Letters received both from Madrid and Algiers, while I was in London,
having suggested that treaties with the States of Barbary would be much
facilitated by a previous one with the Ottoman Porte, it was agreed
between Mr. Adams and myself, that on my return, I should consult
on this subject the Count de Vergennes, whose long residence at
Constantinople rendered him the best judge of its expediency. Various
circumstances have put it out of my power to consult him, till to-day.
I stated to him the difficulties we were likely to meet with at
Algiers; and asked his opinion, what would be the probable expense of a
diplomatic mission to Constantinople, and what its effect at Algiers.
He said that the expense would be very great, for that presents must be
made at that court, and every one would be gaping after them: and that
it would not procure us a peace at Algiers one penny the cheaper. He
observed, that the Barbary States acknowledged a sort of vassalage to
the Porte, and availed themselves of that relation, when any thing was
to be gained by it; but that whenever it subjected them to a demand from
the Porte, they totally disregarded it: that money was the sole agent
at Algiers, except so far as fear could be induced also. He cited the
present example of Spain, which, though having a treaty with the Porte
would probably be obliged to buy a peace at Algiers, at the expense of
upwards of six millions of livres. I told him, we had calculated from
the demands and information of the Tripoline ambassador, at London, that
to make peace with the four Barbary States would cost us between two and
three hundred thousand guineas, if bought with money. The sum did not
seem to exceed his expectations. I mentioned to him, that considering
the uncertainty of a peace, when bought, perhaps Congress might think
it more eligible to establish a cruise of frigates in the Mediterranean,
and even to blockade Algiers. He supposed it would require ten vessels,
great and small. I observed to him that Monsieur de Massiac had formerly
done it with five: he said it was true, but that vessels of relief would