Letter from John Paul Jones to Benjamin Franklin, May 18, 1778

His Excellency Doctor Franklin
American Plenipotentary at the Court of France

Brest, 18th May 1778

Honored Sir,

    The written letter addressed to the Countess of Selkirk which I leave open for your perusal will I hope apologize for the liberty I take when I request you to forward it via Holland. Two copies are already forwarded one of which under cover to the post master at Balis and Lord le Despencer so that I hope at least of the three will ready the ladys hands.

    I cannot but feel myself hurt by of the enemy the dirty insinuation that my enterprise at Whitehaven was in consequence of a capital sum paid me in hand by the Court of France. They have more ??i??its of the same kind to expect (if I am not deprived of the means of making them) and that too without my having either a certainty or hope of gain.   

    I have the honor to be with great esteem and respect

        Sir your very obliged

            Very obedient
            Very humble servant