[8 march 1798] [Moses Young] The Honorable James McHenry Secretary of War of the United States Philadelphia [BOSTON] [Free] [seal] Madrid 8^th of March 1798. My Dear Sir, When I had the pleasure of seeing you last I thought myself settled in Philadelphia for life — but I was mistaken; I cannot yet effect it. You know the business upon which I went to Ireland. M^r Anthony Butler was to have furnished me with funds, which he was prevented from doing by unforeseen losses and disappointments. I then came here from Ireland to seek justice for injuries I suffered in Trinidad. and a few months ago colonel Hümbreys, who was informed that I had nothing to do, asked me to accept of the appointment of consul of the United States here (or rather consul general in Spain, as the functions to be exercised in Madrid are those of a consul general for the kingdom) until the pleasure of the Executive should be known, and at the same time to assist him as a secretary, until the arrival of one he expected from America — my compensation for doing these duties, to be, the pay allowed by consuls to the secretary of a minister plenipotentiary, which he observed: was going as far as he had authority to. I accepted of the offer at once. I began, and I continue to act in both capacities. The drift of this letter is to inform, that I wish for the consular appointment by the Government of the U.S. because it might be the means of obtaining my other views at this court. I am aware that the American government allows no salary to its consuls in Spain, and that at a place so far inland as this capital is, there can be neither fees nor emolument of any kind attending the exercise of the employment, to induce a man to accept of it — No matter, if the Executive power confirms my appointment by Col. Hümreys, I shall be thankful for it, and do the duties as well as I can, for nothing — that is (entre nous) as long as until I can find better emolument. Who knows but my working for nothing would have some weight with the present congress, and induce them to pay me the eighteen hundred pounds sterling which the congress of 92 defrauded me of. I am personally known to, and have been honored with particular notice by the President of the United States, at the Hague, in Paris, in London, and in Philadelphia. The Secretary of State, Colonel Pickering, I have reason to believe, thinks well of me — but the [underline: Secretary of War] knows me best, and if he should be of opinion that I am fit for the place I solicit, I am sure he will recommend me. In the year 93 I named M^r Beckley my attorney for the recovery of the salary due to me by the United States: I shall write to him to push the congress on that score. My best respects to the family, and best wishes for its happiness. With the greatest and truest attachment, I am, my dear Sir, Your most faithful & ob. Mo. Young. The Honorable James M^cHenry Philadelphia.