To James Madison from Francis Barretto, 14 April 1806 (Abstract)
From Francis Barretto, 14 April 1806 (Abstract)
§ From Francis Barretto. 14 April 1806, New York. “Having been informed that Mr. Lamar the American Consul at Madeira has been at the Point of Death,1 I beg leave to offer myself as his Successor in that Office.
“Being a Native of the Island of Madeira and having been educated to the Mercantile Profession I flatter myself I am qualified to discharge the Duties of that Office in a manner which would be Satisfactory to the Government.
“I have the Honor to enclose herein Testimonials of my character from Gentlemen of this Place who are no doubt Known to Government, to which Others will, if necessary, be added.”2
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9, filed under “Barretto.”) 1 p.
1. Marien Lamar recovered from this illness; he died on 22 Oct. 1806, having broken his neck in a fall from a bridge. He was succeeded as consul by James Leander Cathcart (New-York Gazette & General Advertiser, 16 Dec. 1806; Boston Columbian Centinel, 20 Dec. 1806; , 2:46).
2. On 21 Apr. 1806 Samuel L. Mitchill wrote JM: “Mr. Francis Barretto, a native of Madeira, and for the last fifteen years of his life or more a citizen of the United States resident as a Merchant in the City of Newyork, has begged me to introduce him to you. This I perform by a Note, on account of the press of Congressional business today. Mr. B. wishes an opportunity to inform you that in all probability the Consul of the U.S. at Madeira is no more, and that he wishes in case of such event to be appointed his Successor. A Situation to which I beleive him very competent” (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9, filed under “Barretto”; 1 p.).