But should Congress propose to try the line of
negotiation again, I think they will perceive that Lambe is not a proper
agent. I have written to Mr. Adams on the subject of a settlement with
Lambe. There is little prospect of accommodation between the Algerines,
and the Portuguese and Neapolitans. A very valuable capture too, lately
made by them on the Empress of Russia, bids fair to draw her on them.
The probability is therefore, that these three nations will be at war
with them, and the possibility is that could we furnish a couple of
frigates, a convention might be formed with those powers, establishing
a perpetual cruise on the coast of Algiers, which would bring them to
reason. Such a convention being left open to all powers willing to come
into it, should have for its object a general peace, to be guarantied
to each, by the whole. Were only two or three to begin a confederacy of
this kind, I think every power in Europe would soon fall into it, except
France, England, and perhaps Spain and Holland. Of these there is only
England who would give any real aid to the Algerines.
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