Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Brest, July 27, 1778: I wrote you from Nantes that I was planning
to sail on the Providence. Mr. Livingston arrived from
Paris informing me that you had appointed him to command
the Ranger, but gave that post to me when Capt. Jones delivered
up my parole. Your letters to Capt. Whipple and Mr.
Schweighauser also arrived; Whipple ordered me on the 24th
to go immediately to Brest and ready the Ranger for sea with
no less than three months’ provisions. Mr. Schweighauser
provided a letter for a friend here who could supply me with
every necessary. I left Nantes the evening of the 24th and arrived
here the 26th; the ship seems nearly ready, wanting
some stores and her bottom cleaned, which will take only a
few days. Capt. Whipple and Mr. Schweighauser recommended
that I take 30 or 40 of the prisoners to serve on the
Boston, which I shall do. I will send an accounting of the Ranger’s
stores as soon as possible. The prizes are not yet sold, but
if their value can be determined Mr. Schweighauser has kindly
agreed to advance the money to the crew. I am pleased to
inform you that your appointment of me met with the greatest
satisfaction of the officers and men.>
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