Berkeley And Jefferson Intelligencer

PHILADELPHIA, May 9.

FROM ALGIERS.

It has been a considerable period since we have heard any thing relative to our connections with the Barbary powers in the Mediterranean. Letters from Algiers to the 15th March were received in town this morning, via Boston, from which we have selected the following particulars.

The Dey and Ministry of Algiers on hearing of the appointment of Mr. Cathcart, as consul for Algiers, expressed much dissatisfaction, and would no doubt refuse to accredit him on his arrival. Their principal objection to Mr. Cathcart was founded on a circumstance which occurred in 1800, at Tripoli.

An Algerine corsair had been taken and carried into Tripoli by a Portuguese ship of war, and it was said Mr. Cathcart by his influence with the Portuguese, compelled the Dey to pay them a ransom for the corsair and crew, this had so incensed the Dey, that it was expected he would not tolerate Mr. Cathcart's mission.

It appears that captain Barron touched at Algiers about the 21st of November. with 30,000 dollars intended as a payment for the Dey instead of stores—the government however, refused to accept the specie, and insisted on having their remittances made in stores. Unless this was complied with, he threatened to withhold his friendship. Since that period, the Dey's ministers had been very importunate with consul O'Brien, who is of opinion that we must either comply with his demands or wage war with the Regency. Indeed it is not to be supposed that even our compliance in this instance would confirm our security. The Dey appears to be disposed to augment his demands in proportion to the facility with which they are acquiesced in. While we have war with Tripoli, it would be better to be at war also with Algiers and Tunis.

On the 9th of January, Spain paid a tribute to Algiers of 55,000 dollars in presents, and 70,000 dollars in specie. This emboldened his rapacity, and he immediately declared war against France and Denmark. The affair however was arranged, and the Dey was endeavoring to effect a peace with Portugal on the following terms: There are 400 Portuguese in captivity, for these he demanded a ransom of 2,500 dollars each, making one million of dollars; after which is paid, he will be willing to confirm the peace for an additional half million! At the same time, that it must be stipulated that the Dey should have the freedom of the western ocean for his corsairs. In that event, our commerce would be doubly exposed to the rapacity of this unprincipled and despicable power. Were Portugal to continue the war actively, their fleets might watch the straights, while those of the United States might cruize off the coast of Algiers and Tunis. Relinquishing the war on the above terms, the Americans will be under the necessity either of submitting to all their extortions, or of keeping an active fleet stationed off Gibraltar.

In September last, Tunis, demanded of the president a 36 gun frigate in consideration of their extra friendship! If this is not granted, we shall be at war with her.

It appears inevitable, that the United States must either single-handed contend with these powers, or submit to the immeasurable expense of buying their friendship. The Danes, Swedes and Dutch purchase their peace on the most humiliating terms. France is the most independent nation in her relations to Barbary. It is to her, perhaps, that commerce will be eventually indebted for exterminating a system which disgraces the maritime strength of the world.