John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives;
AL: United States Naval Academy Museum
<Brest, June 3, 1778: I promise never again to draw on you for
supplying my men with necessities; you do not think, I hope,
that I touched a dollar for my own purposes. On my way from
America I took two brigantines. Messrs. Morris and Williams
sold one in Nantes, and the captors received their share; Mr.
Delap sold the other at Bordeaux, I understand, but has not
sent the prize money to Mr. Williams as I instructed. The Lord
Chatham is sequestered under guard, and the Drake and a brigantine
are at anchor; sale of these prizes is forbidden.
My orders from Congress empower me to issue my warrant
to the agent, who should account to you; I can make no accurate
estimate of expenses. I wish you had told me that you had
changed the agent here; the one at Nantes has sent no one to
act for him. Sixteen months ago Congress gave me command
of seven times my present force and freedom to use it; if I now
cannot support even a single sloop, I wish some one more
deserving were in my place and I were in America to defend
myself. The steps I have taken have been considered. Please
let me know if you have Congressional authorization for sending
Lieutenant Simpson to America.>
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