1To James Madison from James Manning, 29 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to introduce to your acquaintan[ce] the bearer, Benjamin Bourne Esquire of this Town; and to request your assistance in obtaining the object of the petition to Congress, which he is sent forward to present, vizt: that the Seaport Towns in the State of Rhode Island may be exempt from the Tonage imposed on foreigners; & from the Impot also, to which they are subjected by the...