DE SARTINE.
M. DE SARTINE TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.
Translation.
Versailles, September 21st, 1778.
Sir,
I have had the honor to receive your note of the 5th instant, informing me of the wish of the Commissioners of the United States of North America to engage your good offices with the king, that the necessary measures may be taken to fulfil his Majesty's engagements, under the 8th article of the treaty of February 6th of the present year, in reference to the Barbary Powers. I have examined the article, and find that the king promised to employ his mediation, with the Emperor of Morocco, and the other Barbary Powers, in order to provide as fully as possible for the interest and security of the citizens of the United States, and the protection of their vessels and effects against all violence, insult, attacks, or depredations by the said Barbary Powers or their subjects.
From the nature of this engagement, it appears to me proper to use all means to comply with it, notwithstanding any difficulties which seem to lie in the way; but before presenting any plan to his Majesty, it seems to me necessary to inform him of the actual dispositions of the United States, and of the measures they may deem desirable on the part of France.
Do the United States wish to conclude treaties with the Barbary Powers, or do they wish merely that our influence should be exerted to make their flag respected by those powers? In the latter case we should never succeed, or if we should obtain liberty of commerce for the United States from some of them, it would be an illusory, temporary, and precarious permission, and would infallibly expose us, without being of the least benefit to the citizens of the United States. The Algerines, in particular, would never acknowledge the flag of the United States, unless it were made for their interests to do so.
You know too well, Sir, the character of the Barbary States, and their policy, to be ignorant of the inefficacy and dangers of such a measure. It would probably be less difficult to induce them to acknowledge the independence of the United States, and to conclude treaties with this new power. It is necessary to know beforehand, what are the instructions of the Commissioners, and whether they are authorised to negotiate with the Barbary Powers, under the mediation of France. If Congress has this intention, then I could receive the orders of the king to give the Commissioners the information necessary for entering upon a negotiation with the Barbary Powers, and we should be able to concert effectual measures for succeeding in this object, without exposing our own interests for those of the United States. This negotiation will be long and arduous, but I will neglect nothing to assure its success, if the Congress determine to prosecute it, and you consider the king pledged to forward it. I shall wait for your reply before making any overtures.
I have the honor to be, &c.