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.

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.

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 the recipient will conduct the whole matter in a manner most conducive to the success of my object as you are acquainted with the Presidents disposition in these cases as well as of my anxious desire for the Place. Note at the bottom of the first page states Please Turn Over. Watermarked with a hunting horn inside a crest and the letters G R underneath.

Signed, H.K. Replies to a letter from Bourne (GLC02437.10212). Writes, ... my future [prospects] of continuing in public employment are too uncertain for me to pledge myself specifically for any purpose whatever I can only say that if any [object] should be pointed out in which I could be of service to you consistently with superior obligations, that I should chearfully perform it.

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.

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.

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.