[Extract]
Monseigneur

Le Capitaine Jone détourné de son projet, par Les mauvais tems qui ont regnés depuis son arrivée, d’aller a Camaret, oû en effet il n’auroit pas été en sureté pour espalmer sa prise la frégate le Drake, l’a carênée dans un de nos Bassins ; mais il a laissé a Bord de son Batiment le Ranger, et d’un Brique autre de ses prises, les Prisonniers anglois dont aucun n’a mis pied a terre : mais pour assurer le Capitaine Jone contre les Entreprises de ces prisonniers, et m’assurer [illeg.] même de leurs personnes, je leur ai a sa [priere] donné une garde, prise dans les garnisons des vaisseaux de la Rade, et que je fais relever tous les quatre jours. Je lui ferai fournir comme vous le prescrivez, et comme je le lui avois dès ja offert en agrêts, apparaux, vivres, et même munitions de guerre, tous ses besoins. . . . Je suis [&c].

[Translation]

Brest 18 May 1778

My Lord

Captain Jones, deterred from his plan, by the bad weather that has reigned since his arrival, of going to Camaret, where in fact he would not have been in safety for graving his prize, the frigate Drake, has careened it at one of our docks; but he has left on Board his Ship the Ranger, and of a Brig,¹ another of his prizes, the English Prisoners, none of whom have set foot on shore: but in order to assure Captain Jones against the Enterprizes of these prisoners, and to assure myself of their persons, I have, at his request, lent him a guard for them, taken from the garrisons of the ships of the line in the Roadstead, whom I have relieved every four days. I will have him supplied, as you order, and I have already offered him rigging, gear, provisions, and even munitions of war, all his needs. . . . I am [&c.]

d’Orvilliers