dance at the expense of
the United States. The Commissary of the Admiralty, who resides on the
Texel, has undertaken, by our orders, to furnish you with the
necessary provisions; and surgeons, medicine and bedding, &c. are sent
from the squadron. In short, these prisoners, together with such other
sick and wounded as we may hereafter see fit to send to your care in
that fort on the Texel, are to be treated with all possible tenderness
and humanity. And you are to take care that no person under your
command may give any cause of complaint whatever to the subjects or
government of this country; but, on the contrary, to behave towards
them with the utmost complaisance and civility.

For which this shall be your order.

Given on board the American ship of war, the Serapis, at anchor in the
Road of Texel, November 1st, 1779.

JOHN PAUL JONES.

* * * * *

JOHN PAUL JONES TO THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON.

Texel, November 4th, 1779.

Sir,

This morning the commandant of the Road sent me word to come and speak
to him on board his ship. He had before him on the table a letter,
which he said was from the Prince of Orange. He questioned me very
closely, whether I had a French commission, and if I had, he almost
insisted upon seeing it. In conformity to your advice, I told him that
my French commission not having been found among my papers since the
loss of the Bon Homme Richard, I feared that it had gone to the bottom
in that ship; but that, if it was really lost, it would be an easy
matter to procure a duplicate of it from France. The commandant
appeared to be very uneasy and anxious for my departure. I have told
him, that as there are eight of the enemy's ships laying wait for me
at the south entrance, and four more at the north entrance of the
Port, I was unable to fight more than three times my force; but that
he might rest assured of my intention to depart with the utmost
expedition, whenever I found a possibility to go clear.

I should be very happy, Sir, if I could tell you of my being ready. I
should have departed long ago, if I had met with common assistance;
but for a fortnight past I have every day expected the necessary
supply of water from Amsterdam, in cisterns, and I have been last
night only informed, that it cannot be had unless I send up water
casks. The provisions t