John Ross to William Temple Franklin (unpublished)
L’Orient 16th August 1780
Dear Sir

I have had the pleasure of your esteemed favour 11th Inst. In answer, I have only to assure you that I shall pay proper attention to all your commands, if I have the good fortune to get Safe home.

I thank you for your particular mention of litle B. Bache, it must be pleasing to his parents, and such is my attachment and friendship for them, and for many others, of my Philadelphia acquaintances and neighbours, that I derive real happiness from every thing that adds to theirs.

I shall depend on your promise, as far only however as you may Judge consistent with prudence under the patronage and with the confidence of so good a friend. Sincerely do I wish you may have the happiness of so great a patron for some years. Yet I must confess to you that I wish nothing so much as to see him in America, his wisdom and council being Essentially necessary to that Country in its present State, to Support the dignity of a Cause much tarnished I fear, by the intrigues and Wickedness of a daring cursed faction.

The Duke of Linster and others have been waiting for Captain Jones so long, that their patience are almost worn out. I perceive Jones has been endeavioning for Sometime to smother the cause of her detention, but the clamour and wants of his people will certainly counteract his plan in that particular. Mr. Cheaumont and his agents seem chargeable with the murmuring and discontent and detention of the Alliance and Ariels Crews so long in France, and what I regrete much, as I realy wished to respect your Neighbour as a man capable of business and friendship.

However, he has very evidently acted that part which cannot be Justifyed by the least of his friends nor can it escape himself to perceive on reflection how disgracefull the consequences may prove, both to his own Country, and to America. They may be such as he cannot possibly remedy nor attone for. And what he always had in his power to guard against from the confidence and truste reposed in him by this great Nation, by that Single Act of Justice, of paying what wages and prize Monay become due to the people without delay or neglect on his part as Agent for that Small Squadron assigned to Jones.

Mr. Cheaumont woud have discharged a duty due to his Character, had he relinquished the Management on the arrival of the Alliance. Since the delay’s ever since plainly proves, that his private    ment (or some other cause) has counteracted the public Service of both France and America, and contributed to incur a triple Expence, independant of the general discontent and reflections incurred through his conduct.

This I mention in confidence between you and me. At same time, as I have still the hyghest Respect for Mr. Cheaumont, if you think it will in the least tend to facilitate a settlement of what is so much neglected, You are at freedom to communicate my Sentiments to him on this Subject.

If Captain Jones cannot accomplish Justice to the poor fellows who have shewen a Readiness to Risque their lives by his Side, With what countenance can he expect to engage Sailers in the Service. Besides, the party who have forwardly taken possession and proceeded with the Alliance will Justify themselves at the Expence of Capt. Jones and the Agents of France of whom Justice coud not be obtained. Excuse my long Epistle on the Subject, and believe me Sincerely My Dear Sir Yours &tc

John Ross

Endorsed: M. J. Ross L’orient 16. August 1780
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