7.

[85] Playfair, 64 ff.

[86] _Voyages_, ii. 887.

[87] _Several Voyages_, 57-8.

[88] Morgan, Pref. v., vi.

[89] Playfair, 94.

XX.

THE UNITED STATES AND TRIPOLI.

1803-5.

These dark days of abasement were pierced by one ray of sunlight; the
United States refused the tribute demanded by the Barbary Rovers. From
its very birth the new nation had, in common with all other maritime
countries, accepted as a necessary evil a practice it was now full
time to abolish. As early as 1785 the Dey of Algiers found in American
commerce a fresh field for his ploughing; and of all traders, none
proved so welcome as that which boasted of its shipping, yet carried
not an ounce of shot to defend it. Hesitating protests and
negotiations were essayed in vain; until at last public opinion was so
aroused by the sufferings of the captives as to demand of Congress the
immediate construction of a fleet. Ill news travels apace, and the
rumours of these preparations echoed so promptly among the white walls
of Algiers, that the Dey hastened to conclude a treaty; and so, long
before the frigates were launched, immunity was purchased by the
payment of a heavy tribute. Like all cowardly compromises, this one
shaped itself into a two-edged sword; and soon every rover from
Mogador to the Gates of the Bosphorus was clamouring for _backsheesh_.
In 1800, Y[=u]suf, the Pasha of Tripoli, threatened to slip his
falcons upon the western quarry, unless presents, similar to those
given by England, France, and Spain, were immediately sent him. He
complained that the American Government had bribed his neighbours, the
cut-throats of Tunis, at a higher price, and he saw no reason why,
like his cousin of Algiers, he should not receive a frigate as
hush-money. His answer to a letter of the President, containing
honeyed professions of friendship, was amusing. "We would ask," he
said, "that these your expressions be followed by deeds, and not by
empty words. You will, therefore, endeavour to satisfy us by a good
manner of proceeding.... But if only flattering words are meant
without performance, every one will act as he finds convenient. We beg
a speedy answer without neglect of time, as a delay upon your part
cannot but be prejudicial to your interests."

The Bey of Tunis made demands no less arrogant. He declared that
Denmark, Spain, Sicily, and Sweden had made concessions to him, and
then he announced: "It would be impossible to keep pea