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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

MESSAGE TO BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS; ON AFFAIRS WITH ALGIERS. - John Adams, The Works of John Adams, vol. 9 (Letters and State Papers 1799-1811) [1854]

Edition used:

The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, Notes and Illustrations, by his Grandson Charles Francis Adams (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1856). 10 volumes. Vol. 9.

Part of: The Works of John Adams, 10 vols.

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MESSAGE TO BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS;

ON AFFAIRS WITH ALGIERS.

23 June, 1797.

Gentlemen of the Senate, and
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,

The Dey of Algiers has manifested a predilection for American built vessels, and, in consequence, has desired that two vessels might be constructed and equipped, as cruisers, according to the choice and taste of Captain O’Brien. The cost of two such vessels, built with live oak and cedar, and coppered, with guns and all other equipments complete, is estimated at forty-five thousand dollars. The expense of navigating them to Algiers may, perhaps, be compensated by the freight of the stores with which they may be loaded on account of our stipulations by treaty with the Dey.

A compliance with the Dey’s request appears to me to be of serious importance. He will repay the whole expense of building and equipping the two vessels; and as he has advanced the price of our peace with Tripoli, and become pledged for that of Tunis, the United States seem to be under peculiar obligations to provide this accommodation; and I trust that Congress will authorize the advance of money necessary for that purpose.

It also appears to be of importance to place at Algiers a person as consul, in whose integrity and ability much confidence may be placed, to whom a considerable latitude of discretion should be allowed for the interest of the United States in relation to their commerce. That country is so remote as to render it impracticable for the consul to ask and receive instructions in sudden emergencies. He may sometimes find it necessary to make instant engagements for money, or its equivalent, to prevent greater expenses or more serious evils. We can hardly hope to escape occasions of discontent proceeding from the regency, or arising from the misconduct or even the misfortunes of our commercial vessels navigating in the Mediterranean sea; and unless the causes of discontent are speedily removed, the resentment of the regency may be exerted with precipitation on our defenceless citizens and their property, and thus occasion a tenfold expense to the United States. For these reasons it appears to me to be expedient to vest the consul at Algiers with a degree of discretionary power, which can be requisite in no other situation. And to encourage a person deserving the public confidence to accept so expensive and responsible a situation, it appears indispensable to allow him a handsome salary. I should confer on such a consul a superintending power over the consulates for the States of Tunis and Tripoli, especially in respect to pecuniary engagements, which should not be made without his approbation.

While the present salary of two thousand dollars a year appears adequate to the consulates of Tunis and Tripoli, twice that sum probably will be requisite for Algiers.

John Adams.