51John 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...
52John 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...
53John 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...
54John 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...
55John 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...
56John 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...
57John 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...
58John 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...