He cited the
present example of Spain, which, though having a treaty with the Porte
would probably be obliged to buy a peace at Algiers, at the expense of
upwards of six millions of livres. I told him, we had calculated from
the demands and information of the Tripoline ambassador, at London, that
to make peace with the four Barbary States would cost us between two and
three hundred thousand guineas, if bought with money. The sum did not
seem to exceed his expectations. I mentioned to him, that considering
the uncertainty of a peace, when bought, perhaps Congress might think
it more eligible to establish a cruise of frigates in the Mediterranean,
and even to blockade Algiers. He supposed it would require ten vessels,
great and small. I observed to him that Monsieur de Massiac had formerly
done it with five: he said it was true, but that vessels of relief would
be necessary. I hinted to him that I thought the English capable of
administering aid to the Algerines. He seemed to think it impossible,
on account of the scandal it would bring on. I asked him what had
occasioned the blockade by Monsieur de Massiac: he said, an infraction
of their treaty by the Algerines.
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