Ottoman Algeria in Western Diplomatic History with ... - Bibliothèque

to have gone astray were Adams and Jefferson—probably because they were
much absorbed in trivial constable calculations or because they already had
something else underway. Perhaps also their lack of knowledge about Algiers,
which was to the image of the Dey’s unawareness about the United States, and
lack of experience with that totally different region was at the origin of the
collapse of that first contact. 136
3. 2. American Aggression Designs
Contrary to Algiers’ friendly attitudes, three cases are plainly illustrative
of America’s ‘belligerent nationalism’: diplomatic intrigues, a plan for a
unilateral naval aggression, and a coalition with the lesser European powers to
attack Algiers.
a) An Aggressive Move Curbed: In March 1785, half-knowledgeable
about the peace treaties between Algiers and France, Adams visited Vergennes
and indiscreetly inquired whether the treaty of April 1684 had expired, or near
expiring, and whether it had been renewed. 137 Vergennes turned him down and
required an official application to his ministry so that he would submit it to the
appropriate French ministry to obtain him an answer.” 138 Soon afterwards, the
commissioners put their inquiry into writing and explained that:
136 The total ignorance of America’s leading diplomats about Algiers is illustrated by the intelligence
‘shopping list’ they loaded Lamb with. USDC, 1:660, From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, October 11,
1785, Enclosure: Heads of Inquiry.
137 The treaty of 1684 was concluded for 100 years and it effectively expired; but another treaty of
peace concluded in September 1689, also for 100 years, was still in vigor. For the duration of both
treaties’ see Card, Traités de la France, pp. 45, 51-52.
138 WJA, 8: 229, To Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 20 March, 1785.
285