He urged that since our navy was so feeble that it could not cope with the powerful armament of England, our only feasible course was to send out small squadrons, and surprise defenceless situations. This was the course adopted. By invitation of the Commissioners, Captain Jones repaired to Paris, where he met with a severe disappointment. This is explained in the following extract from his first despatch from Nantes: “The Commissioners had provided for me one of the finest frigates that was ever built, calculated for thirty guns on one deck, and capable of carrying thirty-six pounders. But they were under the necessity of giving her up, on account of some difficulties they met at court.” The failure of this plan was owing to the vigilance of the British minister at Amsterdam. He discovered the secret of her ownership and destination, and remonstrated so effectually as to thwart the plan. He then decided to put to sea with the Ranger, as soon as possible. The Commissioners addressed to him the following instructions: “As it is not in our power to procure you such a ship as you expected, we advise you, after equipping the Ranger in the best manner for the cruise you propose, that you shall proceed with her in the manner you shall judge best for distressing the enemies of the United States, by sea or otherwise, consistent with the laws of war, and the terms of your commission.” On the 10th of February, 1778, Captain Jones, in the Ranger, sailed down the Loire, and coasted along in a northerly direction to Brest, then the great naval depot of France, enjoying one of the finest harbors in the world. In this month a treaty of alliance between France and the United States was signed at Paris. France was the first nation to recognize the independence of the United States, and to recognize the Congress of the thirteen colonies as a legitimate Government. France promptly engaged in fitting out a naval expedition to assist the American colonies. CHAPTER III. _Bearding the British Lion._ Aid from France.—Plan for the Destruction of the British Fleet.—The American Flag Saluted.—Bold Movement of Captain Jones.—Cruise along the Shores of England.—Capture of Prizes.—Salutary Lessons given to England.—Operations in the Frith of Clyde.—At Carrickfergus.—Attempt upon the Drake.—Burning the Shipping at Whitehaven.—Capture of the Plate of Lord Selkirk.