John Paul Jones to Benjamin Franklin, July 25, 1779

L’Orient July 25th. 1779.

Honored & dear Sir

I have had the pleasure to receive your esteemed Letters down to the 19th. and you may be sure that I will pay due Attention to your Orders.— It gives me pleasure to find my Authority enlarged because it will enable me to attempt whatever enterprise may present itself and afford a prospect of Success.— And because I shall endeavour to make my Cruise a busy one rather than a long One.— Before I depart I will send you a Cypher for a private Correspondence, and in the meantime I would wish it may be convenient that your further Orders may be at the Port of my destination before the Middle of September.

I beg you to read the inclosed.— I expect the Answer will find me ready in the Road of Groa. I am ever Dear Sir Your Obliged and Affectionate Friend & Servant,

Jno P Jones

His Excellency Doctor Franklin.