The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives
<Passy, June 16, 1778: You will return to America as soon as
possible, meanwhile keeping your destination secret. Embrace
any opportunity to take prizes or harass the enemy, even if it
means going out of your way; the Newfoundland fisheries are
one objective, and another is transports on the coast or returning
to England. If the French government or we send dispatches,
keep them from falling into the wrong hands; but do
not wait for them. Tell Mr. Schweighauser whether your ship
has room to load arms and clothes without obstructing her
capacity to sail and fight.>
630031 = 026-627a.html