18 August 1789

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox that he is concerned that a Mr. Keith is trying to get the marshalship of Massachusetts. Expresses confusion because he felt it likely that he would be appointed to that position. Bourne reaffirms his interest in the position, and asks for Knox's help in obtaining it. Says that General Lincoln and James Bowdoin both support Bourne for the position. Bourne dates the letter 1789, but the docket dates it 1790.

GLC02437.04694

January 16, 1790

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to request that Knox present some papers to the President on his behalf and apologizes for the inconvenience. Wishes to "remove any unfavorable impressions if such should have been made...as it contains my sincere sentiments." States in the post script that "so long a time has elapsed since my first application of the same Nature as the person, and as in the interim I have asked for a domestic employ that there is a propriety in the [renewal ?] of my application now least the President might suppose I was otherwise engaged & had entirely relinquished my wishes." Feels assured that…

GLC02437.10223

17 April 1790

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed in text. Note left for Knox as he was not home when Bourne came to call. States that he wanted to discuss with Knox about "when the foreign arrangments [sic] will take place..." Asks Knox to speak to the President, George Washington, on his behalf regarding his candidacy for a position abroad in the public agency. Date previously inferred, added later in pencil. See GLC02437.04587 for Knox's response to Bourne's letter.

GLC02437.04585

22 November 1789

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter of 27 September (GLC02437.04368). Plans to present his wishes to obtain a foreign appointment. Urges Knox to forward his proposals to the Flucker estate's creditors so Bourne can attend to the matter before the next session of Congress.

GLC02437.04419

26 October 1790

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Bourne tells Secretary of War Knox that he has settled "with General Jackson the plan of the arrangements of our business according to your wishes." Knox should give Jackson 92 pounds 11 shillings 10 pence by November 10 or 12.

GLC02437.04757

January 11, 1791

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph document signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Details of the disbursement of the estate of Thomas Flucker. Knox received "the sum of ninety two pounds eleven shilling, 28 pence." "258. dollars 3/7" noted on the verso.

GLC02437.04822

January 24, 1788

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests a response from a previous letter he sent to Knox, likely pertaining to a bill owed by the estate of Thomas Flucker, Knox's late father-in-law.

GLC02437.03770

3 January 1789

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received his letter by General [Henry] Jackson regarding adjustments to Mr. Flucker's Estate. Assumes Jackson has told Knox that the creditors Jackson met with do not seem supportive of Knox's proposals. Rather than sign the proposal by himself, he thought it would be better to discuss it with him in person in five weeks when he travels to New York. Sends his best wishes to the President.

GLC02437.04070

January 27, 1789

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that a committee has convened to "agree upon the necessary provisions for the foreign Department." Would like Knox's honest opinion as to the prospect of Bourne's receiving an appointment after Knox's recommendation. Hopes in the meantime to be successful in the business world. Comments on his potential of success in business versus in public service.

GLC02437.04100

11 May 1789

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Visited Knox's house several times, but Knox was not home, thus Bourne decided to write this letter. Asks, on behalf of his mother, whether Knox could repay 250 dollars of the late Mr. [Thomas] Flucker's debt, right away, as there is a great need for it at present. Also mentions that he received a letter recently from a Mr. Bayard in Maryland asking for his share of the debt, which Bayard supposed Bourne had. Refer to GLC02437.04202 for Knox's reply.

GLC02437.04201

13 April 1788

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Henry Knox]

Expresses concern about the ratification of the Constitution and what it might mean for his future career. Describes his "native Ambition of serving [his] Country in Some...capacity..." Asks for help in obtaining a government position and mentions prior experience in commerce and goes on to state that "the establishment of which on proper principles view as one of the great leading Steps to our future national greatness..." States that he has applied for a consulship in Spain. Watermarked "C Taylor" and with a hunting horn in a crest with "GR" underneath.

GLC02437.10212

January 16, 1790

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to assist in furthering his cause in application for a consul or secretary position dealing with commerce and foreign affairs. Believes that the greatness of the nation is "intimately connected with the extension of her Commerce with other Powers, & having guaranteed by explicit Contract & no longer subject to the precarious tenure of legislative decrees." Goes on to state that he trusts Knox with handling this business and encloses references. Watermarked with a hunting horn inside a crest and the letters "G R" underneath.

GLC02437.10224