4139. JONES (John Paul), Russian services.—
The war between the Russians and the Turks has made an opening for our Commodore
Paul Jones. The Empress has invited him
into her service. She insures to him the rank
of rear admiral; will give him a separate command,
and, it is understood, that he is never to
be commanded. I think she means to oppose
him to the Captain Pacha, on the Black Sea.
* * * He has made it a condition, that he
shall be free at all times to return to the orders
of Congress, * * * and also, that he shall
not in any case be expected to bear arms against
France. I believe Congress had it in contemplation
to give him the grade of admiral, from
the date of his taking the Serapis. Such a
measure would now greatly gratify him, second
the efforts of fortune in his favor, and
better the opportunity of improving him for our
service, whenever the moment may come in
which we shall want him.—
To General Washington. Washington ed. ii, 372.
(1788)
