In a time where Spanish mercantilist policy was the primary obstacle to trade, Leamy established relationships with Spanish officials to gain preferred access to trade licenses. Beginning during the Spanish involvement in the American Revolution, he performed personal favors, such as making deliveries for Francisco Rendón and providing a house for ambassador . He strengthened these bonds through shared Roman Catholicism and patronage of the City Tavern.Salvucci, "Anglo-American Merchants", p. 129: "Undoubtedly, it would be difficult to overstate the influence of religion in cementing official trust."His requests for licenses are in the in Seville, while correspondence with officials can be found in the in Madrid. Salvucci, "Merchants and Diplomats", p. 10.
