Barclay has conducted himself with a degree of
intelligence and of good faith which reflects the highest honor on him.
A copy of a letter from Captain O'Bryan to Mr. Carmichael is also
herewith enclosed. The information it contains will throw farther light
on the affairs of Algiers. His observations on the difficulties which
arise from the distance of Mr. Adams and myself from that place, and
from one another, and the delays occasioned by this circumstance, are
certainly just. If Congress should propose to revive the negotiations,
they will judge whether it will not be more expedient to send a person
to Algiers, who can be trusted with full powers: and also whether a
mission to Constantinople may not be previously necessary. Before I quit
this subject, I must correct an error in the letter of Captain O'Bryan.
Mr. Lambe was not limited, as he says, to one hundred, but to two
hundred dollars apiece for our prisoners. This was the price which had
been just paid for a large number of French prisoners, and this was our
guide.
I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
your most obedient and most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
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