Autograph Campaign Letter Signed by William Francis Bond, serving with the naval force at Cadiz, to his uncle, Captain Bond, Seafencibles at Teignmouth, describing in detail the negotiations between the Spanish and British admirals, the efforts of diplomats, the arrival of troops from Gibraltar, the turmoil in Cadiz, the expectation of the surrender of the French fleet, mentioning his previous service under Captain Boyles, and much else by NAVAL. William Francis Bond, Midshipman, HMS Windsor Castle 1808

Windsor Castle, off Cadiz, 9 June 1808. 4 pp. 10 x 8 inches, nicely written and in very good condition, torn at seal opening, address panel (brought to Plymouth with the official naval mail; verso has a Plymouth Dock 220 mileage mark). Young William Francis Bond makes a mature assessment of the naval and military efforts to encourage the Spaniards to rise against the French invaders: “... little doubt can be entertained of its being particularly favourable, several of our ships being within half Gunshot of their Grand Batteries, and several Thousand Spaniards waiting on the Beach, as we on the following morning learnt, to receive the English Army as Friends. Boats from the Town are now permitted to take any refreshments to our Fleet and Army. The Spanish Rear Admiral McDonald who has acceded to all the Articles of the Treaty but one which it is conjectured he will shortly comply with that of delivering up the French Ships of War to us consisting of five sail of the Line and one Frigate ...”