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John Paul Jones Autograph Letter Signed....
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Description
John Paul Jones seeks Jefferson's assistance in securing prize money, however "imperfect" his powers
John Paul Jones Autograph Letter Signed. One page, 7 1/4 x 8
9/10 inches, Paris; July 10, 1786. A letter to Thomas Jefferson in
Paris, where he was serving as U.S. Minister to France, concerning
his ongoing efforts to secure prize money for the capture of
several British ships during the American Revolutionary War. In
full:"After what you mentioned to me before your favor of this date respecting the imperfect powers you have received from the Board of Treasury, I did not expect you to make a settlement with me that should be final for the Prize-Money I have recovered. But as I have produced and still offer you proofs to support the Charges I have made, I naturally flattered myself and I still hope you will do me the favor to receive and transmit them to Congress with your sentiments. This becomes the more necessary to me at present, because from what Dr. Bancroft tells me of the application to the Court of Denmark, it will be necessary for me to continue in Europe for some time longer, and to take your advice on some further steps to obtain an Answer from that Government.
With respect to the Ballance of the Prize-Money I have recovered, you may if you please give an immediate order on me for the Amount, or I will pay it into your own hands.
I have the honor to be with great esteem & respect,
Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant
J Paul Jones
His Excellency
Thomas Jefferson Esqre. Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States & at the Court of France"
John Paul Jones began his efforts to secure prize money as early as the late 1770s, following his naval victories during the American Revolution. The prize money mainly stemmed from the capture of British merchant ships and warships, particularly during his command of the Bonhomme Richard in 1779. In June 1783, Congress appointed Jones as the agent responsible for recovering prize money due from France and other sources. But by May 1785, he formally petitioned Congress requesting additional support and intervention in securing the funds owed to him and his crew. Recognizing Thomas Jefferson's influence as U.S. Minister to France, Jones engaged his aid in negotiating and securing the payments that same year. But by the time he writes this letter of July 10, his frustration is evident, and he acknowledges that Jefferson lacks full authority ("imperfect powers") from the U.S. Board of Treasury to settle his prize money claims definitively. Jones urges Jefferson to receive and forward his supporting documents and charges to Congress for consideration. He emphasizes the importance of this, as he anticipates remaining in Europe to pursue additional claims, particularly regarding Denmark.
Jones also mentions information he has received from Edward Bancroft, an American-born spy living in London, working for both the Americans as well as the British. A physician and a scientist, Bancroft once worked as a spy for Benjamin Franklin in London and also became a confidant of Jones, serving as his agent to the government of Denmark to aid in recovering some of the prize money.
Jones was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in 1787 in recognition of his naval victories during the American Revolution. However, he was still struggling to secure his full prize money. In 1790, Congress finally authorized a payment of approximately $50,000 to Jones, marking the resolution of his claims, though it remained unclear whether this fully covered all his entitlements.
Filing docket on verso in an unidentified hand. Matted and framed to an overall size of 37 3/4 x 25 3/8 inches.
Condition: Flattened folds, with wear along vertical fold which shows evidence of restoration. Stray ink staining, and several pencil markings at bottom. Rough edge at left, where integral page has been removed.
Auction Info
2025 March 28 Historical Manuscripts Including Texana Signature® Auction #6316 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2025
28th
Friday
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