To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 24 November 1781
From John Bondfield
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Bordeaux 24 November 1781
Sir
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 from confederate Bodies & even the play House resounded on certain salies of the Actors Aluding to the News.
I shall send to Lorient to go by the St. James arrived at that port one Hhd of Bottled Claret.6 I am in hopes to set on foot two or three Expeditions from hence in Virtue of the change this advice has made. With respect I am Sir your most Obedient Humble Servant
John Bondfield
Addressed: A Son Excellence / Benjamin Franklin, / ministre plénipotentiaire / des Etats unis, / à Passy.
Notation: Bonfield John 24. Nov. 1781.
6. The St. James, presently being fitted with copper sheathing for her hull, sailed from Lorient on Jan. 31, 1782, and arrived in America by March 17, when the captain, Thomas Truxtun, attended a March 17 dinner in Philadelphia for George Washington: Eugene S. Ferguson, Truxtun of the Constellation: the Life of Commodore Thomas Truxtun, U. S. Navy, 1755–1822 (Baltimore, 1956), pp. 45–6; John A. McManemin, Captains of the Continental Navy (Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J., 1981), p. 53.