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

Appendix 13
Monroe to the Peace Commissioners to Algiers (1815)
Gentlemen,—The unprovoked war which the Dey and Regency of Algiers have
declared against the United States excited that degree of resentment in their
Government and People which it justly merited. Congress at their last session
manifested their sense of this Act, by declaring war against power, and
authorizing the equipment of such a force as would secure the desired effect.
The largest squadron that ever sailed from this country is now ordered against
Algiers under the command of officers of great experience and talents from
whose judgment and gallantry the happiest result is anticipated. For the conduct
of the war instructions will be given to the Commander of the Squadron by the
Secretary of the Navy. This letter will prescribe the conditions of peace which
you are authorized by the President to conclude, and for which you will receive
herewith a commission signed by him.
An honorable and lasting peace is the great object of this expedition. An early
one would be agreeable but none must be made unless it be honorable.
Whenever such a peace can be obtained you will conclude it. The spirit in
which this war has been declared by the government of Algiers, with its wellknown
policy and character, forbid the hope of obtaining such a peace, by other
means than the dread or success of our arms. If a just punishment should be
inflicted on those people for the insult and injuries we have received from
them, the peace might be more durable than if it should be concluded at the
first approach of our squadron. Let not this however form any motive of your
conduct, especially in delaying the peace. It is the duty of the government to
terminate the war as soon as it may be done on just and honorable conditions.
We may, it is presumed, rely on the credit already acquired by our arms and the
known gallantry of our people, for the faithful execution of the treaty, and
future respect from that power. Should we however be disappointed in this
reasonable expectation, as the United States are rapidly increasing in their
population and rising in their importance as a commercial and maritime nation
they will, every year, have it more in their power to inflict the punishment on
them which for the present may be spared.
Without a strong force presented before the town of Algiers, or collected in the
Mediterranean at some advantageous point or station, prepared to act, it is
believed that such a treaty as the United States ought to accept cannot be
obtained. Whether it will be better to proceed directly with the squadron in
front of the town, before an attempt is made to negotiate, or to remain at some
distance, your own judgments aided by the intelligence you may obtain of the
enemy's force, the state of the city, and other circumstances will be your best
guides.
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