Brest May 18th. 1778.
Honored Sir
The within letter Addressed to the Countess of Selkirk which I leave open for your perusal will I hope apologize for the liberty I take when I request you to forward it via Holland.1—two copies are already forwarded, one of which under cover to the Post Master at Calais and Lord Le Despencer—So that I hope at least one of the three will reach the Ladys hands.2
I cannot but feel myself hurt by the dirty insinuation of the Enemy—that my enterprise at Whitehaven was in consequence of a Capital Sum paid me in hand by the Court of France?—They have other Visits of the same kind to expect—(if I am not deprived of the means of making them—) and that too without my having either a certainty or hope of Gain. I have the honor [&c.]
Jno P Jones
L, NjP, Andre de Coppet Collection. Addressed below close: “His Excellency/Doctor Franklin.” Docketed: “Capt Jones/Brest. June 6. 78.”
1. Jones was referring to his letter to Lady Helen Hamilton, Countess of Selkirk, 8 May, above.
2. Francis Dashwood, Baron Le Despencer was the British Postmaster General. The Countess of Selkirk received two copies of Jones’s letter, including the copy he sent to Baron Le Despencer. Earl of Selkirk to Jones, 9 June, Sir David Hope-Dunbar, Kirkcudbright, Scotland, 1986.
