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

sailed under the flag of Algiers because, according to O’Brien and Bainbridge,
acting differently would have meant war. 32
Obviously, Bainbridge was not happy with the new mission the Dey
‘forced’ on him and for good reasons. According to the ship’s log at departure
from Algiers on 9 October 1800, his cargo included: the Algerine ambassador
and his suite of 99, 100 black men; women and children; 4 horses, 150 sheep,
25 corned cattle, 4 lions, 4 tigers, 4 antelopes, 12 parrots, ostriches and many
other commodities in addition to $800,000 and jewelry. 33 On the way, he had to
manage five times a-day prayers facing the east on a deck stuck with 131
American sailors and an ambassador’s officer stationed at the binnacle to watch
the compass during prayer-time; 34 all that was blended with American sailors’
curiosity at first, then contempt and mockery which “threatened often to lead to
a bloody renewal of time-honored clashes between the Crescent and the
Cross.” 35 Bainbridge’s report shocked. For American historians, Algiers had
“spat on the country’s honor and dignity.” 36 For Bainbridge, more humiliating
could not exist, especially the moment when
The pendent of the United States was struck and the Algierine flag
hoisted at the main top gallant mast head. 7 guns were fired in
compliment. Some tears fell at this instance of national humility. 37
32 ASP/FA, 2:353-4, Copy of a letter from Mr. O’Brien to Captain Bainbridge, October 9, 1800.
33 NDBW, 1:378, Letter to the Secretary of the Navy, Oct. 10, 1800. From a different cultural and
historical perspective, one may explain what has since been termed as ‘Bainbridge’s floating zoo’ as
custom and political necessity. Tribute was one of two bounds still linking Algiers to Constantinople—
in addition to contributions with the fleet when needed—and it had to be ostentatious! More by
concluding a peace treaty with France at a time Napoleon was occupying Egypt—one of the Sultan’s
satrapies—Algiers brought on itself the wrath of the Sultan and it had to apologize for that, hence that
impressive and fantastic cargo.
34 NDBW, 1:378, Letter to the Secretary of the Navy, Oct. 10, 1800.
35 Tucker, Dawn Like Thunder, p. 23.
36 Kitzen, Tripoli and the United States, p. 44.
37 NDBW, 1:378, Letter to the Secretary of the Navy, Oct. 10, 1800.
345