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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from John Paul Jones to John Jay
Jones, John Paul, 174-1792
August 06, 1785
Volume 17, Pages 501-502

COPY OF A LETTER FROM THE CHEVALIER PAUL JONES TO THE HON'BLE JOHN JAY, ESQUIRE, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DATED L'ORIENT, 6TH AUGT., 1785.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Sir:

I came down here from Paris about a fortnight ago, on the business of the Prize money, belonging to the subjects of the United States who served in the squadron I commanded in Europe.

The enclosed Copy of a Letter from Monsieur Soulanges the Commandant at Toulon to the Judges and Consuls at Nantes dated at Toulon the 14th of last Month, announcing that the Algerines have declared War against the United States was communicated to me the 31st ulto. and I immediately sent it to Mr. Jefferson at Paris.

The information of Monsieur Soulanges is believed here, altho' there is, as yet, no official account of the Algerine War arrived from Court. It is of too serious a nature not to be sent immediately to Congress and I therefore do not wait for the Packet, but send this Letter by a Merchant Ship that will sail the first fair wind for Philadelphia.

This event may I believe, surprise some of our fellow Citizens; but for my part, I am rather surprised that it did not take place sooner. It will produce a good effect if it unites the people of America in measures consistent with their National Honor and Interest, and rouses them from that ill judged Security which the Intoxication of Success has produced since the Revolution.

The Regency of Algiers is a powerful State, that can put 200,000 Troops into the field, and has a Navy consisting (as I have been

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assured by the Commandant here, and by many other Gentlemen with whom I have conversed on the subject) of several Ships of two Batteries, and Frigates of 44 Guns and downwards—and there is no doubt that they will strengthen their Navy and employ its whole force against us, because they have just made peace with Spain.

My best wishes will always attend America, and my pride will be always gratified when such measures are adopted as will make her respected as a great Nation that deserves to be free.

I am Sir, &c.,
(Signed)
PAUL JONES.