Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

CONTINUATION
Of Documents accompanying the President's Message, respecting the application of Hamet Caramalli, Ex-Bashaw of Tripoli.

COPY.

Captain Bainbridge to George Davis, esq. at Tunis.

Tripoli, January 27th, 1805.

SIR,

I have been anxiously expecting to hear from you, and to receive some information on the determination of our government. Not one word on that subject have I yet heard. I am anxiously expecting letters from commodore Barron. I believe the Bashaw is very desirous of peace, and has great apprehensions of the intended attack, and was a negotiation to be attempted, I think it very probable that it would succeed, for the apprehension of the attack might have as great an effect as the attack itself; and should the attack prove unsuccessful, he will no doubt continue in demanding a considerable sum. As I am quite ignorant of the force that will be brought against this place, I cannot give my opinion of the probable effect it may have. We offer our most fervent prayers that the greatest success may attend it. I cannot say what the bashaw's demand will be, but I believe he would take at this moment much less than what he demanded of commodore Preble last August. Our funds are all exhausted, and bills on Tunis are at a great exchange against the drawer. Pray, have you heard of Eaton? In your next, which I anxiously expect soon, I shall receive a great deal of news I hope. I assure you, was it not for our friend, Mr. Nissen, we should suffer considerably for necessaries in our close confinement; but he is a friend in need, of course, a friend indeed.

P. S. By the Danish consul. "The bashaw is now very attentive upon your transactions with his brother in Alexandria. A camp is going against Derne. Give me leave to tell you that I found your plan with the bashaw's brother very vast, and that you sacrifice your prisoners' lives in case of success."

EXTRACTS.

William Eaton, esq. to the secretary of the navy.

Alexandria, 13th February, 1805.

"The letters which have passed between captain Hull and myself, copies of which are herewith annexed to a duplicate of that I had the honour to address you on the 13th December, convey a detail of our transactions since that date. The apprehensions then entertained of impediments on the part of the Mameluke beys were just. The bashaw separated himself from them with his suite immediately on receiving my first letter from Cairo, and repaired to Fium, a neutral province; but the evening of his departure thirty Arab chiefs were put in chains by the Mameluke bey Osman Bey Berdici, to prevent their following him with their tribes. Of four copies of the viceroy's letter of amnesty, which I despatched by different conveyances not one reached him. Three Matteis in disguise of Arabs, charged with one of them, entered the Mameluke camp, were arrested, the packet taken from them and they sentenced to death. They intoxicated the centinel, who was an European renegado, and escaped to Fium; by whom the bashaw obtained the first information of that act of grace, and it was not till he joined me at Demanhour that he first saw the letter. This has delayed our measures and given us embarrassments. My three enterprizing mattees are with me, but we have no returns from any of the other three couriers.

"The bashaw had already determined to take the desert of Lybia to Derne, giving for his reason, which I think a sound one, that by taking shipping and separating himself from the Arabs, they would lose all patience if not confidence also, and abandon his cause. He has consequently moved round the lake and will to-morrow take his station at Arabs Ton, 30 miles westward of the old port of Alexandria, where I am to join him with a detachment from the city, next Sunday, and proceed with him to Bomba, at the head of 500 men, and there take post. Meantime captain Hull repairs to the rendezvous for suitable reinforcements and supplies to secure an establishment at Derne and Bengazi. Those provinces in our possession will cut off from the enemy and turn into our own channel a source of provisions, and will open a free intercourse with the interior of the country. I have requested of the commodore, for this purpose, an hundred stand of arms with cartridges, and 2 brass field pieces with trains and ammunition, and also a detachment of 100 marines, if necessary, to lead a coup de main.

"I calculate the whole expenditure of cash in this expedition, including expenses in Egypt, will amount to 20,000 dollars. Further disbursements and supplies will be necessary to carry this plan into final effect. But to indemnify the United States, I have entered into a convention with Hamet Bashaw, to pledge the tribute of Sweden, Denmark, and the Batavian Republick; which convention I shall reduce to writing and forward by captain Hull, if time permit; otherwise by the earliest occasion.

"Day before yesterday, an envoy arrived in a ketch from Jussuf, bashaw of Tripoli, to the governour and admiral of this place, for the express purpose of prevailing on them to stop Hamet Bashaw from going out of the country. Intelligence of our having left Syracuse for this place, with a view of taking him away, was conveyed to the enemy by a resident at Malta, known by the name of Soluquet H. Conte Gallini. I do not know his real name. The agent made great promises in the name of his master to these Turkish commanders: But perceiving they seemed not to have full faith in his assurances, he resorted to the sensibility of their compassion; if Hamet Bashary was permitted to return, Jussuf must fly the kingdom or lose his head. The subjects of Tripoli were getting weary of the war with these new infidels; they could not learn from their movements their intentions, and were attacked unaware: the bashaw believed he could resist them upon his batteries; but if they made a descent with his brother, his people would all leave him. This statement comes from the private secretary of the governour, who is secured in our interest, who heard the cause of Jussuf Bashaw argued before the governour and admiral.-- I dont learn what effect it has taken, but if the client has not the means of touching a more sensible nerve than a Turk's pity, his case is forlorn. At any rate we are secure against his influence by the secure position we have taken. Except, therefore, some unforeseen accident thwart us, my next will be dated at Bengazi. The Arabs and Moors are universally with us, and, if we had the means of subsistence, we might march 20 or 30,000 from the borders of Egypt, who from time to time have taken refuge here since the usurpation of Jessuf Bashaw."

EXTRACTS.

Mr. Eaton to commodore Barron.

Alexandria, 14th February, 1805.

"I calculated to leave this on Sunday, and in two days after to proceed on our march with Hamet Bashaw to Bomba, by the desert, where it is hoped we shall meet reinforcements, and supplies sufficient to secure positions at Derne and Bengizi. This, we are of opinion, will require two additional small vessels and a bomb ketch. A gun boat also would be useful, if the navigation at this season should not be thought too hazardous. Two brass field pieces (4 pounders) with their trains and ammunition, and 100 stand of arms, with cartridges, will be requisite.-- And, to place the success of the expedition beyond the caprice of incident, 100 marines, with bayonets, should be at hand, to lead a coup de main, in case of necessity. By the time we shall have arrived at Bomba, I shall have disbursed about 10,000 dollars which we have taken up on credit of Messrs. Briggs and Brothers, 4000 dols. of which sum capt. Hull has drawn bills on Malta and London: the balance we have promised shall be sent up in one of the small vessels. Ten thousand dollars more at least, will be necessary, to accomplish our views on Derne and Bengazi. The Bashaw assures me that he will be able immediately to refund these sums when established in those provinces. And to indemnify the United States for all expenses, arising out of a co-operation with him, he pledges the tribute of Denmark, Sweden and the Batavian republick, in case of recovering his throne, which may be calculated upon as a certain event, if measures to that effect are supported by suitable energy and address. He engages also to release to you, without ransom, capt. Bainbridge, his officers, and all American prisoners, who may be in captivity at Tripoli; to stipulate with the United States a permanent peace, without tribute, and on the footing of the most favoured nation. He engages that in case of future war, captives shall be treated as prisoners, and not as slaves, and subject to reciprocal exchange. He will surrender the enemy and his family and chief admiral into our hands, in case he does not escape by flight, to be held as hostages.-- And he agrees to deliver up to you, if required, all vessels of war, which shall have been employed against the United States by Jussuf Bashaw.

In consideration of the friendly offices of his majesty the king of the two Sicilies, towards the squadron of the U. States, Hamet Bashaw invites his majesty to renew with him their ancient friendship, & proffers to him a peace on the same footing as that to be stipulated in his convention with the U. States. If time and circumstances admit, we shall reduce this convention to writing, and forward copies by capt. Hull--otherwise it will be done at Bomba. At the invitation of the bashaw and divan, and in conformity to the sentiments expressed to me by the secretary of the navy, I have taken on myself the command in chief of the bashaw's army, and the direction of all operations by land, and I cannot but flatter myself we may realize success of our expectations on this coalition; and that you will have the glory of carrying the usurper a prisoner in your squadron to the U. States; and of relieving our fellow-citizens from the chains of slavery, without the degrading condition of a ransom."

CONVENTION
Between the United States of America and his highness Hamet Caramalli, bashaw of Tripoli

GOD IS INFINITE.

Art. I. There shall be a firm and perpetual peace and free intercourse between the government of the United States of America, and his highness Hamet Caramalli, bashaw, the legitimate sovereign of the kingdom of Tripoli, and between the citizens of the one and the subjects of the other.

Art. II. The government of the U. States shall use their utmost exertions, so far as comports with their own honour and interest, their subsisting treaties, and the acknowledged laws of nations, to re-establish the said Hamet bashaw in the possession of his sovereignty of Tripoli, against the pretensions of Jussuf bashaw, who obtained said sovereignty by treason, and who now holds it by usurpation, and who is engaged in actual war against the U. States.

Art. III. The U. States shall, as circumstances may require, in addition to the operations they are carrying on by sea, furnish the said Hamet bashaw on loan, supplies of cash, ammunition and provisions, and if necessity require, debarkation of troops, also to aid and give effect to the operations of the said Hamet bashaw by land against the common enemy.

Art. IV. In consideration of which friendly offices, once rendered effectual, his highness Hamet Caramalli Bashaw engages, on his part, to release to the commander in chief of the forces of the United States, in the Mediterranean, without ransom, all American prisoners who are, or may hereafter be, in the hands of the usurper, said Jussuf Bashaw.

Art. V. In order to indemnify the United States against all expense they have or shall incur in carrying into execution their engagements expressed in the 2d and 3d articles of this convention, the said Hamet Bashaw transfers and consigns to the United States the tribute stipulated by the last treaties of his majesty the king of Denmark, his majesty the king of Sweden, and the Batavian republick, as the condition of peace with the regency of Tripoli, until such time as said expense shall be reimbursed.

Art. VI. In order to carry into full effect the stipulation expressed in the preceding article, said Hamet Bashaw pledges his faith and honour, faithfully to observe and fulfil the treaties now subsisting between the regency of Tripoli and their majesties the kings of Denmark and Sweden, and with the Batavian republick.

Art. VII. In consideration of the friendly disposition of his majesty the king of the two Sicilies towards the American squadron, his highness Hamet Bashaw invites his said Sicilian majesty to renew their ancient friendship, and proffers him a peace on the footing of that to be definitively concluded with the United States of America, in the fullest extent of its privileges, according to the tenour of this convention.

Art. VIII. The better to give effect to the operations to be carried on by land in the prosecution of the plan, and the attainment of the object pointed out by this convention, William Eaton a citizen of the United States, now in Egypt, shall be recognized as general and commander in chief of the land forces which are or may be called into service against the common enemy. And his said highness Hamet Bashaw engages that his own subjects shall respect and obey him as such.

Art. IX. His highness said Hamet Bashaw grants full amnesty and perpetual oblivion, towards the conduct of all such of his subjects as may have been seduced by the usurper to abandon his cause, and who are disposed to return to their proper allegiance.

Art. X. In case of future war between the contracting parties, captives on each side shall be treated as prisoners of war, and not as slaves, and shall be entitled to reciprocal and equal exchange, man for man, and grade for grade, and in no case shall a ransom be demanded for prisoners of war, nor a tribute required as the condition of peace, neither on the one part nor on the other. All prisoners on
Arr. XI. The American consular flag in Tripoli shall for ever be a sacred asylum, to all persons who shall desire to take refuge under it, except for the crimes of treason and murder.

Art. XII. In case of the faithful observance and fulfilment on the part of his highness, said Hamet Bashaw, of the agreements and obligations herein stipulated, the commander in chief of the American forces in the Mediterranean, engages to leave Hamet Bashaw in the peaceable possession of the city and regency of Tripoli, without dismantling its batteries.

Art. XIII. Any article suitable to be introduced in a definitive treaty of peace, between the contracting parties, which may not be comprised in this convention, shall be reciprocally on the footing of the treaties subsisting with the most favoured nations.

Art. XIV. This convention shall be submitted to the president of the United States for his ratification. In the mean time there shall be no suspense in its operations.

Done at Alexandria in Egypt, February 23, 1805. and signed by said Hamet bashaw for himself and successors, and by William Eaton on the part of the United States.

Additional article secret.

His highness Hamet Bashaw, will use his utmost exertions to cause to surrender to the commander in chief of the American forces in the Mediterranean, the usurper Joseph Bashaw, together with his family. and chief admiral called Murad Rais, alias Peter Lisle, to be held by the government of the United States as hostages, and as a guarantee of the faithful observance of the stipulations, entered into by convention of the 23d February, 1805, with the United States, provided they do not escape by flight.
Commodore Barron to William Eaton, Esq.

MALTA, 22d March, 1805.

SIR,

By captain Hull, who arrived in this harbour with the United States, brig Argus under his command, on the 10th instant. I received your favours addressed to me, together with communications for the secretary of the navy, and copies of the correspondence betwixt yourself and captain Hull, relative to your proceedings, from your arrival in Egypt, until his departure from thence ; also by the hands of Mahomed, secretary, a letter from his excellency Hamet Bashaw, announcing his junction with you, all which I have perused with an attention and deliberation which the important and interesting nature of their contents demands. I cannot but applaud the energy and perseverance that has characterized your progress through a series of perplexing and discouraging difficulties, to the attainment of the object of your research, an attainment which I am disposed to consider as a fair presage of future success.

On receipt of these communications by captain Hull, I did not lose a moment in making the necessary arrangements for sending you succours, and I now dispatch the Argus brig, with the Hornet sloop under her convoy, carrying a variety of stores and provisions, according to the accompanying list. Captain Hull will shape his course for Bomba, direct, where he calculates on finding, you, with the Bashaw and his army, and where he supposes you will make a stand. I have directed him to deliver these stores to you, to be applied as your discretion may direct. He has also under his charge a sum in specie, amounting to seventy thousand dollars, which is likewise to be placed at your disposal. By the time these vessels establish a communication with you, you will have been enabled to form a correct opinion as to the prospect of ultimate success, & thence to estimate the advantages likely to result to our affairs from this co-operation, and by this opinion you must be guided in the application of the succours.-- Should you have encountered unexpected difficulties and obstacles, which place the chance of success upon more than precarious ground, your own prudence will suggest the propriety of not committing these supplies, and the money, uncontrouledly to the power of the bashaw ; indeed, in the point of view in which I regard the measures already pursued, as well as the subject of co-operation generally, I conceive we ought to tread with the utmost caution. It is far from my wish, sir, to damp your ardour, or that of your companions in arms, by laying too great a stress upon the cold maxims of prudence, whereby the tide of success is often lost : something, I am aware, should always be left to fortune, in enterprizes of this nature ; but I must own there are certain things expressed in your dispatches, which, when brought to the test of my instructions from home, give birth to feelings of doubt and uneasiness ; these I deem it incumbent on me to point out to you with candour and explicitness, in order that we may be fully understood. You must be sensible that in giving their sanction to a co-operation with the exiled bashaw, government did not contemplate the measure as leading necessarily and absolutely, to a reinstatement of that prince in his rights to the regency of Tripoli. They appear to have viewed the co-operation in question, as a means which, if there existed energy and enterprize in the exile, and attachment to his person on the part of his former subjects, might be employed to the common furtherance and advantage of his claims and our cause, but without meaning to fetter themselves by any specifick and definitive attainment as an end, which the tenour of my instructions and the limited sum appropriated for that special purpose, clearly demonstrate. I fear by the convention you were about to enter with Hamet, and by the complexion of other measures, that a wider range may have been taken than is consistent with the powers vested in me for that particular object. These apprehensions may, perhaps, prove groundless, on further representations from you; but under my present impressions, I feel it my duty to explain, explicitly, that I must withhold my sanction to any convention or agreement committing the United States, or tending to impress upon Hamet bashaw a conviction that we have bound ourselves to place him upon the throne. The consequences involved in such an engagement cannot but strike you forcibly, and a general view of our situation, in relation to the reigning bashaw and our unfortunate countrymen in Tripoli, will be sufficient to mark its inexpediency. I shall consider it my duty, as it is certainly my inclination, to afford you every aid compatible with the authority vested in me, and commensurate with the means which have been placed at my disposal, and you may rely on the most active and vigorous support from the squadron, as soon as the season and our arrangement will permit us to appear in force before the enemy's walls; but I wish you to understand that no guarantee or engagement to the exiled prince, whose cause, I must repeat, we are only favouring as an instrument to our advantage, and not as an end itself, must be held to stand in the way of our acquiescence to any honourable and advantageous terms of accommodation which the reigning bashaw may be induced to propose: such terms being once offered and accepted by the representative of government appointed to treat of peace, our support to the ex-bashaw must necessarily cease. You will not, however, conceive that these considerations, important and necessary as they are, ought to induce us at once to abandon the benefits which the measures you have adopted seem to promise. I conceive a perseverance in these by no means incompatible with a total freedom from any trammels, with respect to a definitive object, which freedom I deem it all important to preserve, especially when I view the peculiar situation in which captain Bainbridge and his fellow-sufferers may be placed by this co-operation. If, by your energy and exertions, added to the supplies now sent forward, you succeed in getting possession of Derne and Bengazi, we may calculate, that, having received this impulse from our strength, the bashaw will, himself, possess sufficient energy, courage and talents, and if accounts are correct; sufficient interest among the people, to move on with firm steps, and to conduct his friends and followers to the gates of Tripoli. Every support will, of course, be given to him by a systematic union of operations with the squadron, so as to enable him to get in the rear of the town : but should he be found deficient in those qualities, or that it appears we have been deceived in regard to the disposition of the inhabitants, he must be held as an unfit subject for further support or co-operation. I beg leave to mention to you, that as we are short of officers; the services of all will be wanted on board the respective ships, as soon as we enter upon offensive measures. Should you conceive, however, that any serious disadvantage may result from withdrawing those with you, I have no objection to their remaining as volunteers ; but it is impossible for me to comply with your requisition for 100 marines to be sent to the coast.-- Such a step in the present posture of affairs, far exceeds my powers, and, besides, as we are rather short of hands, I could not feel myself justifiable in detaching so considerable a force from the squadron. I have not been unmindful of your requisition for field artillery, which I think, with you, is essential, but here it was impossible to procure it ; I therefore despatched some days since, the Congress frigate to Messina, where I hope to obtain four field pieces complete for service, and as soon as they arrive they will be sent to the coast with the necessary ammunition. As I am still too unwell to write you with my own hand, I must refer you to captain Hull, in whose judgement and discretion I have the fullest confidence, for information on several collateral points, and for my sentiments on others. In this letter I have endeavoured to explain, as clearly as possible, what are my ideas with respect to the wishes and intentions of our government, and what I feel to be the extent of my authority, relative to the co-operation of Hamet bashaw. I reiterate my fixed resolution to afford you every support and assistance which are consistent with the powers and resources vested in me, adding, at the same time, my dissent from any guarantee, covenant or engagement, by which the United States may be committed; to place the exiled prince on the throne, or any condition which militates against the most perfect and uncontrouled power of choice and action, in concluding a pacification with Jussuf bashaw, should he offer terms honourable and advantageous to our country. I should be wanting in justice to you, sir, as well as to the officers who have shared thus far your toils and dangers, were I not to express my full reliance upon your courage, energy and perseverance, as well as my ardent desire that your most sanguine expectations may be realized. The observations which I here convey to you are far from being intended to cool your zeal or discourage your expectations, but they are what I conceive it necessary to make, & are drawn from me by the purest feeling of duty, and as such, permit me to recommend them to your calm and candid consideration, and I request that you will make them the subject of conversation with captain Hull, who is fully possessed of my sentiments:

(To be continued.)