John Bondfield to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Bordeaux, October 3, 1778: No ships have arrived from
America; that none have come from [South] Carolina is to be
expected because of the embargo on rice, but many French
vessels are in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, even if
American ships are lacking.
A ship belonging to Mr. Ross was sold here. The crewmen
who shipped for the round trip demand their wages, but Mr.
Ross’s agent insists they accept a reduction in pay because of
the changed value of currency. The court of admiralty refers
them to referees but no one will accept the task for lack of
knowledge about American currency. I complained unsuccessfully
to Mr. Delap to whom the vessel was sent and recommended
to the crewmen they lay their cause before you. I
send you two hogsheads of Médoc wine for your inspection
and can send you two more. I hope to transmit you some
interesting intelligence in a few days.>
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