Letter from Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, May 27, 1778

Hon'ble John Paul Jones 

Passy, May 27. 1778

Dear Sir,

   I received yours of the 18th inclosing one for the Countess of a Selkirk which I forward this day via Holland as you desire. It is a gallant letter, I must give her ladyship a high & just opinion of your generosity & nobleness of mind.

  The dirty insinuation you mention is of a piece with many others from the same quarter. The natural produce of base minds who feeling no other motive in their own breasts find sordid self interest imagine no other motive can exist in others and therefore it is to that alone they ascribe the most praiseworthy actions.

  The Jersey Privateer do us a great deal of mischief by intercepting our supplies. It has been mention'd to one that your small vessel, commanded by so brave an officer, might render great service by following them where greater ships dare not venture their bottoms; or being...