John Bondfield to the American Commissioners
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
separated from the fleet. It is said Admiral Byron left New
York November 2 with seventeen ships and one hundred
transports with five thousand troops. The Boston, the Providence,
and the Ranger all arrived with prizes in Boston.>
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