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Literary
January 8, 1816
Kentucky Gazette
Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
What is this article about?
An 18th-century article describes a dream inspired by a futuristic book, envisioning the year 1850 where an American admiral defeats Algerine pirates, bombards Algiers, and forces peace, ending Mediterranean piracy.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
In perusing the Columbian Magazine for September, 1786, we find the following curious anticipation which is so near being already realized by Com. Decatur in 1815.
Georgia Gaz.
For the Columbian Gazette
I was highly pleased lately with the perusal of a work styled the year 2500, in which the benevolent author pourtrays the situation which he hopes France will be in at that period, and shews in a very striking point of view, the absurdity of many of the most favorite practices of the present day, in that kingdom. I felt myself strongly impressed with the idea, and threw myself on a couch where I pursued the reflection as far as I was capable, extending my view to this country. After some time I fell asleep, and dreamed that I was transported to so distant a period, as the year 1850, and that on entering a coffee house, I took up a newspaper, and read some paragraphs of the following tenor, which struck me with surprise and pleasure.
PHILADELPHIA, MAY 5, 1850.
A letter received from Cadiz dated the 10th of March says:
We have authentic accounts that the American admiral Beatmale, with 10 sail of the line has lately had a desperate engagement with a grand fleet of the Algerines, of 11 sail of the line, frigates and 4 gallies. Both fought with the utmost bravery—but two of the Algerine first rate vessels being blown up, and a great havock being made among the crews of the rest, three struck, and the remainder fled. The signals for chase were made, and three more captured—the rest were driven ashore—and fire-ships being sent among them, were all set on flames, and consumed. The brave admiral immediately sailed to Algiers, which he bombarded with such vigour, that in a short time all the fortifications on the side towards the sea, were levelled, and the city almost entirely reduced to ashes.
The Dey sent an ambassador to sue for peace, and was so terrified at the fate of the fleet, on which he had placed all his reliance, that he consented to surrender all the piratical vessels which have so long infested the Mediterranean, and even the Atlantic.
Georgia Gaz.
For the Columbian Gazette
I was highly pleased lately with the perusal of a work styled the year 2500, in which the benevolent author pourtrays the situation which he hopes France will be in at that period, and shews in a very striking point of view, the absurdity of many of the most favorite practices of the present day, in that kingdom. I felt myself strongly impressed with the idea, and threw myself on a couch where I pursued the reflection as far as I was capable, extending my view to this country. After some time I fell asleep, and dreamed that I was transported to so distant a period, as the year 1850, and that on entering a coffee house, I took up a newspaper, and read some paragraphs of the following tenor, which struck me with surprise and pleasure.
PHILADELPHIA, MAY 5, 1850.
A letter received from Cadiz dated the 10th of March says:
We have authentic accounts that the American admiral Beatmale, with 10 sail of the line has lately had a desperate engagement with a grand fleet of the Algerines, of 11 sail of the line, frigates and 4 gallies. Both fought with the utmost bravery—but two of the Algerine first rate vessels being blown up, and a great havock being made among the crews of the rest, three struck, and the remainder fled. The signals for chase were made, and three more captured—the rest were driven ashore—and fire-ships being sent among them, were all set on flames, and consumed. The brave admiral immediately sailed to Algiers, which he bombarded with such vigour, that in a short time all the fortifications on the side towards the sea, were levelled, and the city almost entirely reduced to ashes.
The Dey sent an ambassador to sue for peace, and was so terrified at the fate of the fleet, on which he had placed all his reliance, that he consented to surrender all the piratical vessels which have so long infested the Mediterranean, and even the Atlantic.
What sub-type of article is it?
Vision Or Dream
Prose Fiction
What themes does it cover?
War Peace
Political
What keywords are associated?
Dream Vision
Future Prophecy
Algerine War
Admiral Beatmale
Piracy End
Bombardment Algiers
Literary Details
Subject
Anticipation Of American Victory Over Algerine Pirates
Form / Style
Dream Narrative With Fictional Newspaper Excerpt
Key Lines
I Fell Asleep, And Dreamed That I Was Transported To So Distant A Period, As The Year 1850
The American Admiral Beatmale, With 10 Sail Of The Line Has Lately Had A Desperate Engagement With A Grand Fleet Of The Algerines
The Dey Sent An Ambassador To Sue For Peace, And Was So Terrified At The Fate Of The Fleet... That He Consented To Surrender All The Piratical Vessels