To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 4 October 1781
From John Bondfield
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Bordeaux 4 8bre 1781
Sir
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 of Marque and put on board her a Small Cargoe.7 I have the Honor to be Sir your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield
His Excellency B Franklin Esqr
The Brig call’d the Sally Cap James Tucker of Maryland burthen 150 tons having 16 Six pounders 35 Men a Prize taken by the Privateers Ranger & Rambler property J. Bondfield—J B
the Brig must be Called the Mariana, instead the Sally and she will mount 16 four Pounders &ca
Addressed: His Excellency / Benj Franklin Esq / Minister plenipotentiar des / Etats Unies de lAmerique / Paris
Notation: J. Bondfield 4 Octr 81
7. On Oct. 18 BF responded that he was sending the commission Bondfield desired. He added, “I confide in your executing and returning to me the enclos’d Bond.” Library of Congress. We have not located a copy of the commission, but for the bond see Bondfield to BF, Oct. 31.