I have the honour of being, &c.,
de Sartine.
M. de Sartine to Commodore John Paul Jones.
Versailles, June 28, 1780.
Mr. Paul Jones,
Commodore in the Navy of the United States of America.
Sir: The King has already testified His approbation of the zeal and valour which you have displayed in Europe, in support of the common cause between the United States and His Majesty, and He has also informed you of the distinguished proofs He is disposed to give you thereof. Persuaded that the United States will give their consent that you should receive the cross of the institution of Military Merit, I send you, in the packet addressed to M. de la Luzerne, the one designed for you. You will be pleased to deliver him this packet, and he will confer on you this distinction by a chevalier of the institution, agreeably to His Majesty's orders. But at any rate that you should have a proof of the King's approbation and munificence, His Majesty has ordered a gold headed sword to be made for you, which will be immediately delivered to you, and He has the greatest confidence in the use you will make of it for His glory and that of the United States.
I have the honour, etc.,
de Sartine.
Resolution of Congress Authorizing Captain Jones to Accept from the King of France the Cross of Military Merit.
In Congress.
The Committee to whom was referred the letter of May 30, 1780, from M. de Sartine, delivered in a report, whereupon