I have forwarded my dispatches to Paris, by Express, and determine not to go myself unless I am sent for. I understand that in Obedience to Orders from the Secret Committee the Commissioners had, some time ago, provided One of the finest Frigates for me that can be imagined, calculated for Thirty-two, Twenty four Pounders, on one deck, and longer than any Ship in the Enemies Fleet; but that it has been found necessary to give her up, on account of some difficulties which they have met with at Court. My Heart glows with the most fervent Gratitude for this, and every other unsolicited and unexpected instance of the favo'r and Approbation of Congress; and if a Life of Services devoted to the Interests of America, can be made Instrumental in securing its Independance; I shall be the happiest of Men, and regard the continuance of such Approbation, as an Honor far superiour to the empty Peagantry, which Kings ever had Power to bestow.

I esteem your Son as a promising and deserving young Man, I have just now had some Conversation with him, and am much Pleased with his diffidence and Modesty, he would not he says accept of a Commission untill he thinks himself equal to the duty of the office of Lieutenant; there I think he shows a true Spirit; in the mean time, he tells me that he is perfectly satisfy'd with his present Situation, anything within my Power to render his Situation happy and Instructive, shall not be wanting.

I must rely on you to make my best Compliments receptable to the fair Miss Wendell, and to the other agreeable Ladies of my acquaintance in Portsmouth. The Captain of the Raleigh I understand is well, and has lately been figuring it away at Paris, whereof please to acquaint my Sister Officer. I should be exceedingly happy to hear from you, but as my destination depends on what I am to hear from the Commissioners, I cannot at Present give you my Address, but will drop you another, How do you do, shortly.

I am with Sentiments of Respect & Regard,

My dear Sir,

Your Obliged,
very Obedient,
most humble Servant,
jno. P. Jones

John Wendell, Esqr.
Portsmouth——

Editor's Note: In the Calendar of Jones Manuscripts in the Library of Congress, pp. 31-32, are several letters from John Wendell to Jones dated Oct., 1777. Mr. Wendell was a merchant and Justice of the Peace at Portsmouth, N. H.

APPENDIX E.

Fanning's Account of an Entertainment Given by Jones on the Ariel. Possibly the date is wrong. It may be that recorded in the Ariel's log on "September 2nd. 1780——"