ips not on the peace establishment to
Spithead without delay, except the _Bombay_, bearing the flag of
Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Penrose, which ship is to be relieved by
the _Albion_, daily expected.

(Signed) "EXMOUTH.

"N.B. This General Memorandum to be entered in the public
order-book, and communicated to the respective officers, seamen,
and marines of the fleet."

The squadron went in the first place to Algiers, where Lord Exmouth
obtained the objects of his mission without difficulty. The Ionian
slaves were freely released as British subjects; and peace was made for
Naples and Sardinia, the former paying a ransom of five hundred, the
latter of three hundred dollars a head. The fleet then sailed for Tunis,
where accident gave an entirely new character to the subsequent
proceedings. Lord Exmouth had directed the interpreter to tell the Bey,
that it would be very agreeable to the Prince Regent if slavery were
abolished; but the interpreter, by mistake, said that the Prince Regent
had determinded to abolish it. Upon this the negotiation was suspended,
and the Divan assembled. Lord Exmouth soon became aware of the mistake,
and availing himself of the important advantage which it gave him, he
allowed them two hours for deliberation, and retired to the consul's
house to await the result. Before the time expired he was sent for, and
informed that the Divan had deliberated on his proposal, and would
comply with it. Proceeding to Tripoli, he made a similar demand, and it
was there submitted to without hesitation.

In the mean time, he had received instructions to claim from Algiers the
privilege of selling prizes, and refitting privateers in that port,
which had lately been granted by treaty to America. Returning on this
errand, he took the opportunity to press, as at the other Regencies, the
abolition of Christian slavery; but here he had a more formidable power
to deal with. His demand was refused; and when he hinted at the
alternative of force, the Dey answered as a man confident in his
strength to resist it. Lord Exmouth assured him that he formed a very
inadequate idea of a British man of-war, and declared, that if
hostilities should become necessary, he would engage with five
line-of-battle ships to destroy the place. A very sharp altercation
ensued; and Lord Exmouth left the Divan, giving them two hours to
consider his proposal. When