. The circumstances did not permit his awaiting
the permission of Congress, because the season was close at hand
for opening the campaign. But he has made it a condition that he
shall be free at all times to return to the orders of Congress,
whenever they shall please to call for him; and also that he
shall not, in any case, be expected to bear arms against France.
I believe Congress had it in contemplation to give him the grade
of Admiral from the date of his taking the Serapis. Such a
measure now would greatly gratify him, second the efforts of
fortune in his favour and better the opportunities of improving
him for our service, whenever the moment shall come in which we
may want him.

I have the honour to be Your Excellency's most obedient and most
humble servant,
Th: JEFFERSON.

_____

_Admiral John Paul Jones to Thomas Jefferson._ (p. 112)

His Excellency On board the Wladimir,
Thomas JEFFERSON, Esq. Before Oczacoff,
August 20--September 9, 1788.

Sir: Some of my friends in America did me the honour to ask for
my bust. I enclose the names of eight gentlemen, to each of whom
I promised to send one. You will oblige me by desiring Mr. Houdon
to have them prepared and packed up, two and two; and if Mr.
Short, to whom I present my respects, will take the trouble to
forward them by good opportunities, via Havre de Grace, writing,
at the same time, a few words to each of these gentlemen, I shall
esteem it a particular favour.

Before I left Copenhagen, I wrote to Mr. Amoureux, merchant at
L'Orient, to dispose of some articles of mine in his hands, and
remit you the amount. I hope he has done it, and that his
remittance may be sufficient to pay Mr. Houdon, and the expense
of striking the medal with which I am honoured by the United
States. But lest this should not turn out as I expect, I have
directed Dr. Bancroft to pay any draft of yours on him for my
account, as far as four or five thousand livres. I shall want
four gold medals as soon as the dies are finished. I must present
one to the United States, another to the King of France, and I
cannot do less than offer one to the Empress. As you