I should meet the enemy with more than wonted resolution, could I flatter myself that, through this unhandsome conduct on the part of my officers, I lie not under the disesteem of the sweet lady of the Isle of St.Mary's.

But unconquerable as Mars should I be, could but dare to dream, that in some green retreat of her charming domain, the Countess of Selkirk offers up a charitable prayer for, my dear lady countess, one, who coming to take a captive, himself has been captivated.
"Your ladyship's adoring enemy, "JOHN PAUL JONES." How the lady received this super-ardent note, history does not relate.
But history has not omitted to record, that after the return of the Ranger to France, through the assiduous efforts of Paul in buying up the booty, piece by piece, from the clutches of those among whom it had been divided, and not without a pecuniary private loss to himself, equal to the total value of the plunder, the plate was punctually restored, even to the silver heads of two pepper-boxes; and, not only this, but the Earl, hearing all the particulars, magnanimously wrote Paul a letter, expressing thanks for his politeness.

In the opinion of the noble Earl, Paul was a man of honor.

It were rash to differ in opinion with such high-born authority.
Upon returning to the ship, she was instantly pointed over towards the Irish coast.

Next morning Carrickfergus was in sight.