Passi June 3d 1778
Sir
We have recieved several Letters from You, and several Certificates from officers and others, respecting your Behaviour in general, as well as particularly relative to the Charge of Disobedience of Orders, for which you have been confined.1
It would be improper for Us, to give any Opinion concerning this Charge, which is to be determined only by Court Martial: But We have requested Captain Jones to set you at Liberty upon your Parole to go to Nantes, there to take your passage to America, by the first favourable Opportunity, in order to take your Tryal by a Court Martial.2 We are [&c.]
(Copy)
Copy, DNA, PCC, item 84, vol. 1, pp. 139–40 (M247, roll 111). Addressed below close: “Lt Simpson of the Ranger.”
1. See Simpson to the American Commissioners in France, 8 and 25 May, and petition the officers of the Ranger, both dated 30 May, all in NDAR 12: 678–79, 749–51, and 782–83.
2. See the American Commissioners in France to Capt. John Paul Jones, immediately above.
