This publication seems to render a provision
for this interest as necessary as for that of Amsterdam.
I had taken measures to have it believed at Algiers, that our government
withdrew its attention from our captives there. This was to prepare
their captors for the ransoming them at a reasonable price. I find,
however, that Captain O'Bryan is apprized that I have received some
authority on this subject. He writes me a cruel letter, supposing me the
obstacle to their redemption. Their own interest requires that I should
leave them to think thus hardly of me. Were the views of government
communicated to them, they could not keep their own secret, and such
a price would be demanded for them, as Congress, probably, would
think ought not to be given, lest it should be the cause of involving
thousands of others of their citizens in the same condition. The moment
I have money, the business shall be set in motion.
By a letter from Joseph Chiappe, our agent at Mogadore, I am notified of
a declaration of the Emperor of Morocco, that if the States General
of the United Netherlands do not, before the month of May, send him an
ambassador, to let him know whether it is war or peace between them, he
will send one to them with five frigates; and that if their dispositions
be unfavorable, their frigates shall proceed to America to make prizes
on the Dutch, and to sell them there.
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