1To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The aggregate result of that investigation, which I have made of the sentiments of the members of Congress relating to the Consular System, of this Country, tends to weaken my expectations of ever returning again to the West Indies, and the more especially as the present state of Hispaniola renders still more precarious than before, every pursuit of a mercantile nature:—but faint as my...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Cape François, 29 Apr. 1791 . Arrived and presented credentials on 16 Mch. Still awaits recognition “but cannot obtain any decision of the business: being constantly put off by the most equivocal and evasive Conduct on their part. One Day am informed that the Convention does not extend to the Colonies—the next that as my Commission is unacompanied by a letter from the Secy. of State, they...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Cape François, 30 June 1791 . He has not been favored by any communication from TJ since his of 27 Apr. After more than three months he has not been officially received, despite his “arguments … drawn from the tenor of explicit compact, and conveyed in firm but cool language.” They reply that they have never been officially notified of the Consular Convention, it cannot be registered, and of...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 8 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received the letter you did me the honour to write me of Augt. 14th. covering a duplicate of yours of May 13th. which I acknowledged the receipt of, in a letter dated July 5th that must probably have reached you before this. Prior to the receipt of your last I had concluded upon embarking for America soon as every prospect of obtaining a reception here had ceased. Particulars, I shall...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 21 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Being absent from this place on a journey I was not honoured by the receipt of your last favor till yesterday.—I perfectly acquiesce in your relation of the circumstances attending my acceptance of the Consulate of Hispaniola while I recollect that at the time you observed it was very uncertain what arrangements Government might think fit to make relating to our Consuls abroad you gave it as...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
At the time I had the honour of addressing you last, I was in expectation of forming such a mercantile connection, as would have induced me to return to the west Indies; but the late repeated bad news from that quarter, has discouraged the Person who contemplated this connection with me from any further pursuit of it. I now therefore beg leave (agreably to your advice as to the mode of...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 2[4?] March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 25 [i.e. 24?] Mch. 1790 . Having had the honor of an introduction to TJ he feels he may disclose his wish for public employment and refers to “the Vice President and Chief Justice of the United States, the Secretarys of the Treasury and War Departments” for information, but is conscious that capacity to serve the public is “the only proper ground of my expectations, as the only one...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour some time since to acquaint you of my intentions of embarking for Cape Francois by the middle of this month, but the want of an opportunity has hitherto prevented me and I wait yet some days for a Vessell bound to that Port. You was pleased to suggest in your last the peculiar necessity of my departure as it related to the public and I doubt not under these circumstances your...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 19 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 19 Apr. 1790. Requests TJ to deliver officially to the President the enclosed memorial and to acquaint him with Bourne’s qualifications for a diplomatic or consular appointment. His concern for the public good forbids him to solicit a particular post, but if he is appointed he will endeavor to merit the public’s confidence. RC ( DLC : Washington Papers, Applications for Office); 1...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 17 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia ], 17 June 1793, “Mrs Dunns No 153 markett street .” Having made a contract with Mr. Morris that will enable him to return to Cape François, he urges TJ to consult with the President about resuming his old consular commission or his reappointment to the place, a necessary condition of his present plan; as his former commission bears the endorsement on his reception, perhaps it...