Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

LETTER
From Achmet Bashaw, to the President of the United States.

[Accompanying the message from the President of the United States, of the 13th January, 1806.]

EXCELLENCE,

For nearly eleven years, I have been labouring under the weight of misfortune ; but, notwithstanding which, my distress was never equal to that which the actual combination of circumstances has made it.

My residence was near Cairo, when there arrived in Alexandria, a brig commanded by Capt. Hull, in company with gen. Eaton, who came recommended to Mr. Briggs, H. B. M. consul, and enquired of him where I could be found. My place of abode being made known, a courier was dispatched for Cairo, by order of the general, and on his arrival at Razid, a second one, which came to Cairo, directed to the house of Tussuf Bashaw, an officer of the Ottoman Porte, who received a letter in which he was requested to suffer me to pass without interruption, in order that I might co-operate with the Americans to take Tripoli. These things being communicated to me, caused me to reflect seriously, whether they could be true or not. All doubts were dissipated by general Eaton meeting in Cairo, my secretary, named Mahumed Mezuluna, to whom he consigned another paper, and in company with two Maltese, arrived at Said, my place of residence, and delivered to me a dispatch, urging me to leave that place immediately, in order that we might have a meeting (as really happened) in the city of Damintur, where the general was made known to me, as one who had been sent thither by your excellency for the conquest of the kingdom of Tripoli. I engaged to go with him to Syracuse, and also to keep myself secret, from which circumstance, I was necessarily compelled to abandon all I possessed, and thus lose my horses, camels, &c. Previous to my leaving Damintur, general Eaton assured me the peace would never be made, unless I was placed in my own seat (throne) and often swore by himself that he would never take me from where I was for the sole purpose of making the conquest.

I did not, however, fail to suggest to the general, that in case Jussuf Bashaw should actually remain conqueror, what part would he take in my favour, as I should not be able to remain any longer in the Turkish dominions. I was answered, if the combinations of war should prove favourable to Jussuf Bashaw, that a pension would be granted me, sufficient to maintain my family and suite; the people and money demanded by me, to effect this object (for such a movement) were ready ; and that I had better expedite my secretary to capt. Hull, to inform him, that the general had to conduct me from Upper Egypt to Syracuse, but that I could not trust myself at sea in the manner he had. My envoy having executed his commission, arrived first in Syracuse, and afterwards in Malta, in consequence of the absence of capt. Hull from the first (place) and whom he afterwards found in the second place (Malta) and executed his embassy. He was answered by the same (Hull) that every thing I could possibly want was ready, and in fact, there was sent me a vessel, laden with supplies and provisions, accompanied by the brig commanded by capt. Hull, which arrived at Bomba, delivering to the general and myself a dispatch (to him directed) from the commodore, in which he renders Hull responsible for every thing I might want ; I then asked for cannon, powder and other warlike supplies, and was answered that a frigate was hourly expected, and that they would be sent to me. I afterwards left Bomba, in company with gen. Eaton, and we pursued our route towards Derne, arriving near it in 12 hours. Such a voyage made me extremely happy, as well as my people, while the manner in which we were treated by the general, excited universal admiration ; his dignified soul (conduct) merits applause. We were scarcely on the 12th hour of our voyage, when we saw a sch'r which brought us two pieces of cannon, and nothing more. After an attack of two hours, in which all the troops applaud and admire the courage of general Eaton—Derne was taken (as the people of that country were much in our favour) and in which attack the general was wounded in the hand.

After the capture of the city, we received from the chiefs of the brigands, letters offering to join us. After ten days a troop of cavalry and infantry (of the enemy) advanced ; they were twice broken and put to flight by us. We now asked from the schooner, which had been sent us, people and arms, while there remained a respite and peace, and were waiting an answer, respecting our demand for people and arms, in order that we might go and take Bengaza and Tripoli ; in the mean time arrived a frigate which we supposed had brought us people, but she landed a Turkish ambassador from Jussuf Bashaw, who informed the general of the alliance of Jussuf Bashaw with your excellency ; saving that the said Bashaw would restore my family, and that your excellency would give me in the name of the U. S. a pension. The same evening of the arrival of the frigate, the general informed me, that I must embark with all my people ; and thus was again compelled to abandon all I possessed—the general having prevented the Turkish ambassador from landing, and thus we parted for Syracuse, where we found the whole squadron.

I daily expected my family, when finally I was told that he (the Bashaw) would not let them go ; having thus broken his word, I demanded of the general, to be replaced in my own country, which was also denied me, saying that he had no orders to that effect from your excellency, and it is thus I find myself in this country, with the small pension of two hundred dollars per month, and on which sum I am to support myself with a number of people.

Such a state of things make me feel that the weight of misfortune has only increased : and for the first time I am completely abandoned, and by a great nation; I therefore fling myself on the mercy of your excellency, who under the influence of just laws, will not fail to render me that justice which oppression and misfortune entitle me to.

With the hope of an early reply from your excellency, I remain, &c. &c. &c.

(Signed) ACHMET BASHAW, SON OF ALI BASHAW, &C. &C.

Syracuse, August 5th 1805.

His excellency the President of the United States of America.