23551To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 7 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honord with your favor of the 22 february ulto. inclosing a Letter for President Pichard which I have forwarded to him at Liburn, the residence of our Parliament. The last post brought me a Letter from Mons. Lambert de frontignan advising his having forwarded to my care two Cases of his Wine for Mons. Le Cte. de Moustier at N. York. To avoid troubling Mess. Elie Lefebre at Rouen I address...
23552John 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...
23553John 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).
23554To 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...
23555To George Washington from John Bondfield, 1 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Having a Vessel going to Philadelphia which is an occurence rare with us I have orderd Six Cases of Claret containing thirty Bottles each to be marked for your Excellency on a presumption that Good genuine Wine of this growth will meet a welcome reception. I write Messieurs Meredith & Clymer to whom the Vessel goes consigned to hold the same at your disposal and have transmitted them a...
23556John 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...
23557John 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...
23558To 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...
23559To 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...
23560John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 29 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Since my last of the 26th I an honord with your favor of the 19th. Commissioning the emediate purchase of fifty six pieces of Cannon say Twenty eight 24 pounders and Twenty eight eighteen pounders. From the search I have already made I suspect it will be November before they can be all colected. I propose going to the Forges next week on that Account. I shall take every precaution both with...
23561John 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...
23562To 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...
23563John 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...
23564To 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...
23565John 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...
23566To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 15 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Since mine of the 28 nov. I am honor’d with your favors of the 18 and 31 Decr., the first covering a Letter to M. D’Yquem, that estate at present belongs to the Comte de Lur his son in Law to whom I inclosd your Letter, to which you have inclosed his answer. I have receivd from him five Cases of his wine and have shipt them on board the Actif for Rouen. They goe addrest to the care of Mr. Elie...
23567John 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...
23568To John Adams from John Bondfield, 2 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am this day honord with your favor of the 25th. The post of this day from Rochfort brings advice of the arrival at Isl deé of a Small Vessel from Baltimore that left the Bay the 28 March. The Commandant at Bell Isl writes the advices brought by the Sloop are that Clinton had receved in Georgia a Compleat defeat and Genl. Washington with 14000 Man had open’d the Seige of New York. I give you...
23569To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 14 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to reply to the Honor of your favor of the 14 Ulto. I made recherches at the Prevoté to find out the two Americans who petitiond your intervention. They are not within the limits of this Jurisdiction. The Season has been most uncommonly severe, since the 24 our River is full of Ice, great Loss’s are sustaind on the Navigation, many ship are Lost and others greatly Damaged. Last night I...
23570To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, [after 14 July 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Bordeaux, after 14 July 1785. ] Sends TJ a copy of a letter received by the last post from Toulon, which indicates that the Algerines’ activities are “influenced by other than their private piratical passion”; he will also advise Gov. Hancock. Tr ( DNA : PCC , No. 87, i ); 2 p.; in David Humphreys’ hand; undated; at foot of letter: “No. 9.” The text of Tr follows immediately after that of...
23571To 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...
23572To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 3 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Barclay wore down by the inflexable obstinacy of his cruel persecutors who cease not to raise interest to excecute their inhuman projects, flatter’d himself to receive thro your interest a safe Conduct for himself and his partner Mr. Loreille. This engaged his remaining here from Poste to Poste. He communicated to me your letter to him under cover to Mess. Feger. From the contents I...
23573To 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...
23574John 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...
23575John 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...
23576To John Adams from John Bondfield, 28 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
A fever that confind me to my Bed from the 15th Augt. to 20 Sept. and and absence in the Country to a few days past for my recovery deprived me the pleasure of communicating to you as subjects offerd the occurences which by many arrivals at this and the neighbouring Ports have been frequent. You will undoubtedly have recived from Ferol the Letters and papers brought by the arrivd at that Port....
23577To 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...
23578John 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...
23579To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 13 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honord by your favor of the 16th Ulto to Messrs Watts & Smith I shall be attentive to render this place to them agreable and particularly so thro’ your recommendation which I honor & revere. We are greatly disapointed by the intellige. receivd from Georgia notwithstanding I do not apprehend the effects so dreadful as painted. The English are greatly...
23580To John Adams from John Bondfield, 22 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
This day arrived from Baltimore a small Schooner which port she left the 15 March. General Clinton with the remainder of the transports saved from the general despersion, arrived at Savannah to the Number of 44 or 45 Ships. General Gates was sent to Command at Charles Town. No movements had been made since the Arrival of the Troops In Georgia, all the Enemys Horse were thrown overboard. The...
23581To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 20 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Within this month past have arrived from Ireland upwards of Thirty Captains Officers and Seamen who by bribing the Centeries or out the Hospitals have escaped by Neutral Vessels and come safe off. The reports they make of the misery they endured and that of their fellow Companions is incredible they have requested me to represent their sufferings to you...
23582To John Adams from John Bondfield, 13 April 1782 (Adams Papers)
We have advices from Edenton in North Carolina so late as the 14th March brought by a vessel arrived at this port the 9th Instant one of my Letters contains “It is reported an attack against Charles Town is preparing by General green 2000 Militia of this State is orderd emidiately to join him and all the Troops from Virginia have marchd some time past.” By the Captain I learn a Number of...
23583To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 19 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknowledge the honor of your favors of 19th. Decr. and 10 Instt. I deferd replying sooner to your favor of the 19 Decr. hoping a change of weather would have admitted my forwarding the wine you Commissiond. Within this four Days the weather is become moderate. I have in consequence forward[ed] to you four Cases containing thirty six Bottles each of our first Growth per the...
23584To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 10 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I receivd in due course the honor of yours of the 30th inclosing two Bills [ for ] your acceptance for seven Thousand five hundred Livres. Agreable to your desire I have inclosed the Account of Cannon as before trasmitted also the Founders Account for the Cannon shipt on Account of the States on board the Marquis de La fayette. I have also inclosed to...
23585John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 18 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday Monsr. Le Comte de Fumel Governor of the Castle call’d at my Lodgings to inform me that Monsieur De Sartine in answer to the Letter he wrote had sent him Instructions to pay all the Honors due to Ships of War of forreign States to the Boston Frigate and to every other Vessel belonging and in the Service of the United States of America, requesting I would give him Notice before the...
23586To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 3 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Letters last post from Bilboa we are advised of the Arrival of a Vessel at that Port from Georgia the Inteligence they bring is very pleasing and being transmitted by many Houses of that City gives it Credit. A detatchment from Comte dEstaings Fleet arrived at Savannah took and destroyd the British Armd Vessels on the Coast and made prisoners at Beaufort...
23587John 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...
23588John 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...
23589To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 20 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you the State of Imports of Tobacco from the United States to this Port from 1 January 1786 to 24 Sept 1787, since which are arrived four or five Vessels principally for account of the Contractors. I have divided the State in two parts the one containing the Imports on private Account the other from Mr. Morris, on Account of his Contract. We have arrivals that left...
23590To John Adams from John Bondfield, 28 May 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am honord with your favor of the 14th. my last of the 20th. handed you the inteligence then at hand since which we are without any Arrivals. France and Spain appear to Aim at a desicive Blow in the West Indies so formidable a fleet never appeard in them Seas Monr. De Guichen strong of 24 ships Solano 12 from Ferol 8 from Cadiz 5 Bougainville 5 De Ternay to the Norwd 7 61 Line Sixty one Ships...
23591John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 8 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Since I had the honor to write you the 2d Instant there are arrived at this port two ships the One from Savanah the other from Charles Town. They give an account of many Vessels loading for Europe at Charles Town and of the Arrival of a Spaniard from the Havanah with Specie in a very large Vessel that he was loading with Rice for Cadiz. By the Sales returnd from Georgia they must be greatly...
23592John 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...
23593To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 21 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 21 Sep. 1787 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 9 Sep. ; is returning a letter sent under his cover for Thomas Blanchard, who was first employed, at Bondfield’s request, by a French firm “and that with a view of drawing the Americans from the British line in which throu the influence of the English ship Broker who they all apply too as speaking their Language confounds and makes appear as...
23594To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 15 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honord with your favor of the 4th Instant am obliged to you for the Trouble you took in the Honor done to my drafts. The Master of a Ship arrivd here yesterday taken off Bell Isl left Hampton Road the 22 May past in the Night the English Men of War that lay off Norfolk the reports were all confused of the Actions of the English he threw his papers...
23595John 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...
23596To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 8 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
It is in common practise before an old Servant is dismist to assign to him some mark of disapprobation or to thank him for his past attentive Services, also to discharge the Sums due him, or provide for him a decent retreat. Publick Bodies are not to be supposed to know private chains unless situated in a line to reflect lustre. This Letter being intended as a private personal representation,...
23597To John Adams from John Bondfield, 20 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
By this days post we are advised of the sailing from Cadiz of the Spanish Fleet consisting of thirty Sail of the line to cruize off Cape St. Vincent prepered to intercept the English Fleet destind for Gibralter. Their wild Goose chase against that fortress employs Men ships and money that might be put to much more useful purpose. Two Dutch Couriers from Madrid and one for Versailes past thro...
23598John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 21 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
Yesterdays post brought us advice of the Arrival of a Vessel belonging to this City from Baltimore in 22 Days at Bilboa, a passenger from on board said to be charged with dispatches for your Honors from Congress sett off for Paris on their Arrival. Letters from Bayonne give me Account of his having past thro’ that City on his road to Paris. I dont learn any Material Inteligence it may be...
23599To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 30 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is with concern we have by this mornings post the Confirmation of the Capture of the Marquis de la fayett. The loss sustaind by America by the nessessity they are under for the Goods shipt by that Vessel engages me into using this first opportunity of tendering you a considerable party of Broad Cloths with other nessessary furniture as linings & trimings...
23600John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 27 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Engagement of La Belle Poule is esteem’d at this port as a prelude to the declaration. Sugar Coffee and every other forreign Produce is buying up on Speculation which Acts are the Merchants Compass governing their views by the appearances of the times. We have Letters of the 10 and 13 May from America but as they came by the Nymph Frigate can of course contain nothing more than what you...