I had the honor of being introduced to you in December last by Gen. Caleb Cushing. The nature of the mission which brought me hither precludes my return to my native island, so long as the present government endures. I have therefore adopted as my own, the country over which you have so gloriously presided for the last four years and in which I have received my education.

I, no doubt, encroach upon your kindness, Sir, by asking you a recommendation for Gen. Taylor or Mr. Clayton, with the object of obtaining the secretaryship of the commission for the adjustment of Mexican claims; for the discharge of which a thorough knowledge of the Spanish language is expressly required: but I trust that if a ray of that partiality which you have always evinced for the general interests of Cuba falls to the lot of one of her sons, you will excuse the liberty of this step. I also feel confident that the circumstance of my being a stranger to party distinctions will enable you to recommend me without that contrainte you might otherwise experience.

Enclosed are two letters which I merely adjoin for the purpose of making myself better known to you.2 I beg of you, Sir, to return them after their perusal, under cover to me, to the keeper of the Irving House, with such an answer as I may be honoured with.

I must apologize, Mr. President, for this intrusion on your precious time and earnestly request your kind indulgence.