John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners
ALS: University of Virginia Library; AL: American Philosophical Society,
United States Naval Academy Museum; copy: National Archives
<Brest, May 9, 1778: I arrived last night with the British warship
Drake, and will soon give you an account of the cruise. I
have almost two hundred prisoners, but there is danger they
may be surrendered without an exchange. I plan to refit the
Drake as fast as possible and send them in her to America, for
I will not give them up while there is any alternative. If the
Minister agrees to hold them for exchange, let me know before
the Drake leaves. I have confined Lieutenant Simpson for disobedience.>
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