750. BARBARY STATES, Europe and.—
Spain had just concluded a treaty with Algiers,
at the expense of three millions of dollars,
and did not like to relinquish the benefit
of that until the other party should fail in their
observance of it. Portugal, Naples, the two
Sicilies, Venice, Malta, Denmark and Sweden
were favorably disposed to such an association;
but their representatives at Paris expressed
apprehensions that France would interfere, and,
either openly or secretly support the Barbary
powers; and they required that I should ascertain
the dispositions of the Count de Vergennes
on the subject. I had before taken occasion
to inform him of what we were proposing, and
therefore did not think it proper to insinuate
any doubt of the fair conduct of his government;
but stating our propositions, I mentioned
the apprehensions entertained by us that England
would interfere in behalf of those piratical
governments. “She dares not do it,” said
he. I pressed it no further. The other Agents
were satisfied with this indication of his sentiments.—
Autobiography. Washington ed. i, 67.
Ford ed., i, 3.
(1821)
