1To James Madison from Benjamin Thompson, 7 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
As I have Supposed under the present government of the Union, that Congress will shortly find it expedient to make some Appointments in a Consular capacity to the Ports of France & French Islands, I have had thoughts of offering myself a Candidate for One or Other of the latter. My Knowledge of the language, customs & manners of the french Nation, I flatter myself, will entitle me to some...
2To George Washington from Benjamin Thompson, 12 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
Morris Town, State of New Jersey Sir September 12th 1789 In expectation that, under the present government of the United States, Congress may shortly find it expedient, amongst other commercial regulations, to establish Consuls at foreign Ports—particularly to the Ports of France & french Islands—and having from a long residence with the french nation, acquired a knowledge of their language,...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Thompson, 30 March [1790] (Jefferson Papers)
[ New York ,] 30 Mch . [ 1790 ]. Having met TJ “at Breakfast at Woodbridge in Jersey last friday week,” he wished then to make himself known in hope that “Mrs. Trist of Philadelphia who is my wife’s Cousin” might have informed him of his desire to be employed “in a consular capacity or to fill any vacancy that might offer” in office of secretary of state. He has now come to the city and hopes...
4To John Adams from Benjamin Thompson, 12 July 1796 (Adams Papers)
Desirous of contributing efficaciously to the advancement of a Branch of Science which has long employed my Attention, and which appears to me to be of the highest Importance to Mankind, and wishing at the same time to leave a lasting Testimony of my respect for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences,—I take the liberty to request that the Academy would do me the Honor to accept of Five...
5To John Adams from Benjamin Thompson, 1 June 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Managers of the Royal Institution of Great Britain have directed me to transmit to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences the enclosed Prospectus; I have therefore the honour to forward the same to your Excellency, and to request that you would lay it, or cause it to be laid, before that learned and respectable Body. I have likewise the honour, in conformity to the Instructions I have...
6To James Madison from Benjamin Thompson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801 “ Christa. Bridge State of Delaware .” Recollects past association with JM; complains of ill fortune and losses “as a Canadian Refugee.” Despite unsuccessful request for consular post during Washington’s administration, renews his application for a position. Believes few Americans possess knowledge of the French language and customs superior to his. RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.; docketed by...