best respects to the Duke and Duchess ; I shall ever enter- tain the most profound regard for that amiable princess, and be ambitious to merit the continuance of her friendship. 1 adA.wv% in body, but of sound mind, memory, judgment, and understandmg, as appeared to us, the under-written Notaries, by his discourse and conversation,— who, with a view to death, did make.. 350 speak, and dictate to the said underwritten Notaries his Testament - as follows, to wit : — I give and bequeath all the property, moveable and immoveable, and other property generally whatsoever, which shall belong to me on the day of ray decease, in whatever countries the same may be situate, to my two sisters, Jane, wife of William Taylor, and Mary, wife of Mr. Loudon, and to the children of my said sisters, to be divi- ded into as many shares as my said sisters and their children shall form individual persons, and the same to be enjoyed by them in the following mann r, viz: — My sisters, and such of their children as shall have attained the age of twenty-one years, shall enjsy their respect- ive shares in full and property from the day of my decease : As to such of my said nephews and nieces as, on the day of my decease, shall not have attained the age of twenty-one years, their mothers shall enjoy their respective shares until they shall have attained the said age, charged with the board, maintenance, and education of the said children ; and as my said nephews and nieces shall respectively attain the age of twenty-one years, they shall enjoy their respective shares in full and absolute property. If one or more of my said ne- phews and nieces shall happen to die without issue, and before attain- ing the age of twenty-one years, the share of such of them as shall so have died, shall be divided between my said sisters and my other nephews and nieces, by equal portions. I appoint the Honorable Robert Morris, Esq. of Philadelphia, my sole testamentary Executor. I revoke all other testaments and codi- cils which I may have made anterior to the present, in which alone I persist, as containing my last will. It was thus done, spoken, and dictated by the said Testator to the said under-written Notaries, and afterward to him by one of them, the other being present, read, and read again, which he declared well to understand and persist therein, at Paris, the eighteenth day of July, in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two, at five o'clock in the afternoon, in the apartment above-described ; and the Testator has signed on the minute of these presents remaining with M. Pettier, one of the under-written Notaries, in the margin of which is written, Recorded at Paris, the twenty-fifth day of September, 1792, the first year of the Republic, in the sixth Office. Received one hundred livres, provisionally, the duty to be hereafter finally settled, on the declaration of the revenue of the Testator. De France, Barmier Pottier. Philadelphia City and County, ss. These are to certify, that the foregoing is a true copy from a trans- lation of a certain instrument of writing, written in the French lan- guage, filed and remaining in the Register's Office at Philadelphia. Given under the seal of office this tenth day of No- [Seai/.] vember, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven. I. Wampole, D. Register. 361 Schedule of the Property of Admiral John Paul Jones, as stated by kmi to me, this IQth of July, 1792. 1. Bank Stock in the Bank of North America, at Philadelphia, six thousand dollars, with sundry dividends. 2. Loan Office Certificate, left with my friend John Rose, of Phila- delphia, for two thousand dollars, at par, with great arrearages of in- terest, being for 10 or 12 years. 3. Such balance as may be in the hands of my said friend JohE Ross, belonging to me, and sundry effects left in his care. 4. My lands in the state of Vermont 5. Shares in the Ohio Company. 6. Shares in the Indiana Company. 7. About £1800 sterling due to me from Edward Bancroft, unless paid by him to Sir Robert Herries, and is then m his hands. 8. Upwards of four years of my pension due from Denmark, to be asked from the Count de Bernstorff. 9. Arrearages of my pay from the Empress of Russia, and all my prize-money. 10. The balance due to me by the United States of America, of sundry claims in Europe, which will appear from my papers. This is taken from his mouth. GovERNEUR Morris. This is to certify those whom it may concern, that the following papers and vouchers belonging to the estate of the late Commodore John Paul Jones, are left in my hands, when any of the property is recovered, or payment obtained, to be accounted for to his heirs, ac- cording to his last Will and Testament, agreeably to the copy left with me : Major William Trent's deed for 300 shares in the Indiana Com- pany. Robert Morris's note, at 12 months, for ^3332 18, with interest, at 6 per cent., dated the 18th of July, 1797. Robert Morris's note, at 2 years, for ^3332 18, with interest at 6 per cent., dated the 18th of July, 1797. Also, a certificate for 67 shares in the Pennsylvania Property Com- pany, deposited as a collateral security for the payment of the two notes above-mentioned. Ten certificates, No. 2311 a 2320, for ^300 each, dated the 10th of July, 1777, at 4 per cent, interest. Interest paid till 1781. Two certificates. No. 398 and 599, for ^400 each, at 6 per cent, in- terest, dated the 25th of June, 1779. Two certificates. No. 685 and 686, for ^400 each, at 6 per cent, each, dated the 18th of August, 1779. One hundred and forty-seven old Continental dollars and lawful money. Richard Piatt's receipt for 5 shares in the Ohio Company, for $5000 in certificates, and $50 specie. Also, a number of letters, accounts, journals, log-books, &c., with various other papers, are supposed to be of no value. Robert HYSLor, New- York, August lOth- 1797. 352 P. S. Likewise received at the same time, John G. Prazier's bill on William Frazier, Virginia, dated Bourdeaux, the 29th of March, 1779, for £100, Virginia currency, at 10 days sight, to be paid in Loan Of- fice certificates, bearing interest from the 1st of November, 1777, — which bill was presented the 30th of August, 17B1, and refused. Robert Hyslop. As every thing relating to the Revolutionary period must be interesting to the American public, and there being a mass of correspondence between the Chevalier Jones and a number of the most distinguished men of that day, not in- cluded in the preceding hfe and character, we have thought that it would be historically useful to publish a part of them, in connexion with his life, by way of appendix. APPENDIX. Marine office, Philadelphia, Sept. 30th, 1784. The Chevalier Paul Jones, Paris. Sir, I am to acknowledge the receipt of your several favoi's of 26th of December, 13th of April, and 18th of June last. I have to reproach myself for not making an early reply to the first ; but I was so much harrassed when I received it that I could not find an opportunity. Afterward 1 lived in the daily expectation of making my personal acknowledgment, but since your stay in Europe has been delayed beyond either your ex- pectation or mine, 1 now take the last opportunity which 1 shall ever have of expressing my sentiments officially upon the zeal, activity, fortitude and intelligence, which you have exhibited on so many occasions in the service of the United States. Accept, I pray you. Sir, this last feeble testimon}/ which I can give, and which, however unequal to your deserts, is at least expressive of that respect and sincere esteem with which I have the honor to be, &c. R. Morris. Paris, February 21th, 1786. Mr. Paul Jones, Commodore in the Navy of the U. States. Sir, I have received with much gratitude the mark of confidence which you have given me, and 1 have read with great eagerness and pleasure that interesting relation. My first impression was to desire you to have it published, but after having read it I perceive that you had not written it with a view to publication, because there are things in it which are written to the King, for whom alone that work was intended. 353 However, actions memorable as yours are, ought to be made known to the world by an authentic journal published in your own name. I earnestly intreat you to work at it as soon as your affairs will allow you ; and in the mean-time, / hope that the King will read this work with that attention which he owes to the relation of the services which have been rendered to him by a person so cele- brated. I beg you to be persuaded of the sincere attachment with which I have the honor to be, &c. Malesherbes. Paris, January 1st, 1786. His Most Christian Majesty Louis, King of France, &c. Sire, History gives the world no example of such generosity as that of your Majesty towards the young republic of America ; and I believe there never was a more flattering compliment shown by a Sovereign to his allies, than when your Majesty determined to arm and support a squadron under the flag of the United States. Words cannot express my sense of the preference I obtained when your Majesty deigned to mike choice of me to command that squadron. Your Majesty has as much reputation for knowledge and the desire of information, as you have for wisdom and justice ; but besides that consideration, I conceived it to be my duty to lay before your Majesty an account of my conduct as an officer, particularly from the date of the alliance between your Majesty and the United States. As your Majesty understands English, I have perhaps judged ill by presenting extracts of my journal in French ; my motive was to give your Majesty as little trouble as possible. Accept, Sire, with indulgence, this confidential off'ering of my gratitude, which is an original written for your particular information. It has been and will be the ambition of mj' life to merit the singular honor conferred on me by your Majesty's Brevet, dated at Versailles, on the 28th of June, 1780, which says, " Sa Majeste voulant marquer au J. Paul Jones, Commodore de la marine de Etats Unis de I'America, I'estime particuliere qu'elle fait desa personne, pour les preuret de bravoure et d'intrepidite qu'il a donneer et qui sont connue de sa Majestic, elle a juge a propos de I'associer a I'institution du Merite militaire, &c." The Congress of the United States has, with great justice, styled your Majesty " The protector of the rights of human nature." AVith the order of military merit vour Majesty conferred on Y V ■' ■*'•';•' .ioA me a gold sword : an honor which I presume no other officer has received ; and " the protector of the rights of hunaan na- ture" will always find me ready to draw that sword and expose my life for his service. I am, Sire, with the truest gratitude Your Majesty's most obliged and devoted servant, Paul Jones. Protector of fair freedom's rights, Louis, thy virtues please thy God I The good man in thy praise delights, And tyrants tremble at thy nod. * Thy people's father, lov'd so well. May time respect ! When thou art gone .Vlay each new year of history tell. Thy sons, with lustre fill thy throne. For the purpose of perpetuating the uames and rank of the American naval heroes of the Revolutionary War, the following authentic hst of the commission officers, is insert- ed in this work : CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS. WHEN APPOINTED. NAMES. TO WHAT VESSEI.. Guns. December 22, 1775. Ezekiel Hopkins, Alfred, 30 a (I (t Dudley Saltonstall, Trumbull, 28 " " " Abraham Whipple, Columbus, 28 (I it tt Nicholas Biddle, Andrew Doria, 16 (( » tt John B. Hopkins, Sebastian Cabot, 14 April 1'7, 1776. William Manley, Hancock, 32 it ti " Isaac Cozneau, June 6, ti Thomas Thompson, Raleigh, 32 li li tt Samuel Tompkins, Christopher Miller, ." " " John Barry, Effingham, 2ii " '• Thomas Read, Washington, 32 .. it '• Charles Alexander, Delaware, 24 li li it James Nicholson, Virginia, 28 " 15 tt Hector M'Niel, Boston, 24 it tt " Thomas Grennall, Congress, 28 August 13, " Elisha Hinman, Alfred, 30 22, !' John Hodge, John Manley, Montgomery, 24 October 10, it Lambert Wickes, Reprisal, 16 i. tt tt tt William Hallock, Hoysted Hacker, it (t '• Isaiah Robinson, tt tt John Paul Jones, Providence, 12 it tt " James Josiah, '.: ti '• Joseph Olney. Cabot, M 3bb WHEW EJttPLOYED. NAMES. TO WHAT VESSEL. October 10, 1776. James Robison, Sachem, 10 .( (t ii John Young, Independence, 10 wl (( li Elisha Warner, Lieut. Com. I. Baldwin. " " i( Thomas Albertson, Musquito. 1 February 5, 1777. Henry Johnson, March 15, (I Daniel Waters, a u ti Samuel Tucker. .May!, 1778. William Burko. June 18, " Peter Landais. September 25 a Seth Harding. 17, 1779. (1 Silas Talbot, Samuel Nicholson, John Nicholson, Henry Skinner, Benjamin Dunn, , " Samuel Chew. 1 LIEUTENANTS. December 22, 1773. John Paul Jones, Rhodes Arnold, Stansbur}', Hoysted Hacker, Jonathan Pitcher, Benjamin Seabury, Joseph Olney, Elisha Warner, Thomas Weaver, M'Dougall, June 6, J uly 22, August 17, 22, February 5, August 6, 12, July 20, 1,776. John Fanning, Ezekiel Burroughs, Daniel Vaughan, Israel Turner, Joseph Doble, Mark Dennett, Peter Shores, John Wheelriglit, Josiah Shackford, William Barnes, Thomas Vaughan, Jonathan Maltby, David Phipps, Wilson, 1777, John Nicholson Elijah Bowen, John Rodeg, William MoUeston, Richard Dale, Alexander Murray, Plunkett. Joshua Barney, Isaac Buck, [John Stevens, JAquilla Johns 1st. 3d. 1st. 2d. 3d. 1st. 3d. 1st. 2d. 1st. 2d. 1st. 2d. 3d. CHARACTER COMMODORE JOHN PAUL. JONES, The incidents in tiie lii'e of the Chevalier J olin Paul Jones, as far as the papers in the possession of the author, and in- formation from respectable sources will explain and establish them, have been faithfully recited in the preceding pages. It only remains to draw from them the features of his cha- racter. It appears to the vrriter of this volume, that there is a pre- valent mistake in estimating the merits of singular or extra- ordinary men. They are measured by a standard somewhat like that of Procrustes, to correspond with which, those who were too long were cut shorter, and those who were too short were stretched to a greater length. If an individual who has distinguished himself in hterature, in science, in the arts, in the affairs of state, or in arms, does not exhibit all the virtues of which human nature in its varieties is capa- ble, he is pronounced defective, and condemned according- ly. On the contrary, where the partiality of friendship or admiration would make, a character, and the materials are inadequate to the structure, the individual is raised beyond his level by praises for frivolous qualifications, which, as they relate to human actions, are utterly insignificant. The memory of the Chevalier John Paul Jones does not require any thing more, to ensure its perpetuation, than a just representation of his achievements. There was nothing artificial about him : every thing was natural ; and whether he was addressing himself to Congress, to kings, nobles, or citizens, he uniformly manifested the same frankness of dis- position and resolution of purpose. We do not expect to find absolute perfection in him or in any other man. The 367 ^ tempeiameut which belonged to him, the spirit of adventure by which he was impelled, his careless indifference to the accumulation of wealth, precisely in the proportion that they existed in him, were indispensable to form John Paul Jones. Every being acts agreeably to the constitution of its nature ; and it would be just as absurd to look for a con- templative philosopher in the bustle of business, or a daring naval commander in the ordinary pursuits of civil life, as to seek for a gently purling stream in the crater of a volcano. Of the birth, parentage, education, first associations, and early avocations of Jones, but little is known. That his rise in the world, whatever of fortune he had acquired and knowledge he had obtained, were principally owing to his own personal application and exertions, is apparent. That he was no novice when he entered the American service, is equally manifest. That he understood the method of ad- vancing his own interests, is also evident. But there is this distinguishing trait in his character, which at once places him in the class of great men — his schemes for preferment were always founded upon considerations of accruing na- tional benefits. Thus, when he insisted on his seniority of rank in the United States from the date of his original com- mission, he claimed it as well from his efiiciency as an offi- cer as from that circumstance : When, in France, he re- quested an independent command, he urged it upon the ground of his capacity for rendering more essential services than others to the common cause, and appealed to facts which no one could deny : And in Russia, where his nauti-| cal skill was so conspicuous, and his gallant behaviour against the Turks so beneficial to the Empress, he merely sought foi^ the reward to which his conduct entitled him. Although not peculiarly trained to the usages of courts, he was obviously a courtier in no small degree ; for at Paris and Versailles he commonly carried his points against the. intrigues of disciphned intriguers. He baffled the petty ar- tifices of his rivals more by his energy, and the utility of Ms plans, than by finesse and cunning. He had, nevertheless, a native shrewdness which was not easily foiled. The vi- vacity of his temper did not qualify him for prolonged nego- tiations ; for, in his correspondence, as well as in combat, he was eager to grapple witfi his adversary, and to bring the question at issue to a termination as speedily as possible. He was impatient when out of employment; and notwith- siaiidiiig that he was, in his moments of leisure, disposed to be convivial, and occasionally indulged in the pleasures of society, it veas more to relieve himself from the uneasiness of lassitude than from any positive inclination to prodigality ur dissipation. The same activity of mind that incessantly urged him to seek for new enterprises, made him restless in ]jort, led him to the social board, or the society of the fair sex. Fruitful in expedients, he was never at a loss for a fresh project in which his talents might shine. Returning from the Bahamas, he wrote to his friends in Congress, pressing them to confide to him some new expedition ; when in France, his various propositions to the Minister of the Marine shewed the fertility of his genius ; at the close of the war of the American revolution, he soon found occupation in the fleet of Catharine ; and when that scene closed upon him, he had his eye fixed on an adventure against the Alge- rines. He was, emphatically, a man of action; and, fond of writing, he was indefatigable in recording not only his deeds but his sentiments. He seemed to abhor indolence ; and every hour that was not strictly devoted to the acquisi- tion of glory appeared to make him unhappy. There is reason to believe, from the frequent altercations in which Jones was engaged, that he was fond of supreme command, and that he did not bear with the best grace the dictates of a superior, or even the advice of an equal. His weakness was that of selfishness in all that relates to personal fame. But who, in this respect, is not selfish ? Sincere in friendship and intense in animosity, his feelings were ex- pressed in strong and unequivocal terms. These, gaining currency, were seized upon to his disadvantage ; and his -enemies, who could not dispute his bravery, continually* thwarted his purposes, by representing him as a person bet- ter qualified for the command of single ships than of squad- rons — better suited to execute than to direct an enterprise. The difficulties which he had to encounter with regard to prize-money, embroiled him with M. le Ray de Chaumont, who had been his friend and patron, and with whom he had been upon the most intimate terms. This unhappy differ- ence arose chiefly from the different views which the parties took of the same transactions, and was probably precipita- ted and continued by the impetuosity of Jones. The Che- valier was hurt at the equality which the '•'' Concordat'''' pre- scribed between himself and the other captains in the squad- 359 >on whose cruise terminated in the capture oi" the Serapis, That equality wounded the sensibihty of Jones, and inter- fered with his predominating passion for renown. It is known to the author, from a letter dictated by Dr. Frank- lin from a bed of sickness, dated at Philadelphia, in No- vember, 1789, to the elder M. le Ray de Chaumont, that he did not regard the latter in the same unfavorable light that Jones did. In that letter, after the close of the revolution- ary war, Dr. Frankhn speaks to his old acquaintance as the friend of America ; a language which he undoubtedly would not have held had M. le Ray de Chaumont been guilty of any thing improper concerning the prize-money alluded to, or of any thing dishonest touching the American cause. It has been verified to the author, in a manner which leaves no room for doubt, that M. le Ray de Chaumont, until the time of his death, entertained for the Chevalier John Paul Jones the most sincere esteem, duly valuing his great faculties, but perceiving hkewise the imperfections of his temper and his unbounded thirst for glory, which sometimes misled his judgment. Had Jones been born within the limits of the United Ame- rican Colonies, or been a native of France, he would per- haps have risen to a greater height of authority than he did in either country. He would not have arrived at greater honors ; and the command of the America, 74, which was assigned to him by the unanimous vote of Congress, was probably as high a distinction as any that an American naval officer could at that time have aspired to : Indeed, it is one of the highest naval trusts in the gift of the government of the United States at this time. Jones displayed his ruling passion in other instances than those of a warlike character. He had his bust taken, and distributed casts of it to a number of American gentlemen of high standing; and especially to General Washington, John Jay, General Irvine, General St. Clair, Mr. Ross, Mr. Thomson, Secretary of Congress, Colonel Wadsworth, James Madison, and Colonel Carrington. The busts were made by M. Houdan, of Paris. In the medal voted to him by the Congress, he was also very particular. In giving directions for its execution, he declared that he would have none struck but in gold. The influence of Jones's achievements in Europe was verv considerable. His firmness whilst Iving in the Texel. 360 ihe ability with which he conducted himself in that critical situation, and the impression which his capture of the Sera- pis had made, had an elfect on the deliberations of the States General of Holland, and hastened their resolutions in favor of the independence of the United States of America. Whilst in the command of a squadron in Europe, Jones had treated the Danish flag with much respect. When he visited Copenhagen this courtesy was recollected ; and the court of Denmark subsequently granted him a yearly pen- sion of fifteen hundred rix-^ollars. At first he did not touch this stipend, but his affairs falling into some embarrassment, he accepted it ; not, however, without the privity, and it is presumed the assent of his own government. Had his affairs been in a more prosperous train, he would, in all probabili- t}^, never have applied for it. In his letters to Lady Selkirk will be perceived the gene- rous delicacy of a noble mind. He could not restrain the cupidity of his men ; but he did what it remained in his power to do : he restored the plundered plate, at the expense of his private purse. Alexander the Great himself, never performed a more liberal action. On the whole, the Chevalier John Paul Jones was a man of strong natural faculties ; of a good English education ; of an ardent temperament ; of a quick penetration ; of a firm and daring courage ; with an inclination to literature, an extraordinary ambition, a restless activity of soul, an indif- ference for money, a heart that felt for the distress of his fellow creatures, a spirit that would neither give nor brook an insult, and a philantliropy co-extensive with the globe. He delighted in being considered an American citizen, but was still more pleased witli being known as the friend of the human race, and as the enemy of its oppressors. " Glory ! Immortal glory, was his goal, On which he fix'd his fond unerring eye ; — It nerv'd his arm ; it warm'd his inmost soul ; It taught him how to live, and how to die." Robert T. Spence, Capt. United States Na,Yy, StOGB.A.Fi3.1CA.lLM SKETCH COMMODORE RICHARD DALE- Commodore Dale having been mentioned in the coui'se ot" the foregoing life of the Chevaher Paul Jones, a brief bio- graphical sketch of that respectable officer may be satisfac- tory to the reader. He was born on the Western Branch, four or five miles from Norfolk^ Virginia. He went to sea when he was be- tween 12 and 13 years of age, and served his time in the employment of Thomas Newton, a respectable merchant of Norfolk. In the autumn of 1 775, he was the mate of a brig belonging to Col. Newton, and arrived at Norfolk, where a British ship of war was lying, and things very unsettled. — He proceeded with the brig up James River, to City Point, In March, 1776, Capt. Barrett, the commander of the brig, was engaged in the Virginia state service, and Commodore Dale was sent down the river by him to Sandy Point, in a small schooner, for some guns, and was captured by a Bri- tish tender and taken to Norfolk. In July, he entered as a midshipman on board the United States' brig Lexington, Capt. Barry. In October he sailed in that brig as masters mate, from Philadelphia to Cape Francois. On his return, towards the end of December, Commodore Dale was cap- tured by the British frigate Liverpool, off the Capes of Vir- ginia. The wind was strong and the sea high at the time, so that the enemy could take only seven of the officers out. The remaining officers and crew retook the brig the follow- ing night, and carried her to Baltimore. On the 1st of Ja- nuary, 1777, he was landed on Cape Henlopen, made the best of his way to Philadelphia, and was ordered by the Navy Departui^nt at Baltimore. From thence he sailed in March for Bourdeaux, ia the brig Lexington, Henry John- ston commander, and from Bourdeaux to Nantes, to join Capt. Wicks in the ship Reprisal, and Capt. Samuel Nichol- son in a cutter. He sailed on a cruise from that place in May or June to the Bay of Biscay, the English and Irish Channels, and was chased into Morlaix, where he remained for some time. He sailed from that port about the 17th or 1 8th of September, bound for the United States, and the next morning fell in with a British cutter. After an actirison. He made his escape in February following, arrived at London, was retaken, and sent back to prison. In Fe- bruary, 1779, he made his escape a second time, went up to London, thence to Dover, to Calais, to Paris, to Nantes, and to L'Orient, where he joined Commodore Jones in the Bon homme Richard, as master's mate. Before the sailing of that ship, Jones made him his first lieutenant. Commodore Dale's account of the battle with the Serapis will be found in the preceding narrative. He returned, about the age of 22 years and 6 months, with Jones, in the Ariel, to Phila- delphia, where he entered on board the Trumbull of 28 guns, Capt. James Nicholson, and was taken off the Capes of Dela- ware by two British ships of war and carried into New- York, in August, 1781. He was exchanged in the succeeding No- vember. When, under the present constitution of the United States, the naval establishment was commenced, Commodore Dale was honorably remembered. He was appointed a captain on the 1 1th of Mayi, 1798, to take rank from the 4th of June, 1794. In May, 1798, the command of the sloop of war Ganges, of 24 guns, was given to him, with orders to cruise between the Capes of Virginia and Long-Island, so as to afford the best protection in his power to our jurisdictional rights, and to all vessels of the United States coming in or jioing off the coast, against French cruisers. On the 1st of February, 1799, he went to the East Indies on furlough. — On the 28th of April, 1801, he was appointed to the com- mand of the American squadron in the Mediterranean, to protect our commerce from the attacks of the Regencies of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli. He resigned his commission on the 17th of December, 1802, and now resides in Phila- delphia, in the bosom of an amiable family, respected and beloved by a numerous circle of relations, friends, and ac- ([uaintanccs, enjoying the fruits of his manly and patriotic exertions in the cause of American Independence. The following attestation of character by the Chevalier John Paul Jones, speaks impressively in favor of the gallant, in- trepid, and worthy veteran Dale : Commodore J. Paul Joius's letter of recommendation and certifi- cate of merit for Lieut. Richard Dale, dated July 18th, 1781. The bearer hereof, Mr. Richard Dale, having served as a masters-mate in the continental brisantine Lexington, and r-- 3G3 t aped irom an English prison long after that brigantine was taken in the European seas, was employed by me in France in the spring of 1779, on board the continental ship of war Bon homme Richard, as a masters-mate. In the summer of that year I pro- moted him to the station of lieutenant, and gave him a commis- sion. He was with me as lieutenant in that ship on a cruise in the Bay of Biscay, and on the expedition from France round the west of Ireland, by the north, to the Texel. He afterward was with me as a lieutenant in the Alliance from the Texel to Spain and back to France, and from France he came with me as lieutenant in the Ariel to this city. In the action between the Bon homme Richard and the Serapis, he commanded the fore- part of the battery of 12 pounders, and did his utmost till it was silenced by the fire of the Serapis, the Countess of Scarborough, and the Alliance, He afterward did his best to assist at the pumps and other places, showing a firmness and military spirit which does him the highest honor, and for which he has my particular thanks. When the Ariel was dismounted he shewed no less firmness, and in the action between the Ariel and Tri- umph did his duty with great spirit. Mr. Dale is included in the vote of thanks with which I have been honored by the United States in Congress assembled since my return from Europe, and %vill, 1 am sure, always approve himself a good man, and deser- ving officer. Given under my hand and seal'at Philadelphia this 18th day of July, 1781. bzo&raphxcjA.Zi skzstcm of LIEUT. ELIJAH HALL. Having given a brief outline of the character of Commo- dore Dale, it would be injustice to omit a due notice of ano- ther brave and meritorious officer, who served with the Chevalier John Paul Jones. We allude to Elijah Hall, w ho was a lieutenant under the Chevalier in the Ranger. Lieut. Hall had entef^ed on board this vessel at Ports- mouth, New-Hampshire, before her departure for France, and was in her with Jones in his cruise on the coasts of Scot- land and Ireland, in the descent on Whitehaven, and in the battle with the Drake. When Simpson behaved so badly as to disobey orders, it was Hall that was selected to arrest him, and to command the Drake in his stead. The promi- nent traits of Lieut. Hall's character were promptitude and energy ; of which he gave a remarkable instance in repair- ing the Drake in the course of one night, with the assistance of forty men, after Simpson had pronounced it impossible in her then shattered condition. Lieut. Hall went to Brest with Jones ; and when, ihiuugh the benevolence of the latter, Simpson was put in command of the Ranger for the purpose of returning to America, Hall occupied the post of first lieutenant. After his return to the United States, he was engaged in several expeditions against the enemy, on board the same ship, with Commo- dore Whipple, and was very successful in making captures, most of which arrived safely in port. When the America, 74, was assigned to Jones, he offered Lieut. Hall a very honorable and efficient station in her ; but the gift of that vessel to France frustrated his good intentions. Lieut. Hall eventually proceeded in the Ranger, with other ships of war, to assist in the defence of Charleston, South-Carolina, where he fell into the hands of the enemy, in common with the garrison, by capitulation. He returned to New-Hampshire, but was not exchanged until a general surrender of prison- ers. He never resigned his commission, and was always ready for active service. At the close of the war of the revolution he engaged in commercial pursuits, by which he enriched himself; but suffered considerably by the British orders in council, and the French, Berlin, and Milan decrees. Although offered a pension by government, he would not receive it ; but accepted the appointment of naval officer for Portsmouth, a situation which he still retains, at the ad- vanced age of 83. With the snow of so many winters upon his head, he discharges his duty, it is understood, with the greatest satisfaction to the merchants and others, atfording proof of an uncommon vigor of constitution and strength of intellect. Faithful to his country and true to his duty in every situation, there can be no doubt that a consciousness of probity has ensured for him that intellectual tranquillity which is so favorable to human life. As far as the author of this work is informed. Commodore Dale and Lieutenant Hall are the only surviving officers of all those who, at various times, sailed with and fought under the Chevalier John Paul Jones. Time has laid others in the dust ; but seems to have preserved these two venerable men as a sample of the stout hearts and strong frames of the heroes who braved the shores and squadrons of Great Bri- tain, and plucked laurels in her very ports to deck the brow and promote the glory of infant America. L^JL'08 ^ Bf *^'. "^2 r. *^ .« .>V^%, \/ ..^'v %^*^ '^ c'^*^ ^'^sna'. -^vc. ^^ /^wa:- >. c'^' % **'\ ^-i.%'^" *^ ^' 'l"^