8590. TRIPOLI, Expedition against.—
I
have never been so mortified as at the conduct
of our foreign functionaries on the loss of the
Philadelphia. They appear to have supposed
that we were all lost now, and without resource;
and they have hawked us in forma pauperis begging alms at every court in Europe.
This self-degradation is the more unpardonable
as, uninstructed and unauthorized, they have
taken measures which commit us by moral
obligations which cannot be disavowed. The
most serious of these is with the First Consul of
France, the Emperor of Russia and Grand
Seigneur. The interposition of the two first
has been so prompt, so cordial, so energetic,
that it is impossible for us to decline the good
offices they have done us. From the virtuous
and warm-hearted character of the Emperor,
and the energy he is using with the Ottoman
Porte, I am really apprehensive that our squadron
will, on its arrival, find our prisoners all
restored. If this should be the case, it would
be ungrateful and insulting to these three great
powers, to chastise the friend (Tripoli) whom
they had induced to do us voluntary justice.
Our expedition will in that case be disarmed,
and our just desires of vengeance disappointed,
and our honor prostrated. To anticipate these
measures, and to strike our blow before they
shall have had their effect, are additional and
cogent motives for getting off our squadron
without a moment's avoidable delay.—
To Robert Smith.
Ford ed., viii, 301.
(M.
April. 1804)
