James Madison Papers

Edward Preble to James Madison, 15 October 1803

From Edward Preble

United States Frigate Constitution
15th. Oct: 1803

Sir Gibraltar Bay

It is with pleasure I announce to you the renewal of Peace between the United States & Morocco. The enclosed documents1 will inform you that the Treaty of 1786 is ratified by the present Emperor. I hope and trust that this important object has been effected on as favourable grounds as was anticipated by our Government. I offer for your consideration, not only the enclosed papers, but beg leave to refer you to the secretary of the Navy whom I have advised of the most minute transactions before, and during our Negotiations with His Imperial Majesty.2

Enclosed is a letter from the Emperor to the President of the United States.3 It seems that His Majesty is very desirous of a correspondence. Indeed he appears very much hurt, that he has not recd: any letters from the president. I beg leave to suggest whether the answering this letter, and afterwards to send him one annually, might not have a good effect, for as far as I am capable of judging the native disposition of these Barbarians I think them highly susceptible to attentions of this Kind. I however submit this matter to your better Judgment. With the Greatest respect I am Sir Your obt. Servt.

Signed   Edwd: Preble

Letterbook copy (DLC: Preble Papers).

1Enclosures not found, but see James Simpson to JM, 15 Oct. 1803, and nn. 1 and 2.

2See Preble to Robert Smith, 5–17 Oct. 1803 (printed in Knox, Naval Documents, Barbary Wars description begins Dudley W. Knox, ed., Naval Documents Related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers (6 vols.; Washington, D.C., 1939–44). description ends , 3:139–43).

3Enclosure not found, but see Simpson to JM, 15 Oct. 1803, and n. 3.

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