Commodore John Paul Jones._

Mr. Paul JONES, Versailles, June 28, 1780.
Commodore in the Navy of the United States of America.

Sir: The King has already testified His approbation of the zeal
and valour which you have displayed in Europe, in support of the
common cause between the United States and His Majesty, and (p. 110)
He has also informed you of the distinguished proofs He is
disposed to give you thereof. Persuaded that the United States
will give their consent that you should receive the cross of the
institution of Military Merit, I send you, in the packet
addressed to M. de la Luzerne, the one designed for you. You will
be pleased to deliver him this packet, and he will confer on you
this distinction by a chevalier of the institution, agreeably to
His Majesty's orders. But at any rate that you should have a
proof of the King's approbation and munificence, His Majesty has
ordered a gold headed sword to be made for you, which will be
immediately delivered to you, and He has the greatest confidence
in the use you will make of it for His glory and that of the
United States.

I have the honour, etc.,
DE SARTINE.

_____

_Resolution of Congress Authorizing Captain Jones to Accept from the
King of France the Cross of Military Merit._

IN CONGRESS.

The Committee to whom was referred the letter of May 30, 1780,
from M. de Sartine, delivered in a report, whereupon

_Resolved_, That the Congress entertain a high sense of the
distinguished bravery and military conduct of John Paul Jones,
Esq., captain in the navy of the United States, and particularly
in his victory over the British frigate Serapis on the coast of
England, which was attended with circumstances so brilliant as to
excite general applause and admiration.

That the Minister Plenipotentiary of these United States at the
Court of Versailles, communicate to His Most Christian Majesty
the high satisfaction Congress have received from the conduct and
gallant behaviour of Captain John Paul Jones, which have merited
the attention and approbation of His Most Christian Majesty, and
that His Majesty's offer of adorning Captain Jones with a Cross
of Military Merit is highly ac