Extrait de ma Lettre au Commandeur Jones, de la Haie 9. Octor. 1779.

This is principally Sir, to let you Know, that in order to convince myself of the necessity and propriety of the measure recommanded to you by the great man we yesterday Spoke with, I have laid the matter before a Man in high Station of this Country, our friend, who thinks also, that the aforesaid measure should be pursued as soon as you are so refitted, as to be able to navigate your vessel, and reach the Port you know, where you can compleat your equipment for the intended cruise. The great man thinks, that you Should employ as much people as are required and even twice as much as in ordinary cases, to shorten the worth, and put you in a condition fit to sail in a few days. As to the advice Signed by the great Man, he has promised, that I shall have it to morrow, or after morrow, to send it you. I suppose you have already taken this afternoon, with Mrs. De Neufville, proper measures to get ready. The great Man says, that in case of a superior force pursuing you, there are several ports on the Coast you have to sail along, which can afford you a safe retreat.

I think proper to join here an Extract of my Instructions, that you may judge yourself, how far I may be impowered to give you any advice or aid, my intention, as well as my duty, being to adhere strictly to them, without exceding them. I only, therefore, shall addhere, that our aforesaid friend in high Station has told me, that there exists a Statute of this State, which limits the time of staying of foreign Men of war, till they are refitted as soon ~y4 as possible, the wind &c. serving them.