The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
JONES, JOHN PAUL
I have no certain news of Paul Jones. I understand only, in a general
way, that some persecution on the part of his officers occasioned his
being called to St. Petersburg, and that though protected against them
by the Empress, he is not yet restored to his station. . . . I propose
to sail from Havre as soon after the first of October as I can get a
vessel; and shall consequently leave this place a week earlier than
that. As my daughters will be with me, and their baggage somewhat more
than that of mere
voyageurer, I shall endeavor, if possible, to obtain a passage
for Virginia directly. Probably I shall be there by the last of
November. If my immediate attendance at New York should be requisite
for any purpose, I will leave them with a relation near Richmond, and
proceed immediately to New York. But as I do not foresee any pressing
purpose for that journey immediately on my arrival, and as it will be
a great saving of time, to finish at once in Virginia, so as to have
no occasion to return there after having once gone to the northward, I
expect to proceed to my own house directly. Staying there two months
(which I believe will be necessary), and allowing for the time I am on
the road, I may expect to be at New York in February, and to embark
from thence or some eastern port.
to James Madison, 28 August 1789
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