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

edemption, and promise of Lamb to “return in four months” with the
redemption money. More, they pointed it out clearly: “We hope Mr. Lamb has
not told us one story, and wrote the Ministers another; … he has
misrepresented his proceedings in Algiers to you.” 42 They even went beyond
that and expressed fears for the “good and honor” of the USA if the Americans
fail to respect their engagements:
Sir, we would not wish to be understood that we write so urgent on Mr.
Lamb’s contracts with the Dey to facilitate our redemption; but it is to
give you a true representation of Mr. Lamb’s proceedings, for the good
and honor of our country, as we are fearful that if another American
Ambassador came here it would be a very great detriment to his
proceedings, and should not be much surprised if the Dey told him that
he had made one bargain already with the Americans which they did not
keep or fulfill. 43
Actually, Jefferson knew about the details of the agreement but he opted for
ignoring the Dey by not disavowing that “positive stipulation” formally. Such a
disdainful and opportunistic conduct was dictated by sheer cupidity and
selfishness because he had already judged the price to be expensive long before
receiving Lamb’s report. 44
As he was also busy preparing an alliance for
attacking Algiers, he certainly did not judge the Dey worth an answer.
Worse, Congress failed to follow up with the talks it had itself initiated
and also did not judge a letter dated February 25, 1787 from “Sidji Assan
Nickillange of the Marine of Algiers to Congress,” worth answering. 45 The
42 USDC, 2:748-50, From the American Captives to John Adams: Extract from our Journals in Algiers,
February 13, 1787.
43 Ibid., 2:749.
44 WTJ1, 1:569, To John Adams, May 11, 1786.
45 EN, 3:435, Sidi Hassan to Congress, February 25, 1787. This letter was not published in American
state papers series until 1996.
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