To James Madison from John Leonard, 11 May 1808

May 11, 1808

more recent date, added to which I am a Native of America and appointed by the present administration. Consequently if there is any Superiory between us it is in my favor Agreeably to my Commission I [am] as much Consul for Tarragona as Barna. It being the principal landing Port for the Trade of Barna & an agent there acting und[er] a different Com: from that of Barna would be as Absurd as to appoint two Consuls for the same Port.

In consequence of the blockade of this [ci]ty I have some time since determin[ed] to move my residence to Zarragosa but have been hitherto detained here endeavouring to close my Commercial affairs

I have always had a Consular Age[nt] in [T]arragona altho it is considered in trad[e] as one & the same as Barna. from its proxim[ity] All dispatchs for cargoes ship’d from thence have been given at Barna. I am told that my Agent has absented himself during the commotions in that neighbou[r]hood, but has again return’d. I hope to be able to be there my self in afew days.

As I consider, the impropriety of Mr. Sk conduct must appear Obvious to you I hope you will be pleased to desire him to with draw said document and to [d]esist from similar unauthorized Enormities [te]nding to compromise that Neutrality of character [w]hich ought to be observed by the Officers of the []:, Government and which I have always [s]trictly attended to on my part.

This said Goodwin was formerly my [c]lerk but his conduct has been replete [wi]th baseness. I have several Suits and [] against him for property he has endeavoured to despoil me of by tricks little Short of Swindling I was under the necessity about 2 years past to cause him to be reprimanded by the Cap. Grl. of this Province for damning the Americ[an] Government in the public Coffee Hous[e] He is in short a dangerous Abandoned Character remarkably artful & designing and has an uncommon Nack for impo[sing] on the credulous or unwary Mind In hopes of soon having the hon[or] of your reply I am with much Respect & consideration Sir yr Obdt. Ser[t]

J Leonard

DNA: RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Barcelona.

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