James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 5 May 1803
To Robert R. Livingston
Department of State May 5. 1803
Sir
Inclosed herewith is a Blank Commission for the Consulate at Antwerp, vacated by the translation of Mr. Barnett to Havre de Grace. The President wishes the Blank to be filled with the name of Daniel Strobel1 if that gentleman chuses to accept the appointment; and in case of his declining it, with the name of Jacob Ridgway. The latter is established at Antwerp, and so I believe is the former. With sentiments of the greatest respect and consideration, I remain Dr. Sir Yr. Obedt. Servt
James Madison
RC and enclosure (NHi: Livingston Papers); letterbook copy (DNA: RG 59, IM, vol. 6). RC marked “duplicate.” Enclosure is a blank commission for the commercial agency at Antwerp, dated 4 May 1803 and signed by JM and Jefferson.
1. In 1816 Daniel Strobel of South Carolina was described as having lived for ten years in Bordeaux. He may have been connected with the merchant house of Stroebel and Martini. JM named him consul at Nantes in 1815, and he succeeded William Lee at Bordeaux in 1816 (Mann, A Yankee Jeffersonian, p. 178; McMaster, Life and Times of Stephen Girard, 1:439; , 2:626, 3:61, 62).