767. BARBARY STATES, Tribute to.—[continued].
The Algerines, I fear,
will ask such a tribute for the forbearance of
their piracies as the United States would be
unwilling to pay. When this idea comes across
my mind my faculties are absolutely suspended
between indignation and impotence. I think
whatever sums we are obliged to pay for freedom
of navigation in the European seas, should
be levied on European commerce with us, by a
separate impost; that these powers may see
that they protect these enormities for their own
loss.
To Nathaniel Greene.
Ford ed., iv, 25.
(P.
1785)
