To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Rïou, 8 May 1778
From Pierre Rïou4
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Brest Le 8. Maÿ 1778
Monsieur
La crainte que Le Capitaine John Paul Jones n’aye pas le moment de vous ecrire par ce courier J’ay L’honneur de vous Doner avis de Son arrivée en ce Port ou Il a amené une fregatte du Roy D’angleterre armé de 20. Canons qu’il a pris a La Mer apres une heure et Demy de Combat sanglant. J’ay L’honneur D’etre avec un Profond Respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres Obeissant Serviteur
Rïou AINÉ
Endorsed: Niou l’ainé Taking of the Drake may 8. 1778.
4. We have supplied the Christian name; see Pickerin to BF, Dec. 22, 1778, APS. The interpreter became the agent for the Ranger’s crew. They were glad to have him, Seaward wrote BF on May 4, but Jones later disagreed: Rïou had sown discord among the crew and deluded them into letting him act for them, he contended, and was a scoundrel. Jones to the commissioners, Dec. 9, 1778, APS.