William MacCreery to John Adams, October 9, 1778

Bordeaux 9 October 1778

Dear Sir

I did myself the pleasure to write you a few Lines just before my departure from Nantes, and afterwards on my arrival at this place. 1

Two Small Vessels arrived here from Baltimore a few days ago. They had both long passages, the latest dates I had by them was the 16th. of August, and the only news contained in them, That a large Number of Vessels had got into Chesapeak Bay, which occasion’d a considerable fall in Goods of almost every Sort, particularly Salt. My Freinds there had not a doubt, but that if the Bay kept clear of the Enemy during this Winter, that Goods wou’d become as plenty and cheap as they cou’d wish. The best proof I have of the plenty of the most essential Goods, is, that my orders are chiefly for Wines and Brandy’s.

I understand that there has been lately sent out from Brest, 6 Men of War and Six Frigates, Ordered to < , Start deletion, a Cruize in , End, > three different districts to course in, two of each, in each district. 2 The Bell Poulle is one of them, and has allready taken Two of the Enemies Cruizers, one of 22, the other of 14 Guns, and retaken a F. E. India-man. 3

I expect shortly to receive some Bills such as you hinted at in a late Letter 4 which you did me the Honor to write me, hope matters will be better with the Honorable Commissioners when I receive them, than you then expected. Shou’d they be obliged to refuse them, it wou’d be a great disapointment, but be it as it may, must submit with patience, and wait till something more favourable may turn up.

I am with the greatest Respect Dr Sir Your very Ob. Servant

Will M.Creery