31John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 3 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, October 3, 1778: No ships have arrived from America; that none have come from [South] Carolina is to be expected because of the embargo on rice, but many French vessels are in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, even if American ships are lacking. A ship belonging to Mr. Ross was sold here. The crewmen who shipped for the round trip demand...
32John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 6 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have only time to advise of the Arrival of a small Cutter from Baltimore which place they left 14 Augt. and the Capes the 23d. No advices when he left the Coast of Comte dEstaings operations. Another Cutter is in the River from the same port there probably may be letters on board. The fierre Rodrigue from Virginia they left within a Days run of Rochefort...
33John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 10 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day receivd from Mr. Livingston a Letter wherein he requests I would apply for a Letter of Mark for the Ship bought for him. I shall esteem the favor of you to forward one to me by the first Post I expect he will be ready for Sea by the first November. The Ship is called the Livingston, in Honor of Governor Livingston, the late Mr. P....
34John 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...
35John 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...
36John 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...
37John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, November 28, 1778: We are without interesting intelligence. Because of their heavy losses the merchants here must reduce their exports, to the detriment of the United States. Only three small cutters belonging to Virginia have sailed in the past three months. A 24-gun vessel of Beaumarchais & Co. sails to join their Fier Roderigue and Drake at...
38John 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...
39John 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...
40John 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...
41John 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...
42John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, February 2, 1779: Capt. Jason Laurence of the schooner General Arnold arrived here yesterday by a Dutch ship; he had been put on board by the Jersey privateer that captured him. He informs me his ship belonged to General Arnold and was the first launched in Philadelphia since its recapture. He left there on November 4, carrying packets for you...
43John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 9 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honor’d with your favor of the 30th Ulto accompanying four Passports for our Ships and for which I am obliged to you. I have had no Letters the two Last posts from Nantes but suppose our Vessels are ready for Sea. No Arrivals yet on this Coast from America nor any intelligence Interesting. I have the honor to be with due respect Sirs Your most Obed...
44John 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...
45John 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...
46John 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...