It was near the close of 1782 when the ship was nearly completed and ready for launching. Jones now felt that he was soon to reap the reward of his long and painful labors. And then came a sudden, unexpected, terrible disappointment. A squadron of French line-of-battle ships, coming over to our aid, entered Boston harbor. One of the finest of these ships, the Magnifique, stranded, and was entirely lost. As they had come to assist us, Congress justly regarded the ship as lost in our service. To indemnify the King of France for this loss, and to show our gratitude to our allies, it was at once voted to present the America to the King of France. Thus again, in a moment, were all the brightest hopes of Paul Jones dashed. It was the duty of Honorable Robert Morris, agent of Marine, to communicate this intelligence to the Chevalier Paul Jones. He evidently recoiled from the unwelcome task. In his kind and sympathetic letter he said: “I know you so well as to be convinced that it must give you great pain, and I sincerely sympathize with you. But although you will undergo much concern at being deprived of this opportunity to reap laurels on your favorite field, yet your regard for France will in some measure alleviate it. I must entreat you to continue your inspection until she is launched, and to urge forward the business. When that is done, if you will come hither I will explain to you the reasons which led to this measure, and my views for employing you in the service of your country.” The answer of Commodore Jones was worthy of the man. There were few who could have received so terrible a blow so meekly, and with so much dignity. Honorable Robert Morris acknowledged the receipt of his reply in a letter, which justice to Commodore Jones demands should be given in full. It was as follows: “MARINE OFFICE, October 9th, 1782. “CHEVALIER PAUL JONES, Portsmouth. “SIR—I have received your letter of the 22d of last month. The sentiments contained in it will always reflect the highest honor upon your character. They have made so strong an impression upon my mind that I immediately transmitted an extract of your letter to Congress. I doubt not but that they will view it in the manner which I have done. “I am, etc., “ROBERT MORRIS.”