To James Madison from Phillip De Peyster, 11 February 1806

About the 18th. Ult I had the honor of addressing you a Petition praying the appointment of Consul for the Island of Curacao which his Excellency the Vice President had the Complaisance to hand you and from him I learned that I had been too tardy in my Application. I have Cince been informed that both Guadaloupe & Martinique are without agents from this Country. Should it comport with the views of Government to have a Consul at either of those Islands will you have the goodness to mention me to our Worthy President as a Candidate. That of Guadaloupe would be most desireable. I have deem’d it unnecessary to obtain new Recommendations Concluding that the names of Rutgers, Clinton, Mumford, & De Peyster that were to my Petition are sufficient. It may not perhaps be mal à propo to mention that a five year’s residence in France has made me a considerable proficient in the french Language. With sentiments of Respect, I remain Sir Your most obedient & very humble Servant