"What dependence or faith could be given to a peace with the Algerines, considering their present haughtiness, and with what contempt and derision do they treat all nations; so that, in my opinion, until the Algerines more strictly adhere to the treaties they have already made, it would be impolitic in any nation to try to make a peace here; for I see they take more from the nations they are at peace with, than from those they are at declared war with. The Portuguese, I hope, will keep the Algerines inside the straits; for only consider the bad consequence of the Algerines going into the mar Grandi. Should the Portuguese make a sudden peace with this regency, the Algerines would immediately go out of the straits, and of course, take many an American."
No. 5.—Extract of a Letter from the Hon. John Adams, Esq., Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at the Court of Great Britain, to the Hon. John Jay, Esq., Secretary for Foreign Affairs. February 16, 1786.
"The American commerce can be protected from these Africans only by negotiation, or by war. If presents should be exacted from us, as ample as those which are given by England, the expense may amount to sixty thousand pounds sterling a year, an enormous sum to be sure; but infinitely less than the expense of fighting. Two frigates of 30 guns each would cost as much to fit them for the sea, besides the accumulating charges of stores, provisions, pay, and clothing. The powers of Europe generally send a squadron of men of war with their ministers, and offer battle at the same time that they propose treaties and promise presents."
No. 6.—Several statements of the Marine force of Algiers.—Public and private
May 20, 1786.—Mr. Lamb says it consists of
| 9 Chebecs | from 36 to 8 guns; manned, the largest with 400 men, and so in proportion. |
| 10 Row Galleys |
May 27, 1787.—Mr. Randall furnishes two statements, viz.:
| A more general one— | 1 Setye of 34 guns. |
| 2 Setye of 32 guns. | |
| 1 Setye of 26 guns. | |
| 1 Setye of 24 guns. | |
| 1 Chebec of 20 guns | |
| 1 Chebec of 18 guns. | |
| 1 Chebec of 10 guns. | |
| 8 | |
| 4 half-galleys, carrying from 120 to 130 Moors. | |
| 3 galliots of 70, 60, and 50 Moors. | |
A more particular one as follows:
| 1 of 32 guns, | viz. 2 eighteens, | 24 nines, 6 fours, | and 450 men. |
| 1 of 28 guns, | viz. 2 twelves, | 24 nines, 2 sixes, | and 400 men. |
| 1 of 24 guns, | viz. | 20 fours, | and 350 men. |
| 1 of 20 guns, | viz. | 20 sixes, | and 300 men. |
| 2 of 18 guns, | viz. | 18 sixes, | and 260 men. |
| 1 of 16 guns, | viz. | 16 sixes, | and 250 men. |
| 2 small craft. | |||
| 9 | |||
| 55 gun-boats, carrying 1 twelve pounder each, for defence of the harbor. | |||