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

understanding between them and the American Commissioners, having.
introduced into the translation of that treaty an obligation on the part of the
United States, to pay to the Regency a present on the presentation of their
Consuls, the same is formally denied; and the undersigned declare in the most
distinct and formal manner, that no obligation binding the United States to pay
any thing to the Regency or to its officers, on any occasion whatsoever, will be
agreed to.
The undersigned believe it to be their duty to assure his Highness that the
above conditions will not be departed from; thus leaving to the Regency of
Algiers the choice between peace and war. The United States, while anxious to
maintain the former, are prepared to meet the latter.
In order to facilitate to the government of Algiers the understanding of this
note, the undersigned here with transmit to his Highness an informal translation
of it into the Arabic language, and they expect that his Highness will cause a
reply to be made to this communication in writing, in either the English,
French, Spanish, or Italian language; or by a foreign Consul, authorized by him
to vouch for the same. And they avail themselves of this occasion to offer to his
Highness the homage of their high consideration and profound respect.
NOTE OF THE AMERICAN CONSUL GENERAL.
The undersigned, Consul General of the United States to the States of Barbary,
and their Commissioner to treat of the renewal of peace with Algiers, has the
honour to declare to his Highness the Dey, that in conference with him on the
nineteenth instant, the proposition of his Highness to delay the negotiation for
eight months and a day, was repeatedly rejected; the undersigned always
replying that he could not depart from the tenor of the note, which he had the
honour to address to his Highness, conjointly with his colleague, under date of
the ninth, current, and that if those propositions were rejected, he should
consider himself in duty bound to embark immediately, leaving the Regency of
Algiers in the predicament of declaring war.
The undersigned avails himself of this occasion to reiterate to his Highness the
Dey of Algiers, the assurance of his high consideration and profound respect.
Source: Shaler, Sketches of Algiers, pp. 297-300.
484