A spectacular written piece of American Revolutionary history, this autograph signed letter by Captain John Paul Jones is two pages, recto and verso, with the entire document silked with some small loss of text. Addressed on the integral leaf to “The Honorable William Whipple Esq., Portsmouth”, the letter regards the enlistment of potential crew members under Jones while in command of the newly commissioned sloop U.S.S. RANGER in 1777. Written entirely in Jones’ hand, it is vivid and legible, especially for its age. Whipple was the Brigadier General of the New Hampshire Militia, and the name P.S. Mumford, Esq. is on the panel as well.

The letter reads: “Boston July 3. 1777.

I wished to have seen you yesterday morning before Your departure, but was disappointed by the misinformation of the Waiter - who said you were gone - Whereas you did not take Horse for an hour afterwards. – I should have overtaken you on the Road, had I not waited to give enlisting Orders - I have ordered some Marine Officers who are at Providence Unemployed to begin Enlisting with all possible Diligence. - I shall give Orders to the same effect here, and perhaps at Marble Head and Salem.

As I am certain that it would very much retard the Enlistment were it promulgated that the Ranger is (n)ot Absolutely Bound to the Coast of France-I must (beg) of you not to mention that circumstance to any person, (...) Every one believes that I am to proceed agreeable to my (...) Orders. I shall find no difficulty, After taking a (...) To reconcile every one to his situation.

Unless I meet with some unforeseen detention expect me in Portsmouth soon after this. - honor to be with much Esteem and Respect Sir Your much Obliged most Obedient very humble Servant J.P. Jones”

John Paul Jones rose to early prominence as a Scottish-born British Sea Captain, and offered his services to the newly formed Continental Navy at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. He is the first-ever commissioned Lieutenant in the Continental Navy, and commanded two ship, ALFRED and PROVIDENCE, before the RANGER. On this first voyage of RANGER, he sets sail for France, captures two British prizes at sea, and becomes the first American ship recognized by a foreign power, while meeting Benjamin Franklin in France. He sails on into history with raids against the coasts of Ireland, England and Scotland, and as captain of the SERAPIS against H.M.S. BONHOMME RICHARD, being the first American to capture a British Warship. The is an exceedingly rare and prized signed document by this universally recognized American naval hero of the Revolution.