21John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 27 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 27, 1778: The Belle-Poule ’s engagement is considered here a prelude to war; all foreign produce is being bought up as speculation. Admiral Byron is apparently not bound for America. These developments may further recruiting there, which I am told needs a spur. The marquis d’Almodóvar left on the night of the 25th. The nonarrival of the...
22John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 30 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 30, 1778: A ship from Louisiana confirms that Georgia and Carolina settlers have seized all the British posts on the Mississippi and two ships, whose cargoes they sold in New Orleans. A privateer took a Carolina vessel near our coast, and a French frigate captured a privateer in the river. The Count d’Aranda, returning from Madrid to Paris,...
23John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 4 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 4, 1778: The Union left Edenton on June 6 and arrived here on the 2nd but unfortunately, after so short a passage, brought no news. Accounts come in of losses on the Carolina coast caused by pilots’ misconduct; the inhabitants mislead our ships or refuse help, and the state government should take notice. Mr. Sartine has invited local...
24John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 7 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 7, 1778: The Sally , which arrived here yesterday from Edenton, reports that the fourth regiment of Col. Maitland’s expedition has been captured and that several ships, among them the Roderigue with a cargo of great value, have arrived in the Chesapeake. Consorting here with agents and consuls of European states shows me the advantages that...
25John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to lay before your honors the foregoing State which by your interpossion we flatter ourselves may be relieved. I am most respectfully Honorable Sirs your most Obedient Humble Servant Notation: Mr. [Bondfield] Bordeaux 1778 Bondfield’s letter was written at the bottom of a request in French in another hand on behalf of Captain William Jones. Jones...
26To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, [on or before 16 August 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania As every plan for publick use ought to be laid down in the most simple and uncomplicated State, the following I presume will justify the Ideas of that I had yesterday the Honor to lay before you. A plan for sinking the paper money and Loan office Certificates without remaining a Debt to the publick or a private Loss. All the paper money and Loan Office...
27John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 17 [i.e., 16] August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, August 17 [ i.e. , 16] , 1778: Captain Ayres’s poor health probably precludes his return voyage with your dispatches. Instruct me concerning his successor. Ships like his could transport goods to America quickly; if financial considerations permit, I could execute a partial order. I do not wish to seem presumptuous but I am herewith submitting a...
28John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 17 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Monsieur Le Norman who left this yesterday I had the Honor to advise you of the ill State of Health of Cap. Ayres and of my apprehendtion of his incapacity to proceed. I am more confirmd in my doubts his Physicians assuring me it will be imposible for him to resist the sharpness of the Air and the fatigue of the Passage, and of which he appears himself...
29John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 23 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since the Letter I had the Honor to write you the 17th Inst. the Liberty Captain Reed arriv’d at this Port from Edenton which place he left the 7 July. He brings no confirmation of the French Fleets arrival such report prevaild but gives it only as french report. As per my last the Cutter General Arnold is all ready and attends the arrival of your...
30John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 26 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, August 26, 1778: Last evening arrived one of Captain McNeill’s prizes, the brig Archangel , taken at latitude 72° N. longitude 25° E. while en route from Archangel to London. A boat from Boston belonging to Basmarein & Co. has arrived but brings no news. Captain Ayres continues to decline; I have sent him to the country but the doctor believes he...