1776

Diego de Gardoqui, a Basque merchant, acted as an intermediary between the Spanish court and the American colonies. During his tenure, he worked closely with American leaders such as John Jay, George Washington, and Jeremiah Lee. Diego de Gardoqui’s contributions were crucial in facilitating Spanish support for the American cause, including the provision of military supplies from the Royal Factories of Placencia de las Armas, which sent 12,000 muskets and other military equipment through two consignments.