“It is the custom, in cases like the present, to multiply the number of the crew by the sum of the calibre of the cannon mounted on board each ship. The product gives the intrinsic force in proportion to which the share of the prize-money arising to each ship is determined. On that ground it is my duty to claim the proportion arising to the Bon Homme Richard and the Alliance. Their proportions will afterward be divided by the American Superintendent of Finance, agreeably to the rules of the American navy, between the officers and the crews of the two ships. “The subdivision of the shares of the other ships and vessels, in proportion to their force in men and metal, of the prizes in which they are concerned, will remain with your excellency to determine, as may be most agreeable to the respective officers and men. As those ships and vessels were entirely his majesty’s property, and their officers and men composed of French subjects, I do not presume to interfere in their respect any further than to pray your excellency, in the most earnest manner, to render them, and all concerned, that immediate justice to which all Europe knows their distinguished services so highly entitle them. As nearly four years and a half have already elapsed since those captures were made, I rely on the kind promise you gave me, that the prize-money shall now be immediately settled. “I am, with profound respect, my lord maréchal, your most obedient and most humble servant, ”JOHN PAUL JONES.” The prize ships had been sold in France, and the money had been placed in the hand of Monsieur de Chaumont, one of the crown officers of finance. But the treasury was in debt to him. He therefore took the liberty of keeping the money in payment of that debt, leaving it for the claimants to draw upon the empty treasury for whatever sum might be due them. In reference to this aspect of affairs, Commodore Jones wrote to the minister. “Whether Monsieur de Chaumont is indebted to the government, or the government is, as he says, indebted to him, is a matter which does not concern the captors of the prizes. But they have a right to claim the protection of government to force Monsieur de Chaumont to render the money, with interest, which he has unjustly detained from them, for four years and a half, while many of them are perishing with cold and hunger.” This point he successfully carried. He had very wisely arranged with Congress that all the money he might recover should be transmitted by him to the Congressional treasury, to be paid by the minister to the individual claimants. According to the concordat or agreement which was entered upon with the French government when the little squadron sailed, it was settled: