Copy, NHpR, Naval History Collection, Correspondence Regarding Naval-Maritime Matters, 1775–1783. There is also a copy of this letter at PPAmP that includes a copy of Thomas Simpson’s parole of 10 June 1778 and the following notation, which precedes the letter: “Copy of a letter from Captain Jones of the American Navy to the Commissioners at the Court of France dated at Passy the 16th. day of July in the moment when they were about to give Mr. Livingston a Commission and appointment to Command the Ranger.” Musco Livingston had been the second lieutenant of the frigate Boston but was forced to resign his commission because of ill health. For more on Livingston, see Samuel Tucker to John Adams, 4 July 1778, above.