We embrace this first opportunity to answer the letter, which your Excellency did us the honor to address to us, the 16th of this month.
We have examined with some attention the alterations, which your Excellency has made in the 2d and 14th articles of the projected regulations, and are of opinion, that they will remove the difficulties we apprehended from the first draught.
We thank your Excellency for the obliging expressions of your readiness to receive any representations, which we may hereafter have occasion to make, of inconveniencies arising in the execution of these regulations; which, however, we hope will not occur. We submit the whole to your Excellency's deliberation and decision, and are, with sentiments of the sincerest respect, your Excellency's most obedient humble servants,
B. FRANKLIN,
ARTHUR LEE,
JOHN ADAMS.
JOHN PAUL JONES TO ABRAHAM WHIPPLE.
Brest, August 18th, 1778.
Sir,
I request that you will summon a court martial for the trial of Lieutenant Thomas Simpson, with whose conduct I have been and am unsatisfied, and who is now under suspension for disobedience of my written orders.
I am, Sir, with due regard, your most humble servant,