To James Madison from Joseph G. Cadiz, 29 December 1811 (Abstract)
§ From Joseph G. Cadiz
29 December 1811, Washington. Submits a short sketch of his life with a view to obtaining an appointment as consul at Buenos Aires.1 Mentions that he was born in Caracas and resided there until he was sixteen, then went to Barcelona, where he was employed for two years as a clerk in a commercial house. He immigrated to Havana, where he worked as a clerk, then went to Baltimore for three years. In 1804 he moved to New York and has been there ever since as a shipping merchant. He married in 1805 and became a U.S. citizen and is now considering a removal to Buenos Aires, where he hopes to serve both his personal interests and those of his adopted country. Seeks the consulate for this reason and states that many members of Congress can testify as to his character.2
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17, filed under “Cadiz”). 2 pp. Redirected by JM to “The Secretary of State.”
1. Cadiz sent JM another copy of this letter under the date of 6 Jan. 1812, but with Chile substituted for Buenos Aires (ibid.; 2 pp.). On 9 Jan. 1812 he wrote again to the president, reminding him of his earlier petition for a position in either Buenos Aires or Chile but adding that after further reflection he would prefer to be offered an appointment in either Buenos Aires or New Granada (ibid.; 1 p.; marked by John Graham, “There is I believe no other applicant for the Consulate at Carthagena”). On 5 May 1812 Cadiz repeated to JM the substance of this last letter, adding that he had decided to remove to New Granada (ibid.; 1 p.).
2. Representatives William Paulding, William Widgery, and Samuel Shaw sent Monroe letters on behalf of Cadiz on 31 Dec. 1811, 6 Jan. 1812, and 8 Jan. 1812, respectively (ibid.).