Mr. Morris wrote, in his letter to the President of Congress: “I do myself the honor to enclose your excellency the copy of a letter which I received this morning from the Chevalier Paul Jones. The present state of our affairs does not permit me to employ that valuable officer; and I confess that it is with no small degree of concern that I consider the little probability of rendering his talents useful to that country which he has already so faithfully served, and with so great disinterestedness. I should do injustice to my own feelings as well as to my country, if I did not most warmly recommend this gentleman to the notice of Congress, whose favor he has certainly merited by the most signal services and sacrifices.” Jones continued faithfully superintending the completion of the America, until she was launched, on the 5th of November. It was necessary to build this ship where she could be protected from the assaults of the British navy. It was anticipated, by many, that the launching would be attended with great difficulty. Commodore Jones attended to the minutest details with wonderful skill. The river was not more than two hundred yards wide. On one side of the building slip there was a ledge of rocks, running half-way across the river, and parallel to the direction of the ship’s keel. The opposite shore was fringed with rocks. The tide rushed in and out with great rapidity. It was necessary to launch near flood-tide, when the current was very rapid. There was much danger that the ship might be swept against the ledge. This could only be obviated by cables and anchors secured on the shore. With great ingenuity, these were so arranged as to check the speed of the ship, and bring her to a stand at a particular spot. The flags of France and America were blended in friendly union at the stern. Jones took his stand on a platform, near the bows of the ship. He gave every signal; watched every movement, and ordered when the anchors at the bows were, in succession, to be let go. Beautifully, majestically, successfully, the vast fabric glided into its native element. The admiration of the thousands of spectators was announced in enthusiastic cheers. On the same day Chevalier Jones gracefully surrendered the America to Chevalier de Martigne, who had commanded the Magnifique. The next morning, again out of employment, he set out for Philadelphia, to seek new engagements in the service of his country. CHAPTER XI. _The War Ended._ Promise of the South Carolina.—A New Disappointment.—The Great Expedition Planned.—Magnitude of the Squadron.—The Appointed Rendezvous.—Commodore Jones Joins the Expedition.—His Cordial Reception.—Great Difficulties and Embarrassments.—The Rendezvous at Port Cabella.—Tidings of Peace.—Return to America.—New Mission to France.