Vexatious delays prevented the sailing of the squadron until August 14.
One of the consorts captured an English war vessel in the latter part of June, but was compelled to abandon her on the appearance of a superior force of the enemy, and the squadron put into L'Orient for repairs.

A piece of good fortune came to the _Bonhomme Richard_ while in this port.
About a hundred exchanged American prisoners volunteered and did a great deal to improve the discipline and strengthen the crew of Jones's ship.
The valiant American, however, met with difficulties that were of the most exasperating nature.

A boat's crew deserted and spread the news of the arrival of the squadron off the English coast.

Captain Landais, commander of the _Alliance_, refused to obey the signals of the flagship, and conducted himself so outrageously that Jones more than suspected his brain was askew.

The _Bonhomme Richard_ was old and in bad condition, but Jones told Benjamin Franklin in a letter that he meant to do something with her that would induce his Government to provide him with a better ship.