20 July 1803, Tenerife. Was authorized by McElroy to act as U.S. consul in his absence. Has received JM’s 9 Apr. circular1 and will “do all in [his] power to enforce a punctual execution of the laws.” Believes, however, that Spanish law forbids a person’s acting as agent “unless he be officially named by the ruling power of the government he is to represent, & his nomination be confirmed by the king of Spain.” Applied to the governor for permission to act as U.S. consul but was refused. Requests a formal appointment as vice-consul; speaks both French and Spanish fluently. Lists several New York merchants as references: LeRoy, Bayard & McEvers, Henry Cheriot, Edward Goold & Son, William Hill, Robert Lenox, and George Barnewall.