1To 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...
2To 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...
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To 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...
9To 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...
10To 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...
11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To 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...
18To 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...
19To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 9 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 January 1803, Algiers. Reports that nothing extraordinary has transpired in U.S. affairs since Morris’s departure on 29 Nov. Tried again to have the minister of marine persuade the dey to accept a cash annuity but was told it would be in vain, as timber for building frigates was much wanted. Replied that $30,000 “would procure a great Quantity of timber in The Levant as Cheap and better then...
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 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...
22To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 28 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 April 1803, Algiers. Commodore Morris and his squadron “left sight of Algiers on The Evening of The 20th. of March.” On 21 Mar. Captain Sterett sailed in the Enterprize with the required answer. Hopes JM received 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.” Shaw wrote...
23To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 1 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 August 1803, Algiers . Received JM’s letter of 30 Mar. “with The Purveyors Certificate dated The 30th. of October 1803 [ sic ]” on 27 July. Agrees that the U.S. should not “admit any extra demands” from Algiers but “be Just and fulfill The Stipulations of our treaty with The dey” while overlooking “trifleing affairs” in order to retain “Barbary friendship.” JM “will perceive by The late...
24To 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...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, [15 October] 1803 (Madison Papers)
Supposing you would think it best at present to Send or procure the 10 Guns 24 pounders & 10 ditto 18 pounders Carriages Ramers—Springes ladles &c. and 6. Thsd Shot and 30 Thsd. Bricks I should Suppose this Commission would be executed in London for 20 or 25 Thsd. $. and the dey to take these Guns for one years annuity as he sayes he will pay The Cost or Amount. This business Could thus be...
28To 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...
29To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 1 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 August 1804 , “ On board The united States frigate Constitution … 14 miles North of tripoli .” “After aiding Col. Lear to make a good Settlemt. on the annuities and Cash payment to The regency of Algrs. on the Same day of The 26th. of march I left That City of Algiers to render every Service in my power on our affairs with tunis and tripoli. “The Purport of The audiences I and Mr. Davis had...
30To 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...
31To 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...
32To 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...
33To 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...
34To 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...
35To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 25 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Washington, and Ship Peace and plenty left Algiers destined for Tunis on the 22d. Inst. There was no alternative for the detention of These Ships at Algiers as we have had severe weather in general to unload and Ballast the Wn. and the fitting out The 6 sail of Theire largest Corsairs occupied The marine department 19 days. I had agreed with The dey on the 14th. Inst. to accept of 25...
36To 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...
37To 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...
38To 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...
39To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 14 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the Evening of the 10th. Inst. arrived here two Tripoline Corsairs and this morning they Sailed for the Coast of Spain in Search of americans and Swedes. These 2 Corsairs is 2 row Gallies with 3 lattine Sails, Each haveing 4 Guns, one a Crew of 40 men, the other of 35. They are well Calculated for rowing, and boarding Vessels in Calms or light winds. They Say they are about 20 days from...
40To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 7 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
This morning The dey desired the American drogerman to inform me to write and directly Bring to Algiers The large Ship, The Washington , that he the dey would Send her to Constantionople to bring to Algiers A Quantity of masts and other articles. I desired My respectfull Compliments, to The dey to inform him That The Public Ships of the United States, was to do the business of The Govt. They...
41To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 16 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 10th. of May I have recd this day inclosed to me Open in one from Consul Gavino of the 30th. Of July informing me he recd. Said letter The 25th. July. What motive has given it this great detention, I further Cannot trace, or Divine. Such Vouchers as Can be Obtained in this Country I shall use my Endeavours to procure but I shall Observe I cannot have or procure others...
42To 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...
43To 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...
44To 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...
45To 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...
46To 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...
47To 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....
48To 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...
49To 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...
50To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 3 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
On the 2d. of August at 3 PM arrived at Algiers in 29 days from Tripoli 2 tripoline Corsairs—Galliottas 4 Guns Each 3 lattine Sails 13 benches of Oars, and from 50 to 60 men Each. On this Subject I wrote 6 Circular letters to Spain by the Currier which Sailed for Alicante The 3d. of August. On The Same Evening Sailed the 2 tripolines destined for The Coast of Spain in Search of Americans....