John Bondfield to the American Commissioners: Letter and résumé, 25 April 1778
John Bondfield to the American Commissioners: Two Letters4
(I) and (II) ALS: Massachusetts Historical Society
I.
<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.>
II.
Bordeaux 25 April 1778
Honored Sirs
Per mine of this date you would be advised of our proceedings tutching the Boston. Captain Le Mair desireing I would second the many other introductions he has to your Honors5 I take the Liberty to give him the present which the high opinion entertaind by Governor Henry exprest in his Orders makes not nessessary having from that Gentleman his utmost protection. I have the honor to be most respectfully Your Honors Most Obedient Servant
John Bondfield
4. The first is published in Taylor, Adams Papers, VI, 55.
5. Among them, presumably, were two from Patrick Henry, to BF above of March 3 and to Adams, of the 5th: ibid., V, 408–9. On April 26 Couturier de Versan, a Bordeaux merchant, wrote BF to offer his services in expediting Le Maire’s mission in every way possible. APS.