51To 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...
52To 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...
53John 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...
54John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 13 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
By Letters this day from Couronna we have advice that the 30th Ultimo arrived at that Port an American privateer of 20 guns. She left Boston 14 August. He reports that Adml. How with the reinforcement he had receivd went down to Rhode Island. He there found Comte D’estaing who on his approach stood out to meet him. A Gale of wind prevented their engageing. Both Fleets sufferd severely by the...
55To 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...
56To 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...
57John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 12 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have receiv’d from every Forge from Angoulerme to Bayonne returns of their proposals and offers for the Cannon you Commission’d me to purchase. Not One of them will engage to compleat the delivery before February. The dryness of the Season deprives them of a supply of water nessessary to execute the Work in Less time. I have survey’d the Arsenals hoping to find there to Borrow and to...
58John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 5 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
A french Brig belonging to La Rochelle arrived at this port the 2d Instant from Boston, he left that port the 4 November in Company with Adml. D’Estaing with all his fleet reinforced by some American Frigates. The Report circulated in Boston their intent was against Halifax, the Season was far advanct for an attempt of that nature. He kept company thirty Six hours, the Fleet steerd N.E., he...
59John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, September 12, 1778: I have received offers from every forge from Angoulême to Bayonne for the cannon you commission me to purchase. None will promise to complete delivery before February and the arsenals cannot loan any. Thus I have decided to contract with the forges of Petigore [Périgord]. No ships have arrived from America the last three days...
60John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 10 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 10, 1778: Capt. Tucker hopes to start careening his ship next week and be finished by Easter. He has instructed the ship’s officers to make returns of the stores wanted. The local officers of the farmers general have ordered him to land and declare the tobacco brought by the Boston . I refused to comply, and they agreed to await further...
61John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 6 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 6, 1778: Since Captain Tucker left I have had to settle additional charges, of which I enclose details. The conspiracy has been diligently investigated by the intendant, but nothing can be proved. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 185–6. He left Bordeaux on May 17 and put to sea on June 6: ibid. , p. 109 n. He is referring back to a...
62To 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...
63John 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...
64John 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...
65John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, January 23, 1779: While visiting you on January 9, I inquired about the convoy we requested. I must also request passes by return post for four of our vessels, the Molly , the Chasseur , the Governor Livingston , and the Mary Fearon , all the property of James Price, William Haywood, and John Bondfield. Letters from Cadiz report the capture of an...
66John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 21 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, November 21, 1778: The Inspector of Artillery visited the port yesterday to inspect M. Bertin’s cannon. On the basis of appearance alone, their quality seems good, but this must be confirmed by testing. I herewith enclose a list indicating their specifications. Other cannon belonging to the same company made from the same mold can be procured...
67To 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...
68John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 29 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, August 29, 1778: I have received your letter of the 19th commissioning the purchase of 56 pieces of cannon. I suspect it will be November before I can collect them. I presume they are for naval use; let me know where to send them. I am without instructions for the General Arnold ; the delays cause very heavy expenses which are charged to me....
69To 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...
70John 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...
71John 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...
72John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 12 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Having concluded with Mr. Schweighauser for the publick freight the two Ships are ready and will proceed the begining of Next Week for Penbeuf. We have apply’d for a Convoy for the Ships which we have room to flatter ourselves will be granted and will thereby secure their passage from hence to the Loire, as there will be no delay at Nantes in the Loading all being ready both to Ship and Load...
73John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <La Rochelle, November 12, 1778: I concluded agreements with Mr. Schweighauser for the public freight of the two ships [the Governor Livingston and the Chasseur ] which will proceed to Paimboeuf next week. We, like the merchants of Nantes, have applied for a convoy. These two ships will be very valuable; an application from you should insure the convoy. We...
74To 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...
75To 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...
76John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 6 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The last Post I had the Honor to advise you of the Arrival of the Honble. John Adams Esq. Since his absence we are diligently employ’d in getting ready the Ship. She goes on the waies to day and will be finisht Friday or Saturday. The Captain and Carpenters assure me there is no risk on her taking the Ground to Carreen otherways should have objected. I...
77To 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...
78John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 18 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 18, 1778: The comte de Fumel informed me yesterday that M. de Sartine instructed him to give American warships the honors due to those of foreign states. The careening of the Boston will be finished this evening.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 38.
79John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 23 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 23, 1778: Our only news is the official reception of the Marquis d’Almadovar. He leaves tomorrow for six days in Paris, and is not expected to reside long in London. No word of the Boston .> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 232. Almodóvar, the new Spanish ambassador to St. James’s, was charged with discovering what Britain would...
80John 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...
81John 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...
82To 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...
83John Bondfield to the American Commissioners: Letter and résumé, 25 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 25, 1778: The mainmast of the Boston has been condemned and will be promptly replaced. The Captain requires an iron hearth for cooking; the stone one he had is broken. I hope you will approve.> Per mine of this date you would be advised of our proceedings tutching the Boston. Captain Le Mair desireing I would second the many...
84John Bondfield to Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, 14 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
Bordeaux, 14 April 1778. RC ( PPAmP : Franklin Papers). Bondfield, still unaware that JA was at Paris, gave general shipping information, noted Capt. Tucker’s exertions to prepare the Boston for sea, and commented on the stagnation of Franco-American trade that would continue “until War is declared or Peace is establish’d.” RC ( PPAmP : Franklin Papers).
85To 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...
86John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, December 5, 1778: A brig owned in La Rochelle arrived here December 2, having left Boston November 4 and having sailed thirty-six hours with Admiral d’Estaing. Rumor had it that the fleet was to attack Halifax. Another vessel equipped by Chaumont’s friend, Decater, arrived at Auray, having sailed with the admiral until November 7 when she...
87John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 9 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honor to pay my respects to you the 1st. Instant since which am without any of your Commands. The Convoy for the French Islands left this yesterday and with them three small Cutters for the States of America. We have a Vessel from Edenton arrived at Bayonne sail’d in October of course no News only Tobacco is at ten pounds that Currency the hundred weight by which the Traders in...
88To 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...
89To 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...
90John 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...
91To 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...
92John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <Bordeaux, January 9, 1779: Yesterday the convoy for the French islands sailed, accompanied by three small cutters for the United States. From a vessel arriving out of Edenton I have learned that tobacco is £10 per hundred weight in American currency. American prices are extraordinarily high because of the excessive emission of...
93To 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...
94John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 15 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, September 15, 1778: The cutter Tartar , Captain Southcomb, arrived yesterday from the York River, which it left on July 29. Southcomb reports d’Estaing had taken five English frigates and that New York was closely blockaded and would doubtless fall. [ Postscripts: ] Captain Ayres died on the 13th; I had him buried as decently as is allowed to...
95John Bondfield to Franklin and Arthur Lee, 14 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt. Tucker pays unwearied attention to get forward the Ship so that on a Days notice we shall be soon in readiness to obey whatever Commands your Honors will see fitting to give. Her sails Rigging and Stores are all preparing. There has been no arrivals from the United States on this Coast since my last of the 10th Instant. The present unsettled State...
96To 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...
97To 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...
98John 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...
99John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 8 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
This morning Arrived the Privateer Schooner Success—Attwood Master from Virginia. She left Cheasapeak Bay 13 July. The Captains inteligence consists that the ninth Comte d’Estaing saild from the Bay for New York remained in the Bay five French Frigates. Some English Prisoners are brought in here taken by American Privateers their enlargement or detention is optional in the Captures no claim...
100To 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...