4135. JONES (John Paul), Mission to Algiers.—
The President having thought
proper to appoint you commissioner for treating
with the Dey and government of Algiers, on the
subjects of peace and ransom of our captives,
I have the honor to enclose you the commission,
of which Mr. Thomas Pinckney, now on his
way to London as our Minister Plenipotentiary
there, will be the bearer. Supposing that there
exists a disposition to thwart our negotiations
with the Algerines, and that this would be
very practicable, we have thought it advisable
that the knowledge of this appointment should
rest with the President, Mr. Pinckney and myself;
for which reason you will perceive that the
commissions are all in my own handwriting.
For the same reason, entire secrecy is recommended
to you, and that you so cover from the
public your departure and destination, as that
they may not be conjectured or noticed.—
To John Paul Jones. Washington ed. iii, 431.
(Pa.,
June. 1792)
