The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones
ALS and copy: Library of Congress; AL (draft) and copy: Massachusetts
Historical Society; copy: National Archives
<Passy, May 25, 1778: We congratulate you on your success
and safe return. Until we hear about an exchange of prisoners
we advise you to keep yours securely confined. If we can get
an equal number of American seamen to man the Drake she
will add to your strength, whereas sending her to America will
deplete it and risk recapture of the prisoners.
Your bill for M. Bersolle we have had to refuse for several
reasons. First, you should have applied to Mr. Schweighauser
as agent at Brest. Second, we have no authority to make presents
to officers and crew, however deserving, or advances
against prize money or wages. All we can do is pay for repairing
and furnishing the ship, and provide clothes for the men to
be charged against their wages.
Lieutenant Simpson has told us of your arresting him. A
court martial is impossible here, and he should be sent to
America as soon as possible. The consequences of such an arrest
ought to be weighed in advance.>
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