“When the American banners were first displayed, I drew my sword in support of the violated dignity and rights of human nature. And both honor and duty prompt me steadfastly to continue the righteous pursuit, and to sacrifice to it not only my private enjoyments, but even life, if necessary. I must acknowledge that the generous praise which I have received from Congress and others, exceeds the merit of my past services, and therefore I the more ardently wish for future opportunities of testifying my gratitude by my activity. “As your majesty, by espousing the cause of America, has become the protector of the rights of human nature, I am persuaded that you will not disregard my situation, nor suffer me to remain any longer in this insupportable disgrace.” This letter was enclosed in one to the Duchess of Chartres, with whom he was personally acquainted, and from whom he had received kind attentions. He besought her to present the letter to his majesty the king; which she did. One day, chance threw into Captain Jones’s hands an old almanac, containing _Poor Richard’s Maxims_, by Doctor Franklin. In that curious medley of wit and wisdom, poor Richard is represented as saying: “If you wish to have any business done faithfully and expeditiously, go and do it yourself. Otherwise, send some one.” The maxim impressed Jones deeply. He pondered it, and decided that he had acted very unwisely in writing so many letters, instead of going directly to court, and making personal solicitations. Immediately he set out for Versailles, in whose gorgeous palace the royal family and court were then residing. Such was the potency of his presence that in a few days, on the 4th of February, 1779, he received from M. De Sartine, the French Minister of Marine, the following exhilarating letter: “TO JOHN PAUL JONES, ESQ., “Commander of the American Navy in Europe. “SIR—I announce to you that, in consequence of the exposition I have laid before the king, of the distinguished manner in which you have served the United States, and of the entire confidence which your conduct has merited from Congress, his majesty has thought proper to place you in command of the ship Duras, of forty guns, at present at L’Orient. I am about, in consequence, to issue the necessary orders for the complete armament of that ship. “The commission which was given you, at your departure from America, will authorize you to hoist the flag of the United States, and you will likewise make use of the authority which has been vested in you, to procure a crew of Americans. But as you may find difficulty in raising a sufficient number, the king permits you to levy volunteers, until you obtain men enough, in addition to those who will be necessary to sail the ship. It shall be my care to procure the necessary officers, and you may be assured that I shall contribute every aid in my power to promote the success of your enterprise.