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A Collection of Love Letters from “Delia” to John Paul Jones
Typescripts by James C. Bradford from The Papers of John Paul
Jones (microfilm edition), 1986.
With
comments by Mr. Peter Reaveley and Dr. Bradford.
John Paul
Jones met the Count and Countess Murray-Nicolson in May of 1780 in Paris. Jones
was staying with Benjamin Franklin when he received the
invitation to visit them. The Count wrote to Jones soon
afterward expressing his sorrow at not seeing him before he left Paris. During this time a romance developed between
Jones and the Countess, which resulted in a series of passionate
love letters. Jones called her "Delia" from a song written by
Major Andre during his imprisonment in Philadelphia. He had
promised the Countess's brother, William, an officer's
commission under his command and when William went to Lorient to
assume his position, the Countess accompanied him. It was here
that she and Jones were able to spend five days together in the
village of Hennebont. The earliest letters from "Delia" were
written after this liaison.
Delia's Song
(also copied in Jones's script)
From Delia to Jones (1780):
"I am suffering the cruelest about
your health..."
From Delia to Jones (1780):
"...but you are truly loved"
From Delia to Jones (1780): "
My god, my servant has just
returned from the post office and there is no letter!..."
From Delia to Jones (1780):
"I am afraid that in my last
letter..."
From Delia to Jones (1780):
"Six posts and no news. I try to
have courage..."
From Delia to Jones (1780):
"The two letters I have just
received..."
From Delia to Jones (1780):
"I have just received your letter
of the 18th..."
From Delia to Jones (1780) :
"Your letter of Tuesday that I have
received..."
From Jones
to Delia (1781): "I wrote my
most lovely Delia various letters from Philadelphia..."
From Delia to Jones (1783):
"Is it possible that you are then
so near me..."
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