Franklin and John Adams to John Paul Jones
LS: National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts
Historical Society, National Archives (two)
<Passy, February 10, 1779: As the change in command of the
Ranger might be subject to misinterpretation, we hereby certify
that your leaving that ship was with our consent and at
the express request of M. de Sartine, who desired to employ
you in some public service. That Lt. Simpson was given command
of the Ranger with your consent, after you had agreed
to release him from the arrest under which you had put him.
That your leaving the Ranger ought not to injure your character
or rank.>
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