John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy:
United States Naval Academy Museum
<Brest, August 30, 1778: My friend M. de la Porte, intendant,
has now agreed to furnish a vessel and send the Ranger’s prisoners
to England, if you consent. This offer is too generous to
refuse.
The guard will be discontinued unless you procure an order
from the minister. As for the exchange, perhaps M. de Sartine
will agree to the transport of prisoners by water to Calais;
transportation by land would be expensive. If a direct exchange
can be effected, this will be the way of least risk,
trouble, and expense.>
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