Title: To George Washington from John Paul Jones, 7 May 1781
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia May 7th 1781.

                        As I understand it has been insinuated to your Excellency that I have been to blame for the detention in
                            France of the military Stores and Clothing for the American Armies under your Command; I beg leave to refer you to Mr
                            Duane, who carries with him a copy of my Examination for your Perusal. My conduct from the first has been strictly
                            examined, and meets with the Unanimous approbation and Thanks of the United States in Congress assembled. Since my
                            examination I have at the request of some particular Friends written a concise narrative of my proceedings since the
                            beginning of the War. Mr Duane has expressed a desire to take with him a Copy of that narrative for your satisfaction.
                            There is not sufficient Time to make out a Copy before Mr Duane leaves this City; but if it will afford you any
                            gratification, I will forward you a copy with great pleasure. Our Navy has been badly conducted: It has ever been without
                            a Head; and is now almost entirely lost, though its Operations have done little for the cause and less
                            for the flag. I have pointed out many desirable operations that promised Success and would have taught the
                            barbarous Britons Humanity; but my Voice has been as a cry in the Desert. The importance & necessity of a Marine
                            establishment does not appear sufficiently impressed on the Minds of our Legislature In this moment,
                            Unemployed in actual Service, I should be happy if supported by your influence, I could be instrumental
                            to put the Naval force that remains on a more useful and  honorable footing; so as soon to employ
                            it to distract & distress the Enemy. With the most ardent desire to merit your esteem and approbation, to imitate
                            your Virtues, and to catch from your example the Wise
                            Enthusiasm that marks the character of the true Hero, I am, Your Excellencies most respectful and most
                            Obedient Servant

                            The Chevr Paul-Jones

                     Enclosure

                                Admiralty Office Feby 20th 1781.

                            Captain John Paul Jones is hereby required to answer the following Questions in Writing as soon as
                                possible and to produce the original Orders with regard to such of them as relate to Orders.
                            1st When did you sail from Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire with the Ship Ranger and under what
                                orders?
                            2d What Prizes did you take while you commanded the Ranger, where were they sent, and did they all arrive
                                in Port?
                            3d Who were the continental Agents for whom in the responsive Places of Sale, and by whom were those
                                Agents appointed, and what were the net proceeds of each Prize?
                            4th What became of the Prisoners taken in those Prizes, and were all or any of them exchanged for American
                                Seaman?
                            5th When and by whose Orders did you leave the Ranger?
                            6th When and by whose Orders did you take command of the Bon Homme Richard?
                            7th Whose Property was she considered to be when you first took charge of her, and at whose Risques was
                                she when you put to Sea?
                            8th What Commission did you act under when you took the Command of the Bon Homme Richard & put to
                                Sea with her?
                            9th What was the original Object of the Expedition of the Squadron which you commanded? and from whom did
                                you receive Orders and Instructions for the Expedition?
                            10th By whose Orders was the Alliance put under your Orders when you took command of the Bon Homme
                                Richard?
                            11th Was not the first Object of the Expedition changed?
                            12th If it was, what was the second & last object?
                            13th Was the Expence of the Armament on the change of the first Object understood to be at the Expence of
                                his most Christian Majesty? And if so was the Alliance at the Expence of the Crown of France, until she sailed for
                                these States?
                            14th What share, if any was the Alliance to have of any Prizes which might be taken?
                            15th By what Ordinance were the American Officers to receive their Part of the Prizes?
                            16th What Number of Prizes were taken by you during the Cruize or Expedition with the said Squadron?
                            17th Where were the Prizes taken sent to & sold?
                            18th Who were the Agents for the United States, American Officers and Sailors, for their parts of the
                                Prizes taken, and by whom were they appointed?
                            19th What were the net proceeds of the Prizes taken by the Squadron?
                            20th Have the American Officers and Crew, or any of them received their Prize Money for the Prizes taken
                                by that Squadron or any part thereof?
                            21st If not, what has prevented the Payment? By whose Means is it detained?
                            22d Have the united States derived any Benefit from the Prisoners taken in the Course of the said
                                Expedition?
                            23d Had you the command of the Serapis?
                            24th How and by whose Orders was you dispossessed of the command of the Serapis?
                            25th By what Authority did you give the Command of the Alliance to Lieutenant Diggs?
                            26th When you quitted the Serapis by whose Order or by what Authority did you take the Command of the
                                Alliance?
                            27th When did the Alliance leave the Toxel?
                            28th When did she arrive in Spain, and when in L’Orient?
                            29th What Repairs did the Alliance require at L’Orient and when was she ready for the Sea? What was the
                                amount of those disbursements? What Arms, Ammunition & Clothing, or other Articles on public Account were
                                taken on board the Alliance while you commanded her? And could she have taken in more Stores consistant with her
                                Safety?
                            30th What prevented your Sailing with the Alliance when you last commanded her, from the Time she was
                                refitted and ready to put to Sea, to the Time Captn Landais retook possession of her?
                            31st When did Admiral De Ternay Sail from France for America?
                            32d Were any Vessels taken up before his Sailing to bring over the Clothing and military Stores of the
                                united States to America?
                            33d Was Money furnished by the Crown of France to the Minister plenipotentiary of these States to enable
                                him to procure the Clothing and Military Stores? If so whom did he employ on that Business? If not, how was the
                                Clothing and military Stores procured; by whom and to whom was committed the Charge of shipping the same to America?
                            34th Why was not the Security of Admiral De Ternay’s Convoy embraced for the Alliance? 35th When did Captain Landais repossess himself of the Alliance? What induced him to sail contrary to the
                                Orders of Dr Franklin? What passengers did he take on Board? What private Property? And did the Passengers by their
                                Solicitations influence his so Sailing from France?
                            36th What was the Conditions and Quality of the Brig: Luke, said to have sailed with Clothing belonging
                                to the United States? To whom did she belong? and had she any private Property on Board?
                            37th When did you take the Command of the Ariol? Whose property is she?
                            38th What was the Object of your taking the Command of her?
                            39th Under what Commission do you command her?
                            40th When did you put to Sea with her the first Time?
                            41st What Articles had she then on Board of any kind for the united States?
                            42d Did you give Notice of the time you were to sail to the Captain’s or Agents of any Vessels who had
                                charge of public Stores of any kind?
                            43d When did you put to sea with the Ariol the second Time?
                            44 What Articles had you then on board for the united States?
                            45th Did you notify the American Agents or persons who had charge of Clothing and military Stores
                                belonging to these States when you proposed to Sail the second Time? Did you make this known to the Person or Persons
                                who had the Direction of the Brig: Luke, and when did she last Sail from France?
                            46th Did any private Properly come in the Ariel?
                            47th Are the Officers & Crew of the Ariel at the Expence of the United States? If they are, for
                                how long time are they engaged in their Service?

                     Enclosure

                                Sir,
                                Philadelphia March 13. 1781.

                            I have the honor to give the following answers to the questions proposed to me by the board of Admiralty
                                Feby 20th and March 1st 1781.
                            Answer 1st I sailed from Portsmouth in New Hampshire by the first day of November 1777 by order of the
                                Marine Committee dated Septr 6th 1777. Having on board the dispatches respecting the victory of Saratoga, and being
                                bound for France to take command of a large ship then building for America at Amsterdam, agreeable to orders from the
                                secret Committee dated May 9th to the Commissioners at Paris.
                            2. I took two brigantines on the passage laden with fruit, wine &c. bound from Malaga for London.
                                I ordered the prize masters to deliver them to the continental Agents Mr Thomas Morris and Mr William Lee in France in
                                Conformity to the orders I had formerly received from the committee of Congress—One of these prizes arrived at
                                Bourdeaux the other at Nantes. Being at Nantes myself I proposed to send the one arrived there to America finding she
                                would fetch very little in France, but this Mr Morris would not agree to. I believe Mr Dunlap had his authority either
                                from the Agents or the Commissioners. He had no appointment from me. He accounted at last for the captors part of the
                                sale to Mr Williams, who paid them before the Ranger left France for America; and I supposed he accounted for the
                                continental part to the Commissioners. The commissioners sent for me to Paris to consult on future operations
                                respecting the ship of War, Indien built for America at Amsterdam and proposed tobe put under my
                                command; but after I had remained at Paris three weeks the commissioners informed me they had assigned over the
                                property of that ship to the King of France whose property she still seems to be. As nothing had been hitherto done
                                for the relief of the unfortunate Americans confined in English dungeons, I determined if possible to effect their
                                exchange, and to put an end to the cruel burnings of our enemies on this Continent. The Commissioners were not in my
                                secret, as appears by the unrestraining papers I then received from them dated Paris Jany 15, 16, 17 & 18th 1778. I
                                returned to Nantes & sent the Commissioners the scheme that was afterwards adopted for Count De Estaings
                                Expedition. I also demanded & obtained a salute from the flag of France both at Quiberon and at Brest before
                                 the treaty of Alliance was announced. I sailed from Brest in the Ranger into the Irish Channel, made a descent at
                                White haven with 30 men only, surprised and took two strong forts with 30 peices of cannon and set fire to the shipping
                                where they lay 300 or upwards in the dry Pier. That both the shipping and town, containing from 40 a 50 thousand
                                inhabitants, was not burnt to ashes was owing to the backwardness of some persons under my
                                command. I landed the day afterwards in Scotland in order to take some nobleman prisoner as an hostage for the good
                                treatment and exchange of our countrymen in England. The Earl of Selkirk lived near the shore and it was my intention
                                to take him, but he being from home, I was obliged to give way to the murmurs of my party and suffer them to bring away
                                the family plate. I have since purchased it and restored it to the fair owner. We took the sloop of war Drake of 20
                                Guns and an hundred & seventy five men sent in pursuit of the Ranger. I had but an hundred and twenty three men
                                and 18 Guns in the Ranger. We took also five other prizes, sunk three of them and arrived with Drake the other two and
                                200 prisoners at Brest the 7th May 1778 having been absent only 28 Days.
                            3. I am unable to say with certainty by whom the then Agents were appointed. Mr Morris was dead and Mr
                                Sweighauser informed me by Letter that Mr Williams had nothing to do with public Affairs, & that Mr William
                                Lee before he went to Germany had appointed him (Mr Sweighauser) as his Deputy Agent &c. his conduct was not
                                satisfactory to me, because his inquiry was only respecting the prizes. Because he left me for a month to cure my
                                wounded, to feed my people, to guard my prisoners and to refit the Ranger on my own credit. Because my prizes were
                                actually attached afterwards for provisions that had been furnished to the Ranger by Monsr Bersole before that ship
                                failed on the expedition from Brest. Because he sold my prizes at last without my proper Authority and without giving
                                the public proper notice of that sale. And because I believe he has not yet accounted to the crew of the Ranger for
                                their share in the prizes that were I understand while in his hands shamefully plundered and at last given away rather
                                than sold. The second year after those transactions were ended, I authorized Mr Williams to receive from Mr
                                Sweighauser what he pleased to allow as my share in these prizes, and Mr Williams gave me credit in his account in
                                part of the monies I had been obliged to borrow from my private friends. I do not remember the amount of what Mr
                                Williams received; nor do I find the account among my papers that have been several times broke open. Perhaps Mr
                                Sweighauser had Mr William Lee’s appointment confirmed by the commissioners, for his Deputy assumed the Agency at
                                L’Orient immediately on the revolt of the Alliance—and went to a considerable expence which he has since repented as I
                                understand, his bills having been refused by Mr Franklin.
                            4. The prisoners were guarded in board one of my prizes by French soldiers and none escaped from the month
                                of May until the middle of September. This guard cost America nothing. I obtained it on my own credit and the soldiers
                                were men fed at the Kings expence. Many of them escaped afterwards while they remained under the care of Mr
                                Sweighauser & the remainder were at last exchanged for American seamen.
                            5. I left the Ranger in the beginning of June 1778 on an invitation from the Court of France communicated
                                to me by his Excellency B. Franklin Esqr. (which was afterwards approved of by the Commissioners) in order as it then
                                appeared to command the ship built for America at Amsterdam that had been assigned over to the King by the
                                Commissioners—That ship to be as I understood presented to America & supported under our flag by the King.
                            6. I took command of the B. Homme Richard the 4th February 1779 agreeable to a letter of that date
                                addressed to me by his Excy M. De Sartine.
                            7. The Bon Homme Richard was the property of the King, and all the squadron I commanded was at the expence
                                of the crown of France. This is clear from a letter I received from his Excelly B. Franklin Esqr. dated the 12th
                                August 1780 &c.
                            8. I have never born nor acted under any other commission than that of the Congress of America.
                            9. The squadron I commanded was at the first left entirely at my direction as well as the French troops
                                that government proposed to embark—I had a variety of objects in view and should have endeavoured to execute some of
                                the projects I had lain before the Minister of the Marine. But when the Marquis de la Fayette arrived in France, the
                                court again sent for me express to L’Oriet. It was determined the Marquis should command the troops, the Alliance was
                                made part of the squadron and I received orders for an expedition from his Excellency B. Franklin Esqr.
                            10th The Alliance was put under my orders by his Excellency B. Franklin Esquire.
                            11. The squadron being at first committed to my descretion I had as I have already said a variety of
                                objects, but no person was in my secret—I hope it is not doubted it was my intention to distress the enemy &
                                promote to the utmost of my ability the mutual interests of France and America and it is not improbable I might have
                                appeared seasonably on the coast.
                            12. I have already said I had a variety of objects in view. This will best appear by a general review of
                                my correspondence. My first object was the cause of humanity to effect the liberty and exchange of our unfortunate
                                fellow citizens confined as Pirates, felons and Traitors in the Dungeons of shameless England and to put a stop to the
                                savage burnings and wanton cruelties of the Enemy on this continent. My second and last object has been the honor of
                                Americas Flag. The orders I received in Europe will best explain the objects of the court of France and of the
                                American Minister at that Court.
                            13. The expence of the armament was paid by the court of France the mens wages who belonged to the Bon
                                Homme Richard and were carried away from L’Orient in Irons on Board the Alliance excepted, these poor men were not paid
                                owing to the revolt on board that ship and the delays made from time to time by Mr le Ray de Chaumont to whom
                                government had entrusted the funds as a Commissary for the expence of that armament. The Alliance appears to have been
                                provided with stores and provisions at the expence of the Court from the time of joining the squadron until her return
                                to L’Orient from Spain the 10th day of Feby 1780. but I did not find that the court meant to pay the mens wages of that
                                ship, tho I endeavoured to obtain that payment. I am uncertain whether the expence of the Alliance after her return to
                                L’Orient was on account of the court or of the United States—Sometimes I believed the one &Sometimes the other.
                            14th The alliance was undoubtedly to share in prizes taken by the squadron in proportion to the number of
                                her men and the number and calibre of her Guns.
                            15. I knew of no ordinance made by the King respecting the squadron his Majesty put under my command. But
                                as the squadron was under the Flag of America the Officers appear entitled to every advantage that any other Officer
                                may or can claim under the establishment of the marine laws of America and the rules of the continental navy.
                            16. I have given a particular account of my expedition from L’Orient round the West of Ireland, North of
                                Scotland and East of England to the Texel in a letter to the Minister of these States at the Court of Versailles and
                                to the Minister of the Marine dated on board the Serapis off the Texel the 3rd Octr 1779. Copies whereof were sent to
                                the President of Congress. I find on the return of 405 prisoners at the Texel Novr 4th 1779. Thirteen Masters of
                                Merchantmen so that the squadron took fifteen sail including the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough. I need not
                                observe how much might have been done if due subordination had prevailed in the squadron.
                            17—A ship and two brigantines taken by the squadron off the entrance of the Channel and west of Ireland
                                were ordered for France: The brigantines arrived at L’Orient and were sold there. The ship was not heard of
                                afterwards. Two rich letter of Mark ships were taken off the coast of Scotland, And Captain Landais took upon
                                himself even under my nose and without my knowledge to order them to Bergen in Norway where
                                they were given up to the English. A Brigantine Collier was sent as I understand to Dunkirk by Captain Landais during
                                his second separation from the squadron in the East Sea. The countess of Scarborough arrived and was publickly sold at
                                Dunkirk. The Serapris arrived & was publickly sold at L’Orient. The rest of the prizes taken were either sunk
                                burnt or destroyed except one brigantine from Holland for England that was retaken and a small collier that I gave up
                                to the master on account of his attachment to America and the faithful information and important services he rendered
                                me by his general knowledge of the East coast of Britain particularly in the Firth of Forth in my projected enterprize against Lieth and Edenburgh. I had given orders to sink the old vessel when the tears of that honest
                                man prevailed over my intention. He became security for the good behaviour and payment of the pilots of the
                                    Pallas and Vengeance.
                            18. The Officers and men of the Bon Homme Richard and Alliance appointed Messrs Gourlade & Moylan
                                their Agents for prizes. I had nothing to do with that appointment. I can give no certain account respecting the
                                appointment of Agents for the United States. But I hope my correspondence which I wish to be examined respecting these
                                prizes will shew I have done my utmost for the general good.
                            19. I never received any account of the nett proceeds of the prizes taken by the squadron.
                            20. The American Officers and Men did I believe receive from their Agents some part of their shares
                                arising from the sale of the prizes taken by the squadron under my command. but what part they received I cannot say it
                                being their own private transaction.
                            21. His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr. wrote me the 4th Decemr 1780 "He understood the prize money was
                                not then received from the King." My correspondence will I hope shew I have done my best to obtain payment.
                            22. I have always considered and now consider the prisoners taken by the squadron I commanded as the
                                property of the United States.,—and I beleive Mr Franklin had assurance from government to receive an equal number of
                                prisoners in France to exchange for the Americans in England before he sent me orders to deliver up the prisoners I
                                had taken to the Duke de la Vauguynon Ambassador of France in Holland—After I returned to France a cartel arrived at
                                    Morlaix with an hundred Americans from England. I had occasion to lay before government a paper
                                mentioning the American prisoners remaining in England and nothing was either said or written to me by the Kings
                                Ministers that could bear an unfavorable construction; on the contrary Count Maurepas wrote me a very kind letter
                                expressing his general approbation of that paper.
                            23. I had command of the Serapis from the time the Bon Homme Richard sunk until she was remasted repaired
                                and fit for sea at the Texel.
                            24. When ready for sea I received a Letter from his Excy Benjamin Franklin Esqr referring me to the
                                Ambassador of France who sent for me to Amsterdam and after a dispute of thirteen hours I yielded to go from on board
                                the Serapis to the command of the Alliance.
                            25. When Captain Landais received orders to appear at Paris his Excellency B. Franklin Esqr wrote me
                                either to appoint a commander for the Alliance or take it upon myself—I had applied to him to name a commander and he
                                said he had no fit person. I was in the same predicament—Lieut. Degge was the Senior Officer on board and my giving
                                him an order to act as commander was matter of necessity not of choice; for as I then expected to bring the Serapis to
                                America after having landed the prisoners in France and as the Alliance was abominably dirty and out of order I did
                                not chuse to go on board that Ship as Captain.
                            26. I took command of the Alliance at last by the authority and repeated order of his Excellency B.
                                Franklin Esqr—I may add I had also all the authority that could be given me by the Ambassador of France and I
                                conceive my own authority as commander in chief of the squadron might justify me had I acted in consequence of it.
                            27. The Alliance left the Texel the 27th of Decr 1779.
                            28 The Alliance arrived in Spain the 16th of Jany 1780 and at Grea without L’Orient the 10th of Feby
                                1780.
                            29. At L’Orient the Alliance required very considerable repairs. She had not one good sail—had left the
                                Texel with only one Anchor, and had I not procured two new Cables from Amsterdam after I left the Serapis I should
                                have left the Alliance at the Texel. I never found a frigate in so bad a condition. Epedemical disorders raged among
                                the crew the Officers were always drinking grog and there was a total want of subordination and negligence. The
                                Cutwater was loosened by laying in the trough of the swell in a gale of wind while seperated from the squadron in the
                                North Sea. I was obliged to secure it with an hawser. The Bowsprit was too long, ran out too much
                                in a horizontal line and the ballast was a considerable part of it laid before the magazine in the fore peek and on
                                the breast hooks the rest was ranged along the Wings cleated up at a very considerable distance from the Keel and
                                above the dead rising. The remainder of it was laid in the after peek and on the Transoms. The two fore guns had been
                                carried run out over the bow—The after Guns run out at the Stern ports. The Topmast yards and rigging were large
                                enough for a sixty gun ship and the tops were so ill made and so narrow as to give the masts no proper support. It is
                                impossible to imagine a worse arraggement than that of the store Rooms. They were divided & subdivided into
                                    little Cloiets nooks and winding passages and instead of being adapted to contain the ships stores
                                appeared only fit to lodge dirt and encrease the quantity of Rats already immense. The magazine was not only
                                inconvenient but very insecure from Fire &c. There was no fat Oil    for the cables—and the
                                sail room could contain at most one of the space courses. The deck was burnt through under
                                the hearth and the bottom of the Copper burnt out. Many obstructions of useless hatchways &c. were in the way
                                of the recoil of the Guns and the gangways were so ill contrived as neither to afford a convenient passage from the
                                quarter decks to the yard castle nor cover the men at the Guns in waist. The Mizen mast stood too close to the main mast—The ship was very cranx—plunged very deep in a head sea and
                                could neither sail nor work as a Frigate. I began to put that ship in order immediately on my taking Command—and after
                                my arrival at L’Orient the essential repairs were finished early in April by the men of the ship and four or five
                                American carpenters hired from the Luzerne to assist ours. the materials of the old arrangement did
                                not fall much short of finishing the new. Judges have allowed that when the business was finished every thing about
                                that Frigate was perfect. I know not what was the amount of the disbursements: The accounts were never shewn to me;
                                but I understood from Mr Ross an expence of 30 or 40000 livrs was contracted afterwards by Captain Landais and his
                                advisers—which Mr Franklin refused to pay. I took on board the Alliance 28 eighteen pounders and 12 nine pounders that
                                I had myself contracted for at Augouleine for the bon Homme Richard—also 76 chests of arms & 216 barrels of
                                powder from the Kings magazine and I had allotted a place for the bales of clothing afterwards shipped in the Brig.
                                Luke, which the Alliance could have carried without any inconvenience and I should also have endeavoured to take in
                                part of the cloathing that is made up.
                            30. Mr le Ray de Chaumont had promised from day to day to remit the government monies to L’Orient for the
                                payment of wages and also 100,000 livers in part of prize money to be divided among the Americans of the squadron then
                                on board the Alliance; but at last instead of complying with either he prevailed on the Minister of the Marine to
                                order the Serapis to be valued in the French way for account of the King—and without giving the captain any
                                satisfaction whatever or obtaining them leave or consent the workmen in the port began to rip up the Orlop deck and
                                all the interior work of that ship. Messrs Gourlade & Moylan did not interfere to prevent this. Much pains
                                were taken to persuade the people they had been sailing with me in a privateer, would be
                                detained in Europe during the war and get nothing at last. I found it impossible to reason them into good humour so as
                                to go to sea they positively declared they would not weigh anchor till they were fully paid and wrote to this effect
                                to Mr Franklin. But as I saw no way of overcoming my difficulties by remaining at L’Orient I with the advice of Mr
                                Samuel Wharton and the Majority of the Americans then assembled at L’Orient waiting to proceed with me to America,
                                went up to Court to demand the free sale of our prizes agreeable to the laws of the American navy. Mr Franklin went
                                with me to the minister who contrary to my expectation gave me the most friendly welcome and sent immediate orders to
                                publish the inventories & advertise the sale of all the prizes. This however took up more time than had been
                                imagined. I improved this moment and the favorable disposition of government to ask for and obtain the Ariel to
                                assist the Alliance in transporting the cloathing &c. for our armies. I purposed to mount the Ariel with only
                                16 guns with 60 or 70 men, & as I had left near 400 men in the Alliance. I had a crew sufficient for both
                                ships—Thus the Ariel would have carried a large quantity of public stores, and no additional expence would have been
                                incurred on account of that ship. The men must have been fed whither in the Alliance or the Ariel, and being in part
                                removed to the latter ship the former would have had so much the less water and provisions to carry. Upon learning
                                that the sale of the prizes was protracted beyond expectation I returned to L’Orient in the beginning of June and as
                                the sale was published I hoped to be able to remove the idea of their having sailed in a "Privateer" & to be
                                able to prevail with the people to leave the prize money to be settled by their agents in France, and to sail
                                immediately with the two frigates and merchant ships that waited my convoy. But to my great mortification my scheme
                                was entirely defeated by Mr Lee, Captn Landais and his party.
                            31. I know not exactly the date of Admiral De Ternay’s sailing from Brest for America but think it was
                                about the latter end of May.
                            32. I understood it was proposed to charter two ships from Messrs Bondfield and Haywood for the purpose of
                                transporting from France the clothing and stores for our Armies which was not concluded because the terms were thought
                                too extravagant.
                            33. I know the Marquis de la Fayette took much pains to obtain cloathing and stores from government. I
                                never understood that the funds for such purchase was put into the hands of the Minister Plenipotentiary of these
                                States. The Arms & powder came directly from the Kings manufactories. I understood Mr le Ray de
                                Chaumont was principally concerned in the purchase of the clothing and that he employed Mr Williams of Nantes, who
                                drew his bills on Mr le Ray de Chaumont at sundry Usaexces—but I am unable to say who employed Mr le
                                Ray de Chaumont or who is now charged to ship the clothing and stores for America. Mr Saml Wharton who was at
                                    Passey and intimate both with Mr Franklin and Mr le Ray de Chaumont when the purchase of
                                clothing was made and is now here can I believe give a satisfactory answer respecting that transaction. Vide Extract Wharton’s Letter  transaction.
                            34. The reasons already assigned will shew why Admiral de Ternay’s convoy was not embraced for the
                                Alliance.
                            35. Captain Landais repossessed himself of the Alliance the 13th June. Mr Lee and the rest of his council
                                can best answer why he sailed contrary to my orders as well as the orders of Mr Franklin. The passengers he had on
                                board were Mr Lee and his two Nephews, Mr M. Livingston, Major Frazer, Mr Brown and three French officers now with the
                                M. de la Fayette—I heard of no others. I cannot answer as to what private property might have been on board the
                                Alliance at the time she left France.
                            36. The brig. Luke appeared to be in very good condition when she left France. Was I understand owned by Mr
                                James Moylan. I believe she had some private freight on board.
                            37. I took command of the Ariel the beginning of June when lent by the King whose property she is, for a
                                voyage from France to America for the purpose I have already mentioned.
                            38. I have already explained what was the object of my taking command of the Ariel. If I had any private
                                view it was to appear here to answer for my past conduct. I have obeyed orders, and refer to my correspondence.
                            39. I have already said I never commanded under any other commission than that of the Congress of these
                                United States.
                            40. I sent from France to the board of Admiralty a declaration of my Officers and men shewing that the
                                Ariel sailed from L’Orient to Graix the 4th of Septr and was detained in Chatsoad by storms and
                                contrary winds till the 7th Octr when I put to sea the first time.
                            41. The Ariel had on board for the United States four hundred and thirty seven barrels of powder, one
                                hundred & forty six chests of Arms, a quantity of medicine, a quantity of 12 & 9 pound shot &
                                a small quantity of sheet lead.
                            42. It was well known at Nantes and L’Orient what time I was ready to sail. The Luke, Duke of Leinster and
                                a French Luggar all bound here sailed under my convoy. I had no official information, nor indeed any private certainly
                                respecting Captains or Agents having charge of the publick stores of any kind; therefore could not write to such
                                persons Officially.
                            43. I put to sea with the Ariel the second time the 8th of December last.
                            44 I had on board when I last sailed the articles I have mentioned in my last answer but two except the
                                Arms, which being wet when the Ariel was dismasted were left under the care of Messrs Gourlade & Moylan.
                            45. I never knew Officially in Europe who were the American Agents. The Brig. Luke sailed the second time
                                about the last Octr, before the Ariel was again masted. The Clothing lay in the ware house of Messrs Gourlade and
                                Moylan. The Military stores being in the hands of the Kings Officers at Port Louis. Both were well acquainted with the
                                time of my sailing. I waited ten or twelve days with a fair wind for the dispatches. I do not believe either the Kings
                                Officers or Messrs Gourlade & Moylan were authorized to ship any part of the publick stores in their hands in
                                any merchant ships that have in the course of last year been bound from France to America.
                            46. No private merchandise came over in the Ariel to my knowledge. There was on board some 8 or 10 small
                                trunks and boxes which I conceive to have been for the private use of Gentlemen of Congress. Mr Ross an old
                                    Servant to the publick had his books and accounts on board. The passengers had but little
                                baggage. These triffling articles were put in my own store Room: And I am above deriving any benefit or profit whatever
                                either from the passengers or articles here mentioned.
                            47. The Officers and crew of the Ariel are at the expence of the United States. They are enlisted for
                                three years except some few who entered at L’Orient for one year after the ship put back there as will best appear by
                                the entry book.
                            Having thus endeavoured to answer all the questions that have been put to me by the board of Admiralty, I
                                lay all my correspondence on the subject of this enquiry before that Board. I submit with the utmost deference my own
                                conduct to the impartial inspection of the board and am with great Respect Sir your most Obedient & most
                                humble Servt

                                The Chevalier Paul Jones

                     Enclosure

                                Admiralty Board March 28. 1781

                            Pursuant to the resolution of Congress of June the 8th 1780, and that of October the 25th in the same
                                year. The board of Admiralty beg leave to Report.
                            That as soon as they received the direction of Congress the 25th of October they sought for the reasons
                                of the Cloaths and military stores not being exported from France of such persons as had been in France, and had
                                arrived here previous to that direction, and also from such others as afterwards came hitherfrom that Kingdom, which
                                was thought were capable of furnishing any information on that subject: and from time to time reported the result of
                                their inquiry untill the arrival of Capt. Jones.
                            On his arrival the board resumed that business; and in order to become acquainted with his conduct during
                                his absence and to investigate the causes of the cloathing and military stores not being exported, they thought proper
                                to prepare and lay before them a number of questions relative to these points, and to require his answer to them in
                                writing, beginning with his departure from New Hampshire in the Ranger, the 1st day of November 1777 and ending with
                                his departure from France.
                            In pursuance of this plan a number of questions were drawn up and presented. As the time they were
                                presented to him, the board conceiving that in the restrained mode of question and answer he might not be able to
                                communicate his sentiments so fully as he and they could wish, they desired him to subjoin to his answers all such
                                matters as he should think would throw light on their inquiry.
                            The questions and answers with a great number of letters handed by him to the board accompany this
                                report; such of the letters as appeared to relate more immediately to his answers are referred to in the Margin
                                thereof, the rest are arranged in the files according to their numbers and dates, and some of them which regard
                                particular subjects and transactions are in separate parcels, with labels denoting their contents. These letters are
                                put up in four bundles, the first marked A. from No. 1 to 10 the second marked B. from 11. to 20.
                                the third marked C. from 21. to 30 and the fourth marked D from 31. to 42. inclusive. A list of the packages and
                                letters in each bundle is thereunto annexed.
                            The board have read all those letters with as much attention as numberless applications and the urgency
                                of Congress for a report would allow and upon the whole are fully satisfied that the cloathing and military Stores,
                                procured in consequence of the application of the honble Congress to his most Christian Majesty not comming out in
                                season, hath not been owing in any measure to a want of the closest attention to that business either in the Minister
                                Plenipotentiary of these States or to Capt. Jones; who have on the contrary made every application and used every
                                effort to accomplish that purpose; but that it was owing to Capt. Landais taking the command of the Alliance contrary
                                to the express orders of Doctr Franklin and proceeding with her to America.
                            It was the intention of Capt. Jones to have brought out a large quantity of Stores in the Ariel, which he
                                had borrowed of Government for that purpose, under the convoy of the Alliance which also could have taken in a
                                considerable quantity: but this plan was frustrated by the mal conduct of Landais as before mentioned, for which, and
                                other mal conduct he was on the 6th day of Jany 1781 sentenced by a court martial to be broke and rendered incapable
                                of serving in the American Navy for the future.
                            His conduct, previous to his reassuming command of the Alliance and during the cruise or expedition to the
                                North Seas, was not brought before the Court Martial, because Captain Jones, who had exhibited charges against him to
                                the Admiralty Board was not present to support them and to institute a prosecution against him after a dismission from
                                the service hath been thought improper.
                            After this short digression, the board proceed to report; That the plan for bringing out the cloathing
                                &c. being frustrated in manner aforesaid, Capt. Jones endeavoured to obtain from the Minister of the marine of
                                France an additional Vessel for that purpose and this failing, applied for a larger ship than the Ariel; requesting
                                several Gentlemen of distinguished Character to back his application; but neither the one or the other could be
                                effected. Things being in this situation he sailed from France with the Articles of Stores and dispatches mentioned in
                                his answers. Unable to inform the board with certainty, what persons purchased the cloathing &c. and who were
                                charged with the Shipping of it, he referred them for information to Mr Samuel Wharton to whom the board have written
                                on this subject. Their letter marked A. with his answer marked B. accompany this report.
                            From Mr Whartons answer and other corroborating letters and information it appears that no money was
                                furnished by the court of France to the Minister Plenipotentiary of these States or his banker to enable him to
                                procure Cloathing.
                            That the French Court gave a Commission for that purpose to its own Agent Monsr le Ray de Cheumont and he
                                either received the money, or was authorized to draw upon the treasury of France for payment thereof.
                            That Mr Jonathan Williams of Nantes was employed by him to buy it.
                            That at L’Orient Messrs Gourlade and Moylan are Monsr Chaumont’s Agents for shipping the cloathing and
                                Military stores, and that they as well as Mr Williams act wholly by orders from him.
                            Captain Jones was asked by the board after he had given in his answers to their questions; whether he
                                heard any thing respecting the hiring of a ship to bring out the Cloathing &c., after his return to L’Orient,
                                his answer was "after my return I heard of Mr Chaumont’s hiring a Ship called the Marquis de La Fayette, for that
                                purpose. I do not know when she would come out. She was at Bourdeaux when I sailed."
                            A quantity of Public cloathing purchased by Mr John Ross, and not part of that procured in consequence of
                                the application made by the Honble Congress to his most Christian Majesty, was with some private property shipped by
                                him on board the Brign. Luke which sailed under convoy of the Ariel and was forced back to France by the same storm in
                                which she was dismasted. This Brign. sailed the second time about the last of October without convoy and was taken.
                                The Ariel sailed the 18th of December after waiting ten or twelve days for the dispatches. How it came to pass that
                                the public property was thus hazarded and lost, when detaining the Brig. about a month she might have
                                been convoyed by the Ariel, we leave to Mr Moylan the owner of said Brigne to explain; It is not our business to
                                criminate, It is our duty to report facts; Captain Jones hath declared to the board, that neither Gourlade or Moylan,
                                ever spake to him respecting the Luke’s sailing under convoy of the Ariel after her return to L’Orient. With regard to
                                the conduct of Captain Jones, the board beg leave to report, That the views of the marine Committee in sending Capt.
                                Jones, and his views in going in the Ranger to France were, that he might take the command of the Indian a Ship that
                                was building in Amsterdam on a new construction under a contract made by the commissioners of these States at Paris,
                                and with her in concert with the Ranger, annoy the trade and Coasts of Great Britain. When he arrived at Nantes, the
                                Commissioners sent for him to Paris. After remaining there some time, he was informed that they had assigned their
                                property in the Ship Indian to the King of France.
                            Captain Jones returns to Nantes, plans and undertakes a secret expedition in the Ranger. His designs, and
                                success appear at large in his answer to the second question. He leaves the Ranger at the Instance of the Court of
                                France, to take the command of the Indian. He is disappointed, and takes the command of the Bon Homme Richard, the
                                property of the King, and of a squadron, at the expence of the Crown of France, under the Commission and Flag of the
                                United States of America.
                            The Alliance was made part of the said squadron, and put under his orders by Doctor Franklin—This
                                squadron was at first committed to his discretion, and he had a variety of objects in view. His first, second and last
                                objects are pointed out in his answer to the 12th question. The orders which he received in Europe will best explain
                                the objects of the Court of France, and of the American Minister at that Court.
                            His success in the Expedition with the squadron from L’Orient round the west of Ireland, North of
                                Scotland, and East of England to the Texel, appears in a particular account thereof transmitted by Captain Jones to
                                the President of Congress; and it is one of the papers herewith presented.
                            That ever since Captain Jones first became an Officer in the Navy of these States, he hath shown an
                                unremitted attention in planning and executing enterprizes calculated to promote the essential interest of our
                                glorious cause—That in Europe altho’ in his expedition through the Irish Channel in the Ranger, he did not fully
                                accomplish his purpose, yet he made the enemy feel that it is in the power of a small squadron under a brave and
                                enterprising Commander to retaliate the conflagration of our defenceless towns; and took the Drake a Ship, in number of
                                guns and men superior to the Ranger, which She was sent out to capture—That by his reputation andaddress, he obtained
                                the command of a squadron under the flag and laws of these States at the expence of our generous Allies and therewith
                                captured the Seraphis and Scarborough, spreading universal alarm through the Island of Great Britain and its
                                dependencies. That in his expedition with that squadron he made a number of Prisoners sufficient to redeem all our
                                fellow Citizens in British dungeons, and established a Cartel for their exchange.
                            That he hath made the flag of America respectable among the flags of other Nations. That returning from
                                Europe he brought with him the esteem of the greatest and best friend of America: and hath received from the
                                illustrious Monarch of France that reward of warlike virtue which his subjects obtain by a long series of faithful
                                services & uncommon Merit.
                            The board are of opinion that the conduct of Captain John Paul Jones merits particular attention and some
                                distinguishing mark of approbation, from the United States in Congress Assembled. Signed by order of the board

                                Fra: Lewis


Title: To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 7 May 1781
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                                Monsieur
                                A Philadelphie le 7. May 1781

                            J’ai l’honneur d’envoyer copie à Votre Excellence d’une lettre que j’écris à Mr le Chevalier Destouches.
                                Je Vous prie de vouloir bien étre persuadé que je ne prens sur moi de proposer une expedition à ce Commandant que sur
                                les instances pressantes des Etats envahis; mais si elle se trouvoit en contradiction avec les plans que Vous pouvés
                                avoir formés ou Vos vues pour la campagne, je Vous prie de retirer ma lettre à Mr Destouches et le paquet addressé à
                                Mr le Comte de Rochambeau des mains de l’Exprès qui vous remettra celleci et de me les renvoyer par la premiere
                                occasion sure.
                            Je suis avec un respectueux attachement Monsieur De Votre Excellence le très humble et très obéissant
                                    Serviteur

                                le che. de la Luzerne

                        Translation
                            I have the honor to send you the Copy of a letter which I write to the Chevr des Touche. I pray you to be
                                persuaded that I do not take upon me to propose an expediton to the Commander but at the pressing entreaties of the
                                invaded States. But if it should be found contradictory of the plans of Campaign which you have formed, I beg you to
                                withdraw my letter to Mr Des Touche and the packet addressed to the Count de Rochambeau from the Express who will
                                deliver this to you and to send them back to me by the first safe Opportunity. I am with respectful Attachment Yr
                                Excellency’s most obt Sert

                                Chevr de la Luzerne.

                     Enclosure

                                        7 May 1781

                                Les nouvelles de la Virginie et des autres Etats meridionaux ne permettent plus de douter que les
                                    Anglois n’ayant resolu de les attaquer avec des forces très superieures; ils sont mîme deja en état de leur faire
                                    la Loi par l’avantage qu’ils ont de pouvoir se transporter par mer et par les rivieres partout où il leur
                                    convient. La Virginie un des plus puissants Etats de la Confederation se trouve de la Sorte reduite à l’inaction
                                    et comme la Baye de Chesapeack est entierement dans la possession de L’Ennemi il est à craindre que le Maryland ne
                                    se trouve incessamment dans la mîme Situation et le mîme danger; Il est manifeste que le plan des Anglois est de
                                    les harasser, de les desoler Sans relache pour inspirer à une partie des habitans um grand desir de voir la fin de
                                    cette querelle et lorsqu’ils croiront leurs lassitudes et leus calamités au comble, de leur faire des propositions
                                    assés avantageuses pour les detacher de la Confederation. Quoique ces Etats Soyent fidelement attachés à
                                    l’independance, il est cependant devenu très important de leur procurer quelque relache de les
                                    faire participer autant qu’il est possible à l’assistance que S. M. a accordée à ses alliés et
                                    je puis Vous assurer, Monsr, que Vous ne Sauriés dans la circonstance actuelle leur rendre un
                                    plus grand Service que de Vous porter dans la Baye de Chesapeack et de tacher de Vous y
                                    établir. Plusieurs autres Considerations politiques, dans le detail desquelles je ne puis entrer, pressent cette
                                    mesure et S’il est possible que Vous la mettiés en éxecution, j’ai lieu de croire que Vous deconcerterés
                                    entierement le plan des Ennemis quant à la Virginie et au Maryland, et comme Vous aurés rendu à ces deux Etats la
                                        liberté de leurs mouvemens, Vous contribuerés beaucoup en mîme tems au Soulagement de ceux
                                    qui Sont plus méridionaux par l’assistance qu’ils Seront capables de leurs preter. Votre position dans la
                                    Chesapeack genera d’ailleurs la Communication par mer entre Newyorck et Charlestown et peut prévenir d’autres
                                    evenemens, qui pourroient ître encore plus facheux que l’état présent des Affaires pour les Etats envahis.
                                En Vous exposant, Mr le Chevalier, mon opinion sur l’utilité de ce mouvement, je
                                    vous avoue que je Suis totalement hors d’état d’en former une relativement à la possibilité de l’execution. J’ai
                                    eu l’honneur de Vous transmettre dans le tems les details et les plans qui peuvent Vous mettre à mîme de porter un
                                    jugement. Mr de Tilly a été encore plus à portée pendant Son Séjour à la rade de Hampton de prendre les
                                    indications nécéssaires et ce Sont ces données qui doivent Vous decider. Je Vous prie aussi de vouloir bien
                                    regarder mes instances, quelque pressantes que la circonstance les rende, comme entierement subordonnées aux
                                    instructions que Vous pourriés avoir reçues de la Cour: je ne Vous propose donc de changer Votre Station que dans
                                    la Supposition que Vous n’avés point d’ordre contraire et que Vous n’avés reçu aucune autre
                                    destination.
                                Quant aux mesures que Vous etes dans le cas d’attendre des Etats qu’il S’agit d’assister je vous
                                    prie, Mr, de vouloir bien ître persuadé qu’ils n’epargneront rien pour Votre Satisfaction et Si
                                    le concours des troupes de terre est jugé nécéssaire comme je le présume, on fera parvenir les
                                    instructions en consequence aux Officiers qui les commandent.

                            Translation
                                The Accounts from Virginia and the other southern States leave no doubt but that the English are
                                    resolved to attack them with very superior forces. They are already in condition to command them by the advantages
                                    which they have of transporting themselves by the Sea and by all the Rivers as it suits them. Virginia one of the
                                    most powerful States in the Union finds herself by these means reduced to a state of inaction and as the Bay of
                                    Chesapeak is intirely in the possession of the Enemy it is to be feared that Maryland will find herself shortly in
                                    the same condition and in the same danger. It is manifest that the plan of the English is to harrass and desolate
                                    them without intermission to inspire part of the inhabitants with a desire of seeing an end of the Quarrel and
                                    after they think their weariness and their Calamities are at the height, to make their propositions advantageous
                                    enough to withdraw them from the Confederation. Although these states are firmly attached to their Independance,
                                    it has in the meantime become very important to make them participate as much as it is possible the assistance
                                    which His Majesty has granted to his Allies, and I can assure you sir that you cannot in present circumstances
                                    render them a greater service than carrying yourself into the Bay of Chesapeak and endeavouring to establish
                                    yourself there. Many the political considerations, into the detail of which I shall not enter, press that measure
                                    and if it be possible for you to carry it into execution, I have reason to believe that you will intirely
                                    disconcert the Enemy’s plans against Virginia and Maryland, and when you shall have given to those two states the
                                    liberty of exerting themselves, you will contribute very much at the same time to the releif of the more southern
                                    by the assistance which they will be capable of affording. Your position in the Bay of Chesapeak will restrain
                                    also their Communications between New York and Charlestown and perhaps prevent other events
                                    which may be yet more greivous than the present to the invaded States.
                                In giving, Sir, my opinion upon the utility of the movement, I avow to you that I am totally
                                    incapable of forming one upon the possibility of carrying it into execution. I have had the honor of transmitting
                                    you from time to time the details and plans which can enable you to form a judgment. Mr de Tilly having been more
                                    convenient during his stay in Hampton Road to make the necessary remarks, you ought to decide by them I
                                        pray you also to regard my entreaties, altho’ pressing as the circumstances render them, as intirely
                                    subordinate to the directions which you may have received from the Count, I do not propose to you to change your
                                    position, but upon a supposition that you have no orders to the contrary and that you have received no other
                                    destinations.
                                As to the measures which you are in this case to expect from the states which you will go to assist,
                                    I beg you to assure yourself sir that they will spare nothing to satisfy You; and if an assemblage of land Forces
                                    is judged necessary, as I presume it will be, they will send their instructions in consequence of it to the
                                    Officers who command them.


Title: From George Washington to François-Louis-Arthur Thibaut, comte de Ménonville, 7 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Ménonville, François-Louis-Arthur Thibaut, comte de

                                7 May 1781

                        The very obliging kindness his Excellency hath heard with, yesterday evening my observations on some parts of
                            his answer to the extract of my instructions I had the honor to deliver him, has emboldened me to take the liberty of
                            asking from him some few questions more, in hopes I shall be excused in case some of them may appear some what indiscreet,
                            as his Excellency can answer to them so far only as to put me in right, in my ensuing conduct
                            by the Congress, without letting me in the secret of his plan for the ensuing Campaign, more than he must think fit.
                        1st General Rochambeau is perswaded he will, in any case that may happen, of large or small supplies of
                            Reinforcement from France, want magazines in the Jersey States; must I insist in my application to Congress, for their
                            forming.
                        2d If the Congress is able to provide for the supply of the French forces, some considerable quantity of
                            subsistances in the Jersey, it could be useful to spare as much as possible the Stores laid on North River, as well for
                            the American, as the french Army. If the latter cannot conveniently make use of what could be stored in the Jersey cannot
                            then his Excellency make use of some part of such supplies intended for our use, & in lieu thereof give over to
                            the disposition of the French General some part of the supplies provided for the use of his own Army, on North &
                            Connecticut River. I think I must insist the most, on the fulfilling this view, as it seems to me by his Excellencys
                            answer, that it shall be more easy for the Congress to draw supplies, specially of flour & Corn, from the middle
                            & Southern States, than from the Northern ones, and as the Stores laid on the North, who can be at hand for
                            enterprizes, if we are enabled to make some, & to supply for winter quarters, if the Campaign cannot be active
                            enough, as to drive the enemy from these parts, must by all means be spared with the utmost care. And as some difficulties
                            may arise from our own Commissaries in the execution of this plan, if his Excellency approves it, and if the Congress can
                            enable us to follow it, I can in proper time furnish him with means to prevent such difficulties, chiefly feared from
                            selfish & interested views.
                        3d Some Salt meat can be wasted. does his Excellency thinks it would be convenient to insist on some supplies
                            of this kind from the middle & Southern States, as it looks very proper to preserve le Eastern
                            States for the furniture of live Cattle, we must endeavour to have in some plenty, for the preservation of the health of
                            our Soldiers.
                        4th In the variety of events that can happen to take place, it could perhaps become very convenient for the
                            french Army, as well as to the possibility of means in the hands of the Congress, to be supplied with teams, whom the Congress
                            can pay in Continental currency, and as much as I know, can be procured in some quantity from Pensylvania; Can I then,
                            with out obstructing the measures agreed on, for the Service of the American Army ask some from the Congress.

                        Answers
                        New Windsor May 7th 1781
                        As nothing can be more consonant to General Washington’s wishes than to give all the satisfaction in his
                            power to Colo. Menonville, he will answer the foregoing questions with willingness and Candor. to the first he begs leave
                            to observe
                        1st That he thinks it unsafe (in our circumstances) to form large magazines in the State of New Jersey on
                            acct of its proximity to the enemys principal force at New York, & our want of Troops to cover & secure
                            them—Because a naval superiority on our side, would render them in a very great degree unnecessary, in that State as water
                            transportation wou’d, in that event, be more convenient & less expensive than that by land—and because
                            Philadelphia, supposing this superiority should not be obtained, wd be much safer, & almost as convenient as any
                            place in Jersey for magazine. Trenton might do for a small Magazine—a large one would be too great a temptation to be of
                            the enemy for the convenience of it to be a counterpoize to the risk.
                        2d Genl Washington understands this article to mean nothing more, than an exchange of provisions when the
                            conveniency of the two Armies can be promoted by a reciprocal saving of transportation (because whatever the American
                            Commissary may have upon the North River, is at all times convenient if not essential for the Garrison at West point)—In
                            this view of the matter, there can be no possible objection on the part of General Washington to the exchange of
                            provn—& it will ever be his wish to make things as agreeable as possible to his Excellency Genl Rochambeau
                            & the French Army under his orders.
                        3d The Fall of the year being the usual Season for Salting Meat the proposition contained in this article
                            cannot, it is apprehended, be complied with; especially as there is a scarcity of Beef Cattle in the Middle States.
                        4th This article Genl Washington can only speak in part. Teams, no doubt, may be had from Pensylvania
                            & other States without inconvenience or derangement of the plan of the American Q. Master Genl; but how far the
                            mode proposed by Colo. Menonville to pay for them, can be adopted by Congress, they alone can determine.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 7 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor May 7th 1781

                        Since I wrote to you the last Evening, respecting the transportation of the salted Provisions, I have
                            received Letters from General & Governor Clinton, informing that the Troops on the frontier, are on the point of
                            mutinying, and the Garrison of Fort Schuyler of abandoning that Post, for want of Provisions of every kind; in consequence
                            of which, I have thought proper to have 100 Barrels of flour, forwarded to Albany, which you will be pleased to have
                            transported accordingly.
                        The total want of meat was the sole reason, why I have not sent a quantity of that Article also. As soon as
                            any arrives & can possibly be spared, the Troops in that quarter must be supplied with a proportion of it—This,
                            you will observe, makes the transportation of the whole of the salted Provisions, on the West side of Connecticut River,
                            immediately & indispensably necessary; and as this seems to exceed the Commission of Colonel Hughs; it will
                            require some farther attention.
                        I do not mention any thing further about the flour on the communication from Pennsylvania; because, I suppose
                            the Arrangements are all properly made, & the business in the best train of execution. I am Dear Sir Your Very
                            Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. Be pleased to forward the inclosed by the Express who came from Albany; & instruct him not
                                to fail of calling on Governor Clinton, by any means.

                            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 May 1781
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Newburgh May 7 1781

                        Orders will be given forthwith to have a vessel got ready to carry a 100 barrels of flour to Albany.
                        The necessary orders have been given, & in the most pointed terms, relative to the flour on the
                            communications between this & Pensylvania; & as (other means failing) actual payment is to be resorted to,
                            I cannot entertain an idea of disappointment.
                        An express will go to-morrow for Boston. I will send him by the way of Danbury with a letter to Colo. Hughes,
                            extending his powers. This may require an additional expenditure of money.
                        By the same express I will again write to Mr Pomeroy, shewing the additional distressing demands for
                            provisions to supply the troops above, & the indispensable necessity of transporting immediately all the salted
                            meat westward of Connecticut river.
                        I have directed the express from Albany to proceed with your Excellency’s letters, & enjoined him to
                            call on Governour Clinton at Poughkeepsie to leave your Excellency’s letter and a letter from the President of Congress,
                            addressed to him. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most obedt servt

                            T. Pickering Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 7 May 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport May 7th 1781

                        I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d instant, and Letters from the Ch. de La Luzerne along with
                            it. The intelligences given by the vessel arrived from L’Orient at Philadelphy, about the courts of St James, and St
                            Petersborough calling back their Ambassadors, and about the capture of several English East Indiamen taken by the French,
                            are very interesting and deserve to be confirmed.
                        The Chevalier Destouches waits only for a North wind to send two Battle of Line ships and his frigate to give
                            chace and cause to go back to New-york the two British ships that were seen two days ago a cruizing off this coast. It is
                            of great consequence not to Let them range about freely, under the expectation that we are in every minute of a convoy
                            from France. It appears for certain that the Chatham of 50. guns from Charlestown has joined the Enemy’s fleet. The Ch.
                            destouches is afraid least the junction of these small 44. and 50. guns ships, of which there are many upon this coast,
                            should give them again a great enough Superiority to allow them to return to their Station at
                            gardner’s bay. I am with respect and personal attachment Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient &
                            most humble Servant

                            le cte de rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from Gilbert Simpson, Jr., 7 May 1781
From: Simpson, Gilbert, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                        honoured Sr
                            Washingtons Bottom May 7th 1781

                        This is to inform you that thrue Gods mercy I and all my family are in good helth and the negros and stock of
                            Every kind sems to incres fast I have maid it my indevor to make what meadow and pasture I Could possable from the first
                            of my settleing and I now begin to find the benefit as our Range are Eat out I should be glad to wright more particular to
                            your onnor but opertunity will not permit I beg you would not think hard of my not setleing oftener than I doe as times
                            are very pecarious with ous but still shall give you or yours a just accompt of all I hope I have
                            settled five tennants on the Land according to your instruction I shall have a Considerable parsel of young hosses to sell
                            in one yeare more your mill has made you Good profet & within this year past Sr I am yours who prays Gods blesing
                            to attend you thu all your undertaking

                            Gilbt Simpson


Title: General Orders, 8 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Tuesday May 8th 1781
                            Parole
                            Countersigns.
                        As the badness of the weather prevented the inspection of the first brigades of Massachusett and Connecticut
                            yesterday they will be inspected on thursday—the second brigades of Massachusett and Connecticut on saturday—and the third
                            Massachusett and Stark’s brigades on Monday next; the time and manner of inspection to be the same as already pointed
                            out.
                        Colonel Hazen’s regiment to be held in readiness for Inspection on Tuesday 15th their returns to be the same
                            as directed for the other regiments.


Title: To George Washington from Zebulon Butler, 8 May 1781
From: Butler, Zebulon
To: Washington, George

                            New Bourrough 8 May 1781
                            May it Please your Excellency

                        I came to this Place Last Night before Last, On my way to Camp I met your Excellencies Orders of the 19th
                            Ult. I had all the men with me Excepting two that were so Lame that they were not Abel to March Out but on Reicet of your
                            Excellencies orders Respecting those that had Families that their Circumstances were Dystressing I Sent back Eight men
                            whose Particular Circumstances I Shall make A Return of soon after my Arivel in Camp. I would wish to be Questioned by
                            your Excellency the Reasons for my absence to this time I have the Honnour to be your Excellencies Most Obt Humbe Sert

                            Zebn Butler


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 8 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear SirHead Quarters New Windsor May 8th 1781

                        Distressed beyond expression, at the present situation & future prospect of the Army, with regard to
                            provisions; and convinced with you, that, unless an immediate and regular supply can be obtained, the most dangerous
                            consequences are to be apprehended, I have determined to make one great effort more on the subject—And must request that
                            you will second & enforce my representations to, and requisitions upon the New England States, by your personal
                            application to the several Executives, and even Assemblies, if fitting, as I suppose they will be, in the course of this
                            month.
                        From your intimate knowledge of our embarrassed & distressed Circumstances, and great personal
                            influence with the Eastern States, I am induced to commit the execution of this interesting & important business
                            to you, And wish you to set out on this mission, as early as may be convenient. I am Dear Sir With great regard &
                            esteem your most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From David Humphreys to William Heath, 8 May 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Heath, William

                            Dear SirHead Quarters New Windsor May 8th 1781

                        His Excellency (who has just rode out with Colonel Menonville first Deputy Adjutant General of the French
                            Army) desired me to inform you, that he will be at West Point tomorrow Morng if the weather is fair:
                            that he must return before dinner, and will expect the pleasure of your company up the river, if your health, &
                            occasions will permit. I have the honor to be With perfect respect Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

                            D. Humphrys


Title: From George Washington to Jedediah Huntington, 8 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor May 8th 1781

                        Five Months, this day, having elapsed, since you had permission to visit your freinds; I find myself under
                            the indispensable necessity of calling your attention again to your Command. I must request there fore You will be pleased
                            to repair to the Army as soon as may be, after the receipt of this Letter. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Hble Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 8 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                        Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 8th May 1781

                        I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 26th and 29th ulto with the inclosures to which you
                            refer—They shall be duly attended to.
                        Under cover of the letter of the 26th is one from General Gates to Congress, indorsed by the Secretary
                            "Ordered to be transmitted to the Commander in Chief." without any particular directions respecting the subject of it.
                            Congress have been informed of the instructions which had been given to General Greene relative to bringing on the enquiry
                            upon General Gates as early as circumstances would admit, and they have been advised that it was deemed impracticable at
                            the time to hold a Court at the southern Army for the reasons given to General Greene by the Board of General and Feild
                            Officers consulted upon the occasion. General Gates has also been furnished with these Reasons—There remain but two
                            methods of determining the matter speedily, in a military way—directing General Greene to order a Court of Enquiry
                            immediately and at all events—or taking depositions at the Southward and bringing them before a Court in this Army.
                        I am sorry that I am obliged so often to wound the feelings of Congress with accounts of our distressed
                            situation on the score of provisions, but duty calls upon me to represent what it is not in my power by my utmost
                            exertions, to prevent.
                        Your Excellency will perceive, by Copies of letters from General Heath of the 6th instant and from Brigr Genl
                            Clinton of the 30th of April and 4th instant, to what an alarming situation we are reduced at these posts and upon the
                            Northern Frontier. Upon the receipt of Genl Clintons letter of the 30th ulto, I, upon the 5th, sent off
                            34 Barrels of Beef, which was every ounce in the Magazine and 50 Barrels of Flour to Albany. I am now, upon receiving the
                            letter of the 4th sending off 100 out of 131 Barrels in the Magazine of Meat I have not a Barrel to send. The Quarter
                            Master is unable to transport what is at the distant Magazines, and the States neither do that, or send in Beef Cattle
                            agreeable to requisition.
                        I have written most pressingly to the President of Pennsylvania for a supply of Flour, and that nothing may
                            be left unessayed on my part, I am going to send Major General Heath to the Eastern States purposely to represent our
                            distresses for Meat in their true Colours, and to point out to them the inevitable consequences of a failure in the
                            noncompliance with the requisitions upon them. Whether this will have any better effect than my frequent applications by
                            letter, I cannot say; but of this I am certain, that if there is not a very great and sudden change of
                            measures it will be next to impossible to keep the Army together.
                        To add to our present embarrassments, application has just been made to me by Colonel Menonville, who is sent
                            forward by Count Rochambeau, to know in what manner it will be most convenient to us to make payment for a very large
                            quantity of provisions, with which, Doctor Franklin, in behalf of the United States, has contracted to supply the French
                            Army. Colonel Menonvilles instructions have reference to Resolves of Congress and letters which have passed between your
                            Excellency and Count Rochambeau on the Subject, but as I am totally a stranger to the whole transaction, I have been under
                            the necessity of referring him to Congress, and have taken the liberty to give him letters of introduction to your
                            Excellency.
                        As Colonel Menonville was very pressing with me to know whether I could give him any assurances of the
                            provision being furnished, and at what places it would be most proper to deposit it, I could only tell him, that some of
                            what had been required of the States for the subsistence of the Army could possibly be spared, because, the requisitions
                            were they fully complied with, would not be more than adequate to our own wants. I gave him my opinion as to the proper
                            places of deposit, in as particular a manner as the uncertainty of our plan of operations would admit.
                        Colo. Menonville is likewise charged by the Count Rochambeau, to sollicit some heavy Iron Cannon for the
                            Works at Newport, in place of the Brass Battering Cannon which are at present in them, and which there will be a necessity
                            of removing should the Army remove. When I told him that I knew of nine belonging to the Continent but what were in use,
                            he informed me he understood that there were some in New Hampshire which had been imported for the 74 Gun Ship now upon
                            the Stocks. Upon this, I promised him to mention the matter to Congress, and to recommend a compliance with his request,
                            if the Cannon should be there and can be spared without inconvenience. I have the Honor to be with very great Respect Yr
                            Excellency’s most obt Servt

                             Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 8 May 1781
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My Dear General
                            Richmond May the 8th 1781

                        There is no fighting Here Unless you Have a Naval Superiority or an Army Mounted upon Race Horses. Phillip’s
                            plan Against Richmond Has Been defeated, He was Going towards Porsmouth, and I thought it Should Be enough for me to
                            oppose Him At Some principal points in this State—But now it Appears I will Have Business to transact With two Armies and
                            this is Rather too much.
                        By letters from North Carolina I find that Lord Cornwallis who I Had Been assured Had sailed for Charlestown
                            is advancing towards Hallifax. In Consequence of letters from the Same quarter General Phillips Has altered His plans and
                            Returned to a place called Brandon on the South Side of james River where He landed the Night Before last. Our detachement
                            is under March towards the Hallifax Road. His Command of the water Enabled Him to land where I Could not Reach Him. The
                            Bridge at Peters Burg is destroïed, and Unless He Acts with an Uncommon degree of folly He will Be at Halifax Before me.
                            Each of these armies is More than the double Superior to me. We Have no Boats, few Militia, and less arms. I will try to
                            do for the Best, and Hope to deserve your approbation.
                        Nothing Can attract My Sight from the Supplies and Reinforcements destined to General Greene’s Army. While I
                            am Going to Get Beaten By Both Armies or Each of them Separately the Baron Remains at Richmond where He Hurries the
                            Collection of Recruits and Every other Requisite. I Have forbidded every department to give me Any thing that May Be
                            thought useful to General Greene, and should a Battle Be Expected (an event which I will try to keep off) No Consideration
                            will prevent our Sending to Carolina 800 Recruits who, I Hope, may Be Equipped in a fortnight. When Gal Greene Becomes
                            Equal to offensive operations this quarter will Be Relieved. I Have wrote to Waïne to Hasten His March But Unless I am
                            Very Hard pushed Shall Request Him to proceed South ward. The Militia Has Been ordered out But are Slow, unarmed, and not
                            yet used to this Business. General Greene from whom I Had as yet no letters was on the 26 Before Camden But did not think
                            Himself Equal to the Storming of the Works. Most Respectfully and affectionately, My dear General Yours

                            Lafayette

                            My Respects, if you please, to Mrs Washington and Compliments to the family.