1792 Silas Talbot Free Frank Cover to Benjamin Bourne, Rhode Island's 1st Representative in the US Congress in Philadelphia

Free frank black stamped to Congressman Benjamin Bourne, docketed as received from Silas Talbot, January 17, 1792.  Straight line postmarked "N York Janu 8,1792." Addressed handwriting is in Silas Talbot distinctive style. 

The Congress of the United States established by the new Constitution met at New York City's Federal Hall from March 4, 1789 through most of 1790.  From December 6, 1790 to May 14, 1800, Congress Hall in Philadelphia served as the seat of the United States Congress.  On November 17, 1800, Congress moved to the newly formed City of Washington from Philadelphia, convening in the newly completed north wing of the unfinished Capitol.

Condition:  Split at top fold holding docketing, condition as shown in photographs.

Benjamin Bourne (1755-1808) served as Rhode Island's first At-Large Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives from August 31, 1790 – October 13, 1796.  President George Washington appointed him as a federal judge to the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island in 1796.

Talbot (1751-1813) was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1792-1793.

In January 1793, Talbot was elected as a Federalist from New York to the 3rd United States Congress, and served from March 4, 1793, to approximately June 5, 1794, when President George Washington chose him third in a list of six captains of the newly established United States Navy.  He was ordered to superintend the construction of the frigate USS President at New York. On April 20, 1796, construction of President was suspended and Talbot was discharged from the Navy.  With the outbreak of the Quasi-War with France, Talbot was re-commissioned as a captain in the United States Navy on May 11, 1798.

He served as commander of USS Constitution from June 5, 1799, until September 8, 1801, sailing it to the West Indies where he protected American commerce from French privateers during the Quasi-War. He commanded the Santo Domingo Station in 1799 and 1800 and was commended by the Secretary of the Navy for protecting American commerce and for laying the foundation of a permanent trade with that country. It is said that Talbot was wounded 13 times and carried 5 bullets in his body.

Captain Talbot resigned from the Navy on September 21, 1801, and died in New York City on June 30, 1813