51John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 1 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, January 1, 1779: Compliments of the season. There have been no new arrivals since my letter of December 5. At Nantes, the Chasseur is loaded; contrary winds have delayed the [ Governor Livingston ] at the Ile de Ré for two months. I rejoice in the appointment of a convoy, which will promise more protection for merchant ships. Captures have...
52John 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...
53John 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...
54John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 13 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, October 13, 1778: We learn from an American privateer which arrived at Corunna on September 30 that Admiral Howe tried to relieve Rhode Island. His and d’Estaing’s fleets were severely damaged in a storm; he has returned to New York and d’Estaing regained his post off Newport. The privateer took two packet boats from which he has brought into...
55John 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...
56John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 20 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having collected Thirty Six American Seamen for our Ship the Mary Fearon Cap John Fulford and a prospect of engaging more we have resolved to equip her in a Warlike manner with eighteen four pounders swivels & small Arms proportiond. In consiquence I request the favor you will please to Grant us a Letter of Marque for the said Ship now at Penbeuf. Permit me...
57John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Bory nephew to Mr Beaujon at Paris whose conections are in the most respectable line in this province and whose friendship on many occations I have had oppertunity since in the Publick Service perticularly to experience and is at this day Capitally embarkt in conections wth. the United States permit me to Introduce to your Civilities. Since my last of...
58John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 10 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having a small Sloop call’d the Mongomery Robt. Willis master, that I propose to send back to America Arm’d, not having a Commission for her which I apprehend lays in your power to grant, I take the Liberty to make application to you for One. I propose her to mount Six four pounders to carry thirty Men and otherways properly equipt. I am not determin’d if I...
59John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 22 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Letters this instant from La Rochelle I am advised of a Vessel with Six hundred Hhds Tobacco on board supposed a State Vessel is arrived in the Road of that Port none of the Ships Company being landed at the departure of the Post they could not give me any particulars. I am respectfully Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Servant Addressed: The Honble Benj...
60To 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...
61To 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...
62To 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,...
63To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 26 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society An Express arrivd yesterday proclaimd Peace permit me to renew my Compliments of Congratulation. Mr Barclay wrote me some posts past from Lorient to have the returns of the prisoners at this City which I have transmitted and expect his further instructions by return of Post. I took the liberty to request a protection for two small Brigs I have which will...
64To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 22 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Union of the two Fleets which took effect at Currona the 13 Instant leaves no longer in doubt the resolutions of Spain, it is said the Spanish Fleet saild from Cadiz the 11th Inst. Letters of the 9th from Cadiz say they only waited a fair Wind. Letters from Madrid say they are at Sea. A Vessel of 28 Guns is arrived at Bilboa from America but we are...
65To 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...
66To 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...
67To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 4 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honor to pay my respects to you the 17 & 23 Ulto. I have the pleasure to advise you of the arrival of One of the Ships I expected from Virginia she arrived at Rochforte, the 2d April having had a passage of only Twenty Nine days. The Captain writes me that he shall retain my Letters to deliver them to me himself. I expect the Ship here every Tide...
68To 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...
69To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Refering to what I had the honor to write you last post this serves only to advise you that in consiquence of my engagements that become due in the course of next month for the fifty six pieces of artillery I have drawn in favor of Messieurs Bory freres & Co at four Months from this day for ninteen Thousand eight hundred Livres in the following Sums 29 June...
70To 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...
71To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 4 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS American Philosophical Society I am Honord with your Confidential Letter of the 22 Ulto (sans signature). A fall from my Horse by which I have my left arm Broken confines to my room and will prevent for some days longer applying to the Contents of your Enquiries wch I shall do so soon as able and transmit you every information I can obtain from the most Inteligent & impartial of our...
72To 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...
73To 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...
74To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 22 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A Small Sloop arrived here last night from the Eastern shore of Maryland she left Motompkin [Metomkin] a small port without the Cape the 17 April. The Captain informs me all appeard perfectly quiet no movements of any Note he brought no Letters nor any papers. I received yesterday the inclosed. The writer Joseph Baily and his Companion Phillip Chapman are...
75To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 10 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Just returnd to Bordeaux from the Country where by your friendly Assistance I have resided since I left Passi. Accept my most respectful accknowledgemts. for your kind services, Services of a nature that cannot be errast and of which I shall ever retain a most sincere reconnoisance. By my last Letters from Paris I am not more advanct than when I left that...
76To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 9 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The vessel I advised you arrived at Rochelle proved to be a Ship belonging to some Merchants at Baltimore. By Letters yesterday from Bilboa we are advised of the Arrival of two American Vessels at that Port from New England one of them a Brig from Salem took on her Passage a homeward bound Jamaica man estimated at Twenty five Thousand Pounds. The prize I...
77To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 26 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Captain John Green arrived here the 23d Inst. to which port he had been carried by a privateer that took him on his passage from Philadelphia, he destroy’d all his Letters & papers these miscarriages cruelly suspend the execution of the proposed Operations of our friends on the other side whose disapointments as well as Loss’s come heavy. A Courier from...
78To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 7 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Cooper having given me Mr. Hancocks Letter to you in his favor for my perusal in virtue and on the strength of the Contents I have and shall advance to the young Gentleman the Nessessaries he stands in need off which I hope will meet with your approbation. I am most respectfully Your honors Most Obedient Servant Addressed: The Honble. Benjamin Franklin...
79To 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...
80To 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...
81To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 2 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At the repeated Instances of La Marquise de La Fayette that I would give in charge some dispatchs or packets that she might have the pleasure to deliver to you in person I cannot decline her obliging attention and esteem the oppertunity of acquainting you that as your Agent I have been honor’d by Le Marchal and La Mar[échale] de Mouchy Governor of the...
82To 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...
83To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 11 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Don Galva of and from Salem arrivd at this Port Yesterday he saild from Salem the 1 December Mons De Vaudrieul with the Fleet remaind at Boston and from the report of the Captain would not sail before the later end of the month the french Troops were arrivd at Boston to embark on board the Fleet. The Indians have committed some fresh Crueltys on the...
84To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 27 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honord with your favor of the 18th Inst. We have had no arrivals on this Coast from the United States since my last, a Brig arrived at Brest somedays past that left Edenton 5 feby. The intelligence she brought has not reachd this City. Captain Jones arrived here last Week in quest of Seamen and Cannon. The Ship Buckskin Capt. Johns took on her passage...
85To 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...
86To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 2 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Dhorman of Lisbon whose distinguish’d conduct at that City in favor of America and americans from whom I have received many personal accounts by them who stand indebted to his services, having the honor of receiving his vissit in his road thro’ this City for Paris I take the liberty of giving him the present to serve him as an introduction to your...
87To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 6 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honor’d with your favor of the 25th Ulto. and am much Obliged to you for forwarding the Letter of Marque &c agreable to my request. A Vessel Arrived at this port from Charles Town saild the 25 January. The Troops and Inhabitants of the Province were all in motion. Six Thousand men are United under Lincoln & Thompson and are perfectly secure from any...
88To 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...
89To 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...
90To 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...
91To 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...
92To 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...
93To 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...
94To 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...
95To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 15 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By advices yesterday from Bilboa a vessel arrived at that port from Salem which place he left the 8 May. The Frigates the Queen of France, the Warren and the Ranger on a Cruize fell in with a small fleet of Transports from New York bound to Georgia, took eight of them loaden with Arms Amunition Artillery & Stores with many Officers on board and sent them...
96To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 17 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Motives for inclosing you the Anext detail of conections wherein I have and am embarked springs from the apprehendtion I am under of falling a Sacrefice with many others in the Crush of the times relying on timely returns engaged my extending my concerns further than the Capital we have in Europe will answer. I find myself in a Situation the most...
97To 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...
98To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 8 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honor’d with your favor of the 26th Inst. and am truely sensible of your friendly Goodwill which you so obligingly Express in answer to my representation which forecast made me judge incumbent, from dread of events. I am happy to advise you that the Arrival of the General Mercer loaden with Tobacco to my address will effectualy prevent any checks to my...
99To 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...
100To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 24 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of the 17th Ins I am honord by your favor of the 5th. The Contract for Cannon made with Spain being compleated the Caron Company depended on a renewal and the pieces at Ferrol were lodged there in consiquence Spain alterd her Contract and the Cannon remaind on account of the former Contractors. The Prisoners carried into the ports of Spain...