Gunston-Hall August 2d. 1780.
By late Letters from Europe I understand a Treaty of Alliance will soon be concluded between his Catholic Majesty & the United American States, upon which it is presumed Congress will find it necessary to appoint a Consul in Spain, for the Superintendance & Protection of our Trade: Shou'd this be the Case, I beg Leave to recommend Mr. Richard Harrison as a very proper Person for the Office. This Gentlemen is a Native of Maryland, but about the Beginning of the present Troubles, removed to the Island of Martinique, where he resided about two Years; learned the french Language, & transacted a good deal of Business for Virginia & some other of the United States, in a Manner that gave general Satisfaction. He is now setled at Cadiz, but when I heard from him last was in Madrid, & I am authorised to say will undertake the Office, if he is appointed to it; presuming that Congress will think Cadiz the most proper Place for the Residence of an American Consul. I have always been cautious in giving Recommendations for public Offices; but my knowledge of Mr. Harrison's Diligence, Integrity &commercial knowledge, from a personal Acquaintance with him, convinces me he will discharge such an Office with Reputation to himself, & Advantage to the Commercial Interest of America. I have written a long Letter to Mr. Jones (who desired my Sentiments) upon the Subject of our back Lands; not doubting the Harmony and Confidence subsisting between him & his Colleagues in the Delegation, I have desired him to communicate the Contents, & must beg Leave to recommend the Subject to Your particular Attention. Our Assembly considered Mr. Griffin's Appointment to the Office of a Judge in the new Court of Admiralty established by Congress, not only as vacating his Seat in Congress, but rendering him ineligible, during his Continuance in office, and therefore elected Colo. The: Bland to succeed him; who has accepted the Appointment, & will soon attend Congress. I am Dr. Sir, Yr. most obdt. Sert.