TO JOHN PAUL JONES.
Passy, August 22d, 1778.
Sir,
We have received your letter of the 15th, and have written to Captain Whipple to appoint a Court Martial for the trial of Lieutenant Simpson, provided there is a sufficient number of officers to constitute one. This, however, is not to make any change in his command of the Ranger until the trial is over; nor then, unless the judgment of that Court is against him.
We are, sir, &c.
B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.