1To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 22 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 9th. Inst. arrived at algiers The us. Ship President and Schooner Enterprize. I have recd. your letter of the 21st. of may and the Cloth and Linnen. The money the Commodore did not land as I had Considerd. nothing Could be done in makeing a Cash payment, untill the arrival of the washington with Stores, when the regency —in Eating of the Sheep might be induced to Eat allso some of the...
2To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 20 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 May 1802, Algiers. Notes the arrival on 15 May of an Algerine frigate with a Portuguese frigate captured on 8 May near Gibraltar. The Algerine frigate, flying American colors, had “ranged right along Side and Covered the Portugees’s decks with about 250 turks and moors and in the run of ½ an hour became masters of The Portugee whom had made no preparation.” The victory will “increase The...
3To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 25 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 November 1801, Algiers. Reports that the George Washington and the Peace and Plenty left Algiers for Tunis on 22 Nov. Bad weather and the Algerine navy’s use of the port facilities explain the delay. Discusses state of U.S. accounts with Algiers, including the dey’s latest requests on his private account, the comparative advantages of gifts in cash and kind, and the benefits of bribing the...
4To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 7 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 July 1802, Algiers. Reports a message from the dey telling him “to write and directly Bring to Algiers The large Ship, The Washington , that he the dey would send her to Constantinople to bring to Algiers A Quantity of masts and other articles.” “ Force only Can Errace those ideas from the Brain of the dey.” Suggests the U.S. be ready for war “if the dey does not renounce his Don Quixotte...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Richard O’Brien, 28 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Considering on the insult and disgrace which has happened to the Chesapeake frigate induced me to presume to write you these few lines— As we are at peace with all the Barbary powers where is the necesity of the frigate Chesapeake going as Commodore to the Meditteranian—a frigate two Brigs and a schooner is an inadequate force if we should have war with Algiers or tunis it would require all...
6Richard O’Brien to William Loughton Smith, 12 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 August 1801, Algiers. Repeats word that President and Enterprize arrived at Algiers 9 July and sailed for Tunis on 11 July; Essex and Grand Turk passed on 10 July; Philadelphia was last heard from at Gibraltar, keeping watch on two Tripolitan corsairs. Has received cloth shipment for third installment of two-year tribute. Algerine dey and ministry claim they wrote three “Strong letters” to...
7Richard O’Brien to William Kirkpatrick, 16 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 August 1802, Algiers. Describes the French response to demands made on them by the dey and the state of relations between Algiers and Great Britain, “the Dons” of Spain, and Portugal, and suggests that the dey might next direct his aggressions against the Scandinavian countries or the United States. Asks to have his letter forwarded to JM. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Málaga, vol. 1). 3 pp.;...
8To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 8 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 November 1801, Algiers. States that the George Washington , which arrived 5 Oct. with the Peace and Plenty , is almost off-loaded and will depart in fifteen or twenty days, convoying the Peace and Plenty with the last cargo of annuities for Tunis. Frigate’s presence has temporarily added to U.S. security. Declined to ask dey for a passport for the ship going to Tunis since O’Brien refused...
9To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 24 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 February 1803, Algiers. Two French frigates “this day” arrived in eight days from Toulon. Finds France and Algiers “will not wrangle at present as neither Seems inclineable for a Real war.” Algiers has no merchant ships, and France “will pause and Consider whether She has not a greater interest in The preservation of This regency & The System of Barbary Then in its destruction.” A Spanish...
10To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 14 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 29th. of March sailed 5 Algerine Corsairs, and on the 29th. of April sailed 7 sail. To this date they have sent in two Neapolitans, taken within 1 Mile of Toulon, allso, 2 Spanish Vessels one loaded with Sugar Condemned for A Genoa & the other took the Algerine for a pirate & abandoned his Vessel, & on this acot. is Condemned Cargo of wheat. There has allso This day arrived an Algerine...
11To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 18 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
On the morning of The 17th. of January 1803 the dey sent A messenger to inform me that his Patience was nearly finished with The americans. That we had brought no Stores and That he would not accept of A Cash payment Therefore he did not See the Use of The Consul remaining here as yet he being at peace with The Americans. I desired my respectfull Compliments to The dey that I had 60 days past...
12To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 5 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1801, Algiers. Reports prime minister’s reminder earlier in the day that the U.S. is nearly three years behind in annuities; recounts his own assurances that scheduling shifts, problems of procurement, and the like account for the delays. Notes that “This looks Squally.” Adds on 11 Apr. that dey ordered him to ask U.S. for 500 barrels of gunpowder and 4,000 rounds of ball ammunition...
13To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 14 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 September 1804, Malta. “On the 3d. 7th. and 28th. of August and 2d. Inst. The Sea forces of The United States attacked the Castles Gunboats and Corsairs of Tripoli in these 4 attacks The U States has lost Captain Somers—Lieuts. Decator Caldwell & Wadsworth—and Mr. Dorsey and Israel midshipmen—with about 45 men Killed wounded and blown up. “The 6 Gun boats and 2 bombards with The Siren...
14To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 24 February 1803 (Madison Papers)
This day anchored here 2 french frigates in 8 days from Toulon. I find That france and Algiers will not wrangle at present as neither Seems inclineable for a Real war. It is well known Algiers has no Mercht. Vessels, and france will pause and Consider whether She has not a greater interest in The preservation of This regency & The System of Barbary Then in its destruction. On the 20th. Inst....
15To Thomas Jefferson from Richard O’Brien, 3 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The news Cirulating in our newspapers relative to The Nefarious Capturing American Vessels. if true will be attended with great losses and Alarm. As no doubt their Corsairs 11 in number 3 of them are large frigates the rest is X decks and other well armed Corsairs. They will range along from Gibralter to Livorn. The whole of the Spanish Coast will be Their randevouse, and after That They will...
16To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, ca. 5 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 5 November 1802, Algiers. Reports that he sent a gift watch to the minister of marine and foreign affairs after the dey and prime minister had three times “Seriously demanded” an account of the vessel bearing U.S. annuities. “I seen the necesity of giving for Ansr. that I had private information that a Vessel was loading in Philadelphia for Algiers—further this day the dey Sent to the dean...
17To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 21 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard O’Brien. 21 January 1806, Washington. “Dureing The Three weeks I have lattirly remained at Washington I have had frequent oppertunities of Knowing Lieut. Wormley he haveing been one of the officers; prisoners in tripoli. I think he posseses Capacities and Knowledge of That govt. which Cannot be acquired but by experience—and, Should you Consider The Same Permit me to Observe Sir...
18To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 5 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
This morning at 8 A M the Prime minister of Algiers Sint a Choux to me to inform me that The americans was in arrears in their annuities near ly three years that what has been Sint lately is Very trifling and that the dey is not well pleased at this neglect or detention. I answered “That in our last Settlement we arranged the annuities for 2 years and nine Months. That one year was considered...
19To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 14 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1802, Algiers. Reports sailing of twelve Algerine corsairs since 29 Mar.; so far they have “sent in” two Neapolitan ships, two Spanish vessels, and two French brigs. One American and two Swedish frigates were patroling Tripoli on 31 Mar.; at that date no captures had been made by Tripolitan corsairs, all of which were then in port. “There Seems to be by the definitive treaty a prospect...
20To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 18 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 January 1803, Algiers. Reports that the dey sent a messenger on the morning of 17 Jan. to say “his Patience was nearly finished with The americans. That we had brought no Stores and That he would not accept of a Cash payment therefore he did not See the Use of The Consul remaining here as yet he being at peace with The americans.” O’Brien told the dey he had “ 60 days past wrote by 4...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Richard O’Brien, 3 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The misfortune of The loss of one of my Children necesiated me to leave washington more Sudden then I had Calculated on and did not leave me The Oppertunity Of personally Thanking you for all your friendship and protection to me dureing my agency in Barbary, I have Closed my accounts with The department of State—excepting A small one which Mr. Madison informed me he Should Consult the...
22From Richard O’Brien to William Armistead Burwell, 12 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Spring of 1781 I was first Lt on board of the Brig Jefferson lying in James River, when the British under Arnold came to Petersburgh from thence to Manchester, in ascending the River above Osborne’s. They attack’d, capturd & burnt, the aforesaid Brig, then under my command; (in the absence of Captn Travers of Wmsburg) I went immediately to Richd, where they were every moment expecting...
23To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 12 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I presume you have received The dispatches I forwarded by The Brutas Captain Brown which left Algiers in October last, and allso those I forwarded by The G. Washington, and My Sundry letters and Communications which I have repeatedly forwarded to Mr Smith On Barbary affairs. In february The Bashaw of Tripoli declared he no longer held to his friendship with the United States, has demanded Vast...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Richard O’Brien, 8 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
By The return of The american Ship Betsy Walk Captain Riddick from Algiers for Norfolk I take The liberty to send your Excellency an Antelope a few Algerine Pigions & doves, a bottle of otto of roses , & a Burnuce or Moorish Ladies Cloak allso a few of the large breed of Constantine fowls and 2 Measures of Algerine wheat which I hope your Excellency will please to accept of— from Sir Your most...
25Richard O’Brien to William Loughton Smith, 5 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 September 1801, Algiers. Reports that President and Enterprize arrived at Algiers on 9 July and at Tunis on 16 July; Essex and Grand Turk were sighted at Algiers on 11 July and on 18 July arrived at Tunis. Enterprize has since had successful engagement off Malta with Tripolitan corsair. Commodore Dale notified Tunis on 20 July of blockade of Tripoli. President has left Tunis for Tripoli and...
26To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 5 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The watch I sent by my drogerman as a present to The Generl. of marine and minister for foreign affairs, as the dey and Prime Minister has three times Seriously demanded of me what account I had, or when I might expect, The Vessel from the UStates, with the annuities And I seen the necesity of giving for Ansr. that I had private information that a Vessel was loading in Philadelphia for...
27To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 8 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
These 3 days I have been Sounding all in my Power with The Algerine ministry to try to obtain a 2d. order or Commission for timber in order to forward the Same to you by The return of The Ship Betsy Walk which leaves this Place in the morning—but They wish first that The 2d. Ship or The one Expected with timber would first arrive and that They Should See what her Cargo would be before they...
28To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 8 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 October 1803, Algiers . “These 3 days I have been Sounding all in my power with The Algerine ministry to try to obtain a 2d. order … for timber in order to forward the Same to you by The return of The Ship Betsy Walk which leaves this Place in the morning.” “They wish first that The 2d Ship or The one Expected with timber would first arrive” so that they might see its cargo before they grant...
29To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
My last letter from Consul Cathcart was dated the 17th. of april at that time nothing was arranged on our affairs. The Bashaw of Tripolis demands was very exorbitant and far beyond any lattitudes which Could be given to a Consul in Barbary, and agreeable to the Bashaws declaration the Corsairs of Tripoli would have his orders to Capture Americans. Report Says they have taken 3 Sail. The dey...
30To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 20 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 15th. Inst. arrived The Algerine new frigate of 44 Guns, Bringing with her as a prize a portagee of 44 Guns Captured on the morning of The 8th. of May 5 leauges to The Eastd. of Gibralter. The Algerine had got between Gibralter and The portugee as the latter took The Algerine to be an american frigate. he having american Colours hoisted, untill he Came within pistol Shot, of the...
31To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 11 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the Evening of The 6th. Inst. arrived at Algiers in 16 days from Tripoli Capt Morris his mate and Three mariners two of his Crew being British and 2 french were Claimed and given up at Tripoli to the Consuls of their nations—this American Crew were applyed for by letter by the dey of Algiers at my request in The name of The UStates, on the 5th. and 7th. of July to be given up to him by the...
32To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 23 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 21st. Inst. at 4 P M I got alongside of the united States frigate The New york Captain Barron and recd. your letter of The 27th. of July with a P. S. of The 22d. of august with the 30 Thousand dollars in order to make a Cash payment to this regency in Lieu of Stores. It blew fresh We landed at the marine of Algiers at 7 P M with the money where all remained that night. In the morning at...
33To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 3 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 October 1803, Algiers . Wrote six circular letters to Spain announcing the arrival on 2 Aug. of two Tripolitan galliots of “4 Guns Each 3 lattine Sails 13 benches of Oars, and from 50 to 60 men Each.” The next day the two ships sailed for the Spanish coast in search of Americans. On 10 Aug. a Tripolitan corsair “arrived … from Carthagena had been out 37 days and took nothing.” It sailed on...
34To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 22 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
I would wish to draw your attention to the following Considerations That in June last this Regency Obliged The Spaniards to give them an extraordinary present which Spain Seen her policy and interests in acquiseing to. The amt. was 160 Thsd. dollars. There was no pretence for this extra demand The dey &c ministry would have money and Spain would not have difficulties. The Regency as an extra...
35To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 1 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of forwarding to you by four different Conveyances, four dispatches of The Same time and date giving an account, and Statement, of The arrangement of The affairs of The U.States with This Regency. On the 10th. of November last I arranged with This Government for The annuities from the 5th. Septr. 1795 to The 5th. Septr. 1801. Our Money affairs or debts to The Bacris & Busnachs...
36To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 8 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had The pleasure of receiving on the 3d. Inst. yours of The 16th. ultimo. I am glad to find you are well. You will have heard from Mr. Montgomery That The U S Ship the G Washington Captain Shaw, arrived at Algiers on The 5th. ultimo & with said Ship The Peace & plenty with the last of The Stipulations for Tunis, That The Washington is nearly discharged and will Sail in about 15. or 20 days...
37To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 1 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1802, Algiers. Reports that on 10 Nov. he arranged financial affairs with the regency for the period 5 Sept. 1795 to 5 Sept. 1801 as well as debts to Baccri and Busnach in the amount of $15,073.75, which does not include bills he drew on JM in favor of Captain Shaw to the amount of $8,642. George Washington and Peace and Plenty left Algiers on 22 Nov., arriving at Tunis on 1 or 2...
38To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 26 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1801, Algiers. Complains that the dey and the prime minister have requested four times that he provide a passport for over 250 crewmen from the two Tripolitan cruisers blockaded at Gibraltar. The crewmen, to avoid capture and starvation, had escaped and made their way to Oran. The dey wishes to return them by ship to Tripoli, but the port is under American blockade. Is determined...
39To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 14 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 June 1802, Algiers. Describes two Tripolitan corsairs that arrived on 10 June and departed “this morning … in Search of Americans and Swedes.” “They Say they are about 20 days from Tripoli Sailed with 3 others, and those 2 has Coasted it down the Barbary Shore to Algiers. They report that the Swede and American frigts. Cruises a long way of[f] and durst not approach on account of the Gun...
40To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 16 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
On the 13th Inst. The report of the misfortune of The Philadelphia & Capt Bainbridge reached us at Algiers and was yesterday Confirmed. It must be evident to our govt. that They have but two Courses to steer Money or balls—if The former I would allso ransom the frigate, and if we attack tripoli we Should get our soundings from Comodore Preble and Captain Bainbridge. This Should be done with...
41To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 16 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 5th. Inst. arrived here 2 french 74 Gunships a Brig and Corvetta under the orders of a rear admiral haveing on board General Hulen as Ambasador of Bonapt. On the 6th. he demanded of the dey to renounce all money Claims on france to admit of the free navigation of The Italian republic— to punish with Severity 2 algerine Captains for over acts against france That france will give no...
42To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 1 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had The honor of receiveing your letter of The 30th. of March with The Purveyors Certificate dated The 30th. of October 1803. on The 27th. of July. I fully agree with you in its Contents, relative to The System or policy towards this Govt. that is not to admit any extra demands, to be Just and fulfill The Stipulations of our treaty with The dey. The same time many trifleing affairs it will...
43To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 16 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 September 1802, Algiers. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 10 May “recd this day inclosed to me Open in one from Consul Gavino of the 30th. Of July.” Observes that while he will try to obtain such vouchers as are available, he can get none but what consuls of other nations get— “the Circumstances and System of transacting affairs in this Country will not admit of it.” This was fully explained in...
44To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 23 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 November 1802, Algiers. “On the 21st. Inst. at 4 P M I got alongside of the united States frigate The New york Captain Barron and recd. your letter of The 27th. of July with a P. S. of The 22d. of August with the 30 Thousand dollars in order to make a Cash payment to this regency in Lieu of Stores.” Notified the minister of marine and foreign affairs at eight o’clock the next morning that...
45To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 28 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Commodore Morris and Squadron left sight of Algiers on The Evening of The 20th. of March. On The 21st. Sailed The Enterprize Captain Starrett with The required Ansr. I hope you have recd. These letters and dispatches. On the 7th. Inst Sailed 9 Sail of large Algerine Corsairs I believe They go off The Coast of Italia. As yet we have not heard from Them. Mr. Shaw at Tunis writes me That on The...
46To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 9 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since the departure of Captain Morris on the 29th. of november nothing Very extra has transpired on our affairs. I had again a few days past tried to prevail on the Generl. of marine to use his influence with the dey to accept A Cash payment from the U States, in Lieu of Stores, but he answered me it would be in Vain that The timber for building The frigt. is So much wanted, and the...
47To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, [13 October] 1803 (Madison Papers)
On the 13th. of October the dey Sent for the american drogerman desired he would go and tell the Consul to write to the Govt. of the united States. That he The dey wanted directly 40 Brass Guns, that is 20 Guns, 24 pounders and 20 Guns 18 pounders with all their Carriages &c. Compleat. To This I answered: that none Such as was required by The dey was to be procured in the United States, and...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Richard O’Brien, 29 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The merchants and traders of this City has been expecting to hear more on the Subject of Mr. Danas resolutions which will enable or oblige the American Commerce to be navigated by native raised Seamen so as to exclude alltogether the employment of British—Quarantined seized or forigners in general, not to be employed in either our Ships of war, or Mercht Vessels— Laws should be enacted to...
49To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 26 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday The dey and Prime minister sent to me four different times desireing I would give a passport and make gaurentee for upwards of 250. of the Crews of the two Tripoline Corsairs which were Blocked up at Gibralter by an American frigate and Those Crews to prevent being Captured and starved. Crossed Over to Morrocco and is arrived by land at Oran in rhis Regency. The dey intends to send...
50To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 11 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 October 1802, Algiers. Reports the arrival on 6 Oct. of Captain Morris and four of his crew from Tripoli. “Two of his Crew being British and 2 french were Claimed and given up at Tripoli to the Consuls of their nations.” At O’Brien’s request, the dey of Algiers requested the freedom of the American crew on 5 and 7 July from the pasha of Tripoli, who could not refuse the dey’s “friendly and...