Dear Sir: The war between the Russians and Turks has made an opening for Commodore Paul Jones. The Empress has invited him into her service. She insures to him the rank of a Rear Admiral and will give him a separate command, and it is understood that he is never to be commanded. I think she means to oppose him to the Captain Pasha on the Black Sea. He is, by this time, probably at St. Petersburg. The circumstances did not permit his awaiting the permission of Congress, because the season was close at hand for opening the campaign. But he has made it a condition that he shall be free at all times to return to the orders of Congress, whenever they shall please to call for him; and also that he shall not, in any case, be expected to bear arms against France. I believe Congress had it in contemplation to give him the grade of Admiral from the date of his taking the Serapis. Such a measure now would greatly gratify him, second the efforts of fortune in his favour and better the opportunities of improving him for our service, whenever the moment shall come in which we may want him. I have the honour to be Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant, Th: JEFFERSON. _____ _Admiral John Paul Jones to Thomas Jefferson._ (p. 112) His Excellency On board the Wladimir, Thomas JEFFERSON, Esq. Before Oczacoff, August 20--September 9, 1788. Sir: Some of my friends in America did me the honour to ask for my bust. I enclose the names of eight gentlemen, to each of whom I promised to send one. You will oblige me by desiring Mr. Houdon to have them prepared and packed up, two and two; and if Mr. Short, to whom I present my respects, will take the trouble to forward them by good opportunities, via Havre de Grace, writing, at the same time, a few words to each of these gentlemen, I shall esteem it a particular favour.