Passi July 16th- 1778.
Lt. Simpson, Sir,
We have Long wished to accommodate Disputes among the Officers of the Ranger, and have at length the Pleasure to inclose you a Letter from Captain Jones,1 which has given Us much Satisfaction for several Reasons; one of which is that it has given Us, an opportunity to reinstate you on Board the Ranger.
You are accordingly upon the Receipt of this Letter, forthwith, to take the Command of the Ranger as her first Lieutenant and to join Captain Whipple of the Providence, and observe his Orders relative to your future Cruises and Voyage to America.2
As to the British Prisoners you will leave them in such place and in the Custody of such persons as Mr. Schweighauser shall advise.3
Copy, DNA, PCC, item 84, vol. 1, p. 156 (M247, roll 111). Notation: “(Copy).” On the draft of this letter is a note in the hand of Arthur Lee: “Delivered Captain Jones a Copy of the above Letter the 5. of August, 1778.” Adams Papers 6: 162n.
1. Capt. John Paul Jones to the commissioners, this date, below.
2. See also, American Commissioners in France to Capt. Abraham Whipple, this date, immediately below.
3. On this same date, the commissioners wrote Jean-Daniel Schweighauser ordering him to quickly furnish Ranger with “Necessaries” so it could put to sea. They also informed him the British prisoners in American naval vessels were to be left in Schweighauser’s custody and that “tomorrow” the commissioners would try to obtain orders from the French Ministry of Marine regarding where those prisoners should be lodged. DNA, PCC, item 84, vol. 1, p. 156 (M247, roll 111).