John Bondfield to Benjamin Franklin, April 21, 1781

Bordeaux 21 April 81

Sir

From Bilboa by a vessel arrived from Salem they have receivd advice that the L’Eveilée Capt De Thilly fell in with the Romulus of 44 Guns with a Convoy consisting of 20 Transports bound from New York to the Assistance of Arnold. 5 The accounts differ in the Number of Troops on board some mention 6000 others five hundred, 1200 suits Cloathing, Arms, and a considerable Military Chest. Some Posts past I took the liberty to transmit you my Accounts 6 if approved shall be obliged to you for Liberty to draw for the amount. Our Ships are arrived safe at the Cape 7 and to a great Market. We are without any advice of the British Fleet on these Coasts— with due respect I have the Honor to be Sir your very hhb Servant

John Bondfield