Passy July 18th: 1778.—
Sir.
Having been detained at Paris much longer than I expected-and as I shall yet be detained by Business a few Days longer before I can set out on my return for Brest—I must beg the particular favor of you to see that the plate belonging to the Countess of Selkirk which you had the goodness to receive into the Kings Store may not be delivered to any person who may apply for it in the Name of the Officers and Men belonging to the Ranger or under any other Authority whatsoever—as I have pledged my Word to Return it to the Owner1—and will on my return to Brest pay the full Value thereof to the Captors. I have the Honor to be with Singular Obligation and profound Esteem and Respect [&c.]
LB, MdAN, John Paul Jones Letter Book, Mss. No. 236, p. 54. Addressed at foot: “Á Monsieur/ Monsieur De la Porte/ Intendant de la Marine/ á Brest.”
1. See Jones to Lady Helen Hamilton, Countess of Selkirk, 8 May 1778, NDAR 12: 675–76.
