Adieu, my dear friend. I am, in cool blood, yours,

JOHN PAUL JONES.

* * * * *

VICE-ADMIRAL REYNST TO JOHN PAUL JONES.

Amsterdam, December 17th, 1779.

Sir,

I made a request to you yesterday, that you would take the trouble to
come on board my vessel, from which you excused yourself; and again
this morning. I also make request by this present, that you will have
the goodness to inform me how I ought to consider the Alliance, on
board of which you are; as a vessel of the King of France or of
America? In the first case, I expect you will show me the commission
of his Majesty, and that you will hoist the French flag and pendant,
confirming it with a salute from your guns; and, in the second case, I
expect that you will not neglect any opportunity to depart according
to the orders of their High Mightinesses.

I am, Sir, &c.

P. H. REYNST.

* * * * *

JOHN PAUL JONES TO VICE-ADMIRAL P. H. REYNST.

Alliance, Texel, December 17th, 1779.

Sir,

In answer to the letter, which you have done me the honor to write me
this day, I must observe, that I have no orders to hoist the flag of
France on board the Alliance; nor can I take upon me to hoist, in this
port, any other than American colors, unless I receive orders for that
purpose from his Excellency, Benjamin Franklin.

In the meantime, it is my wish to find a favorable opportunity to sail
from hence; and whenever the pilot will take upon him to conduct this
ship to sea, I will give him my best assistance. Should I receive any
new orders, I shall not fail to communicate my situation to you.

I am, &c.

JOHN PAUL JONES.

* * * * *

JOHN PAUL JONES TO C. W. F. DUMAS.

Alliance, Texel, December 17th, 1779.

I am, my Dear Sir, to acknowledge your sundry kind favors from
Amsterdam. I thank you for your advice, which, by my last, as well as
the enclosed, you will see I had followed before the appearance of
your letters. Let not that circumstance disquiet you; for I have made
myself some compliments on my thinking in many points so like you.
Know me alw