In January 1777, aged 26, at the suggestion of Silas Deane, Jonathan Williams went to Nantes to keep a close eye on Thomas Morris, who had just taken up the post of commercial agent.

Williams was also required to inspect shipments of ammunition, uniforms and men, which led him to rent premises and hire staff.

Many people wanted to do business with the Americans; Williams decided to rely mainly on Jean Peltier Dudoyer, a local shipowner.

Moreover, Deane departed for the United States and was replaced by John Adams, who did not speak French and began to question Williams' achievements.

The resale of the Drake, seized by John Paul Jones, caused difficulties: J. Williams sold the ship to Schweighauser, a shipowner from Nantes, while American Captain NcNeil wanted to buy it.

President Thomas Jefferson upon approval made him the Army's Inspector of Fortifications and assigned him to serve as the first superintendent of West Point in December 1801.

[2] In 1802, the investor Richard Woodhull purchased 13 acres (53,000 m2) in the Town of Bushwick and named the area Williamsburgh (later changed to Williamsburg), after Williams, who surveyed the land.