John Paul Jones to Benjamin Franklin, April 4, 1780

L’Orient April 4th. 1780.

Honored and dear Sir,

I have received yesterday yours of the 1st by Express from Versailles and went immediately down to Port Louis where I was told that the powder is ready but that a considerable part of the Small Arms are not expected there before the 15th.— The necessary Arrangement to receive them will in the meantime be made on board the Alliance. 6 I fear that you will now find that M. C—— has imposed upon you by promising what he has had no intention to perform— 7 He has given no means of advancing money here—and if the people remain much longer dissatisfied I tremble and let him tremble too for the Consequence! Besides the Affairs mentioned in the within letter he has made another proposition that an Honest Man would be Ashamed of— 8 I wait for something further by the Next post—for I am very 10th to expose his Conduct and willing to give him time to repent.

I am ever with the most Affectionate Esteem, Dear Sir truly yours in haste.

Jno P Jones

His Excellence B. Franklin Esqr. &c &c.