John Bondfield to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Bordeaux, July 7, 1778: The Sally, which arrived here yesterday
from Edenton, reports that the fourth regiment of Col.
Maitland’s expedition has been captured and that several
ships, among them the Roderigue with a cargo of great value,
have arrived in the Chesapeake.
Consorting here with agents and consuls of European
states shows me the advantages that their countries derive
from them; a similar arrangement might be useful for you.
American trade is a new field, and you know nothing of its
value in various regions; I and other agents elsewhere, especially
if they had an order from Mr. de Sartine to local officials,
might easily send you monthly reports of exports to and imports
from America. This is a suggestion that might in time, if
put into practice, be of great use.>
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