oo, that were ordered the day I returned to
Amsterdam from the Hague, are not yet sent down, and the spars that
have been sent from Amsterdam are spoiled in the making. None of the
iron work that was ordered for the Serapis is yet completed, so that I
am, even to this hour, in want of hinges to hang the lower gun ports.
My officers and men lost their clothes and beds in the Bon Homme
Richard, and they have as yet got no supply. The bread that has been
twice a week sent down from Amsterdam to feed my people has been,
literally speaking, rotten; and the consequence is, that they are
falling sick. It is natural, also, that they should be discontented,
while I am not able to tell them that they will be paid the value of
their property in the Serapis and Countess of Scarborough, if either
or both of them should be lost or taken after sailing from hence.

Thus you see, Sir, that my prospects are far from pleasing. I have but
few men, and they are discontented. If you can authorise me to promise
them, at all hazards, that their property in the prizes shall be made
good, and that they shall receive the necessary clothing and bedding,
or money to buy them with, I believe I shall soon be able to bring
them again into a good humor. In the meantime, I will send a vessel or
two out to reconnoiter the offing and to bring me word. Whatever may
be the consequence of my having put into this harbor, I must observe
that it was done contrary to my opinion, and I consented to it only
because the majority of my colleagues were earnest for it.

I am under a very singular obligation to you, Sir, for your kind
letter, which you did me the honor to write to me on the 29th of last
month. It shall be my ambition to get clear of my present
embarrassment, and to merit, what I so much esteem, the good opinion
of your Excellency and of the Court, by my future service in support
of the common cause.

I have the honor to be, &c.

JOHN PAUL JONES.

* * * * *

M. DUMAS TO THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON.

Helder, November 9th, 1779.

Sir,

To fulfil my promise, it is my duty by the first post to give
information to your Excellency, that in spite of the bad roads and
dark nights I arrived here this morning. I saw immediately M.
Cottineau, from whom here is a letter enclosed to your Excellency.
There was a viol