101To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 24 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The following is a petition rather of a Singular Nature yet I think I have some grounds. In the private Armaments made in this Kingdom on the Granting Commissions I embarkt in order to engage others to the extent of a considerable Sum. Our Vessels took many, but of Little value, of course hurt the Enemy without indemnifying the Interested Twenty Six or...
102To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 17 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The want of Subject say no intelligence from the American States in any of the ports on this Coast keeps me from giving more frequent advices. It cannot be many Days before some arrives. Many Sail were preparing at Philadelphia for Europe and particularly the Deane Frigate— the difficulty to procure Seamen I apprehend the principal obstacle to their...
103To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 29 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Letters from Lisbon of the 3 Instt. we are advised of the Capture of one of our Ships (that went with La Motte Piquet) with Military Stores and sent into New York. The fate of the other two is not yet come to hand. A continued chain of Miscarriages have attended every Operation in which I have stood Interested. Could predestinarism Exist I should be...
104To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 23 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Honor to forward by the Express going with the dispatches receivd by the same Conveyance the Inclosed packets arrived last Evening by Cap Benin(?) from Boston he saild from that port the 25 August, he reports that by a considerable reinforcement arrivd at Ponobscot our People were oblidged to destroy their Shiping and abandon the attempt against...
105To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 3 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Letters last post from Bilboa we are advised of the Arrival of a Vessel at that Port from Georgia the Inteligence they bring is very pleasing and being transmitted by many Houses of that City gives it Credit. A detatchment from Comte dEstaings Fleet arrived at Savannah took and destroyd the British Armd Vessels on the Coast and made prisoners at Beaufort...
106To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 13 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honord by your favor of the 16th Ulto to Messrs Watts & Smith I shall be attentive to render this place to them agreable and particularly so thro’ your recommendation which I honor & revere. We are greatly disapointed by the intellige. receivd from Georgia notwithstanding I do not apprehend the effects so dreadful as painted. The English are greatly...
107To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 29 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Adams left Bayonne the 25th he makes only short Stages and will not arrive here before to morrow. The Confederacy is certainly foundered we should otherways have had some inteligence had she been Captured or put back it is upwards of ninty Days since she left the Capes of Delaware. Our Correspondence with the United States is cruely obstructed the...
108To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 13 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The arrival of Mr Jay Messrs. Girard and other gentlemen passengers on board the Frigate L’Aurore from Martinico at Cadiz releives the suspence we were under for the fate of the Confederacy you will undoubtedly have Letters by this days post from Cadiz. Don Gaston & Cordova would be united the 20th the active Barcelo sooner than fly run his vessels under...
109To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 24 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The arrival of the Governor Livingston & Mary fearon calling me to Nantes preventing my having the Honor of receiving your favor of the 4 Inst. to yesterday. I esteem the pleasure of congralating you on the safe arrival of Mr Jay and the other Passengers per the Aurore Frigate from Martinico a circumstance of moment in the present critical situation of...
110To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 25 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am this Instant honord with your favor of the 14 Curt. The petition of the poor American is perfectly true as there represented some days after his arrival at Bordeaux he was taken ill of the Small Pox, he applied to me to get him into the Hospital they are not receivd into the Hospital in that disorder which I told the poor man. He was with one of his...
111To John Adams from John Bondfield, 12 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am honord with your obliging and interesting favors of the 2 Instant. The arrival of our two Ships the Governor Livngston and Mary Fearen from Virginia at Nantes obliged me to repair to this Town to see to the discharge and disposal of their Cargoes and the reequiptment of the Ships. This has prevented my replies in the course you had a right to expect, as your Letters were forwarded to me...
112To John Adams from John Bondfield, 22 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
This day arrived from Baltimore a small Schooner which port she left the 15 March. General Clinton with the remainder of the transports saved from the general despersion, arrived at Savannah to the Number of 44 or 45 Ships. General Gates was sent to Command at Charles Town. No movements had been made since the Arrival of the Troops In Georgia, all the Enemys Horse were thrown overboard. The...
113To John Adams from John Bondfield, 2 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am this day honord with your favor of the 25th. The post of this day from Rochfort brings advice of the arrival at Isl deé of a Small Vessel from Baltimore that left the Bay the 28 March. The Commandant at Bell Isl writes the advices brought by the Sloop are that Clinton had receved in Georgia a Compleat defeat and Genl. Washington with 14000 Man had open’d the Seige of New York. I give you...
114To John Adams from John Bondfield, 6 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Spirritted resolves of the Dutch alters the Face of the War. Russia and Holland with the other Northern Powers that will naturaly Acceed to the Confederacy will either bring on the said Confederate Nations to declare open War or by their protection defend their Trade from interuption and thereby procure the means to prolong the War. England appears to have divided her Naval Force into...
115To John Adams from John Bondfield, 20 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
Arrived this morning a Brig from Philadelphia. By her are Letters for Mr. De Vergenne and Le Ray de Chaumont. No mention of the Operations in Carolina our Letters are 24 Mars she was detaind many days in the River as she left the Bay of Delawar the 23 or 24 April. Congress has assignd a short period for calling in the whole of their Emissions in lieu of which the different States are to Issue...
116To John Adams from John Bondfield, 28 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am honord with your favor of the 14th. my last of the 20th. handed you the inteligence then at hand since which we are without any Arrivals. France and Spain appear to Aim at a desicive Blow in the West Indies so formidable a fleet never appeard in them Seas Monr. De Guichen strong of 24 ships Solano 12 from Ferol 8 from Cadiz 5 Bougainville 5 De Ternay to the Norwd 7 61 Line Sixty one Ships...
117To John Adams from John Bondfield, 6 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am honor’d with your Favors of the 24 and 25th. Ultimo. Five years are not sufficient to place in oblivion the means formerlly in Use to obtain the ways and means of subsisting, there is a degre of delight when become independent that to a Being once in possession never loses the Idea every Man in Buissness tho his revenues springs from reciprocal wants are obtained in a line which appear...
118To John Adams from John Bondfield, 20 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed we take the liberty to lay before you a letter we lately wrote to Doc. Franklin requesting his interest to obtain us leave from the Ministry to load our Vessels with the produce of this Kingdom to the French Islands on the same terms as Nationals for certain reasons we leave to your judgement to suppose we thought it prudent to write direct to the ministry thro the Channel of the Navy...
119To John Adams from John Bondfield, 30 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
The loss of Charles Town engages me to lay before you the following Circumstance, Mr. Gillon at his arrival in France finding the greatest part of the Fund sent by the State for his Use taken by the Enemy, in virtue of the power given to take up Money on the Guarantee of the State after sundry efforts in different parts came to Bordeaux and laid open to me his Situation. Disireous to render my...
120To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 19 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honord with your favor 15th I have given Notice to the Merchants equiping the Marquis de la Fayette that I have receivd your orders to ship 56 pieces Cannon I have laying in the arsenal belonging to Congress which at their first requission shall be shipt— I write you from my Bed where I have been confind upwards of a month by a violent fever so soon as...
121To John Adams from John Bondfield, 28 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
A fever that confind me to my Bed from the 15th Augt. to 20 Sept. and and absence in the Country to a few days past for my recovery deprived me the pleasure of communicating to you as subjects offerd the occurences which by many arrivals at this and the neighbouring Ports have been frequent. You will undoubtedly have recived from Ferol the Letters and papers brought by the arrivd at that Port....
122To John Adams from John Bondfield, 2 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
A Vessel that left Annapolis in Virginia arrived at this port yesterday. The English under Col. Leslie enterd the Bay and landed at Hampton, they retreated a few days after, leaving their Camp Kettles and other Baggage in Camp. Their precipitate retreat is supposed from Advices received of the Landing of a considerable Body of French Troops at George Town in South Carolina. Lord Cornwallis was...
123To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 2 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A Vessel that left Annapolis the 16 November arrived at this port yesterday. The English under Col Leslie enterd the Bay and landed at Hampton. They retreated a few days after leaving their Camp Kettles and other Baggage in the Camp their precipitate Retreat is supposed, from advises received of a Body of French Troops which Genl Nelson & other officers in...
124To John Adams from John Bondfield, 20 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
By this days post we are advised of the sailing from Cadiz of the Spanish Fleet consisting of thirty Sail of the line to cruize off Cape St. Vincent prepered to intercept the English Fleet destind for Gibralter. Their wild Goose chase against that fortress employs Men ships and money that might be put to much more useful purpose. Two Dutch Couriers from Madrid and one for Versailes past thro...
125To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 3 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As we are making up our Accounts to tranfer to New Ballance Inclosed I take the liberty to transmit you the State of my Account with your Excellency in which is incerted the advances I have made to sundry Americans for which I have taken their receipts others for which I find I have neglected I have left out as all we advanct was to prevent them from...
126To John Adams from John Bondfield, 17 March 1781 (Adams Papers)
As we doubt not of your having Letters by the Alliance our advices of course will serve only as repetition to relate. I shall therefore inlieu of giving request from you information. The Honble. J. L——s is he to superceed the D——r or Is his Buissness confined to a perticular object. His bringing with him Mr. Jackson as secretary would give room to suppose him a residence. In that case the D...
127To John Adams from John Bondfield, 6 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Letters from Cadiz inform us of the arrival of a Vessel at that port from Baltimore she left the Bay the 16 february. The Capt. reports more than we can well Credit, that Arnold had made great distruction in the circuit he had taken which had rouzed the Virginians that a Body of Six Thousand Men had got betwixt him and his Shiping and they were in dayly expectation of his being Burgoign’d. The...
128To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 21 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society From Bilboa by a vessel arrived from Salem they have receivd advice that the L’Eveilée Capt De Thilly fell in with the Romulus of 44 Guns with a Convoy consisting of 20 Transports bound from New York to the Assistance of Arnold. The accounts differ in the Number of Troops on board some mention 6000 others five hundred, 1200 suits Cloathing, Arms, and a...
129To John Adams from John Bondfield, 23 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honor to pay my respects to you the 17th. March since which I am not favord with a line from you. We are without any arrivals of late date from America the latest is a small schooner at Nantes from Edenton who reports Cornwallis was retreating not being able to pursue his plan of marching thro the Southern States and forming a junction with Arnold. By Loyds list of the 7th. mention...
130To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 30 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is with concern we have by this mornings post the Confirmation of the Capture of the Marquis de la fayett. The loss sustaind by America by the nessessity they are under for the Goods shipt by that Vessel engages me into using this first opportunity of tendering you a considerable party of Broad Cloths with other nessessary furniture as linings & trimings...
131To John Adams from John Bondfield, 7 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
We have many American Vessels arrivd within these five or six days past most of them belonging to No. Carolina but last from the West Indies, the situation of the Army’s preventing their return and will detain them in a foreign Trade til a change takes place, the latest advices we have by them are of May consiquently them at hand Via London are later and more circumstial. Our letters from...
132To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 10 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I receivd in due course the honor of yours of the 30th inclosing two Bills [ for ] your acceptance for seven Thousand five hundred Livres. Agreable to your desire I have inclosed the Account of Cannon as before trasmitted also the Founders Account for the Cannon shipt on Account of the States on board the Marquis de La fayette. I have also inclosed to...
133To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 4 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society There being at this Port many American Seamen and officers lately arrived from England and other Parts have engaged us to purchase a fast Sailing Brig at this Port of which we have given the Command to Captain James Tucker. I request the favor that you will please to send me by return of Post a Commission for the said Brig as I intend to Arm her as a Letter...
134To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honor the 4 Instant to write you and to request you would favor me with a Commission for the Brig Sally Capt James Tucker which I flatterd myself to have receiv’d in Course of Post and as the Armament is greatly advanct and will soon be ready to proceed on her intended Voyage I take the liberty to renew my Application praying you will please to...
135To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 31 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I profit by the oppertunity of the bearer Monsieur Bory to transmit the Bond duely executed for the Commission of the Brig Mariana for which I hold my self obliged to you. We may flatter ourselves from the receiption Admiral Greaves met with from Comte de Grass of seeing the Southern States freed from the Rapatious ravages of a cruel Enemy. Permit me to...
136To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 3 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am honord with your favor of the 25th past. I forwarded by Mr Bory the Bond for the Commission of the Mariana which I doubt not will be deliver’d safe to your hands. I have order’d three hhds [hogsheads] of our best wine to be fined down and bottled which shall be packt with care and held ready to ship by the first conveyances say one hhd by each...
137To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 24 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The important and decicive success’s Obtaind over the Enemy permits me to pay you my respectful Compliments of Congratulation. It will be difficult for the Americans to express greater sensibility than all Ranks at this City on the receipt of the advice proccured. The Sensation has not yet subsided a delirium appears to Agitate the whole Mass. Illuminations...
138To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 30 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day contracted for a small Brig which I shall send off with all diligence to Philadelphia. She will load only about eighty Tons so that I hope to have her at Sea in fifteen Days. As it is Nessessary on her becoming American property that her papers are conformable I request the favor you will please to transmit me a passport for the said Vessel,...
139To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 20 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I pray you to excuse the trouble I give you which is indispensable in the line of your Ministry. I have inclosed you the form of the Passports you Granted us, any alterations you may judge proper to incert in Virtue of changes since that period please to make or any other form which may have been addopted in like Cases. I hope to have frequent occation to...
140To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 15 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honor to write you the Twentieth of last Month requesting a passport for my Brig the York Town which I flatterd myself to receive in Course and delay’d writing you the two posts past in hopes of its coming to hand. Apprehending my Letter may have got mislaid I request the favor that you will please to order the said passport or such other...
141To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 1 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have before me the honor of your favor of the 26th covering the passport I applyd for— By the Laws of Navigation every Ship of every Nation must have a Register or other Document to justify the National property of the Flag under which she Sails. I make use of the passport to supply the want of a regular register. In Letters of Marque the Commission you...
142To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 20 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Within this month past have arrived from Ireland upwards of Thirty Captains Officers and Seamen who by bribing the Centeries or out the Hospitals have escaped by Neutral Vessels and come safe off. The reports they make of the misery they endured and that of their fellow Companions is incredible they have requested me to represent their sufferings to you...
143To John Adams from John Bondfield, 24 March 1782 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to congratulate you on the progress which the vigorous resolves of the province of Frise informs us is taking to a publick acknowledgement of the american Independance as also of the late resolves of the British parlement. The Neutral Consuls at this Port construe the late Acts to a licence to their flag to transport Goods to the United States under the privalidge and restrictions...
144To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 24 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. William Vernon Junr of Boston son to the president of the Navy Board of the Eastern department having been with me these three Years past intending to return shortly to America is desireous to pass a few Days at Paris. Permit me to introduce him to your Civilities his Prudent conduct in the midst of sceenes of disipations has procured him very...
145To John Adams from John Bondfield, 13 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
We have advices from Edenton in North Carolina so late as the 14th March brought by a vessel arrived at this port the 9th Instant one of my Letters contains “It is reported an attack against Charles Town is preparing by General green 2000 Militia of this State is orderd emidiately to join him and all the Troops from Virginia have marchd some time past.” By the Captain I learn a Number of...
146To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 13 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We have advices from Edenton in No. Carolina so late as the 14th March brought by a Vessel arrived at this port the 9th. One of my Letters contains “It is reported an Attack against Charles Town is preparing by General Green 2000 Militia of this State are orderd imediately to join him and all the Troops from Virginia have marchd up”— The Captain informs me...
147To John Adams from John Bondfield, 14 May 1782 (Adams Papers)
By an Express which past this City on Sunday and by all the Letters by yesterdays post from Spain we are informd America has declared War against Portugal and Hostilities are commenct by the Capture of Six rich Brazil Ships which they name—Captain Paul Jones is said to be the Hero. The Portuguese Consul at Bayonne has sent orders to all Captains at this Port sailing under portuguese Colours to...
148To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 14 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library By an Express which past thro’ this City on Sunday and by all the Letters by Yesterdays post from Spain we are informd America has declared War against Portugal and Hostilities are commenct by the Capture of Six rich Brazil Ships which they name. Captain Paul Jones is said to be the Hero. The portuguese Consul at Bayonne has sent orders to all Captains...
149To George Washington from John Bondfield, 1 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Having a Vessel going to Philadelphia which is an occurence rare with us I have orderd Six Cases of Claret containing thirty Bottles each to be marked for your Excellency on a presumption that Good genuine Wine of this growth will meet a welcome reception. I write Messieurs Meredith & Clymer to whom the Vessel goes consigned to hold the same at your disposal and have transmitted them a...
150To John Adams from John Bondfield, 27 December 1782 (Adams Papers)
With the Compliments of the Season permit me to add the justly acquired Congratulations on the conducting executing and concluding the Great Buissness of your Special Commission the greatest that was ever invested with Powers of equal Consiquence we may emediately expect to learn the progress of M r Dana’s Mission which the acknowledgement of Great Britain will greatly accelerate— pray give a...