The siege of Algiers

Dedication

The author of this drama, it may naturally be supposed, would be desirous to obtain the whole of the Christian world as patrons to the general good intended by the same — but was fully convinced that it would be in vain to court the notice, much less the support, of emperors, kings, princes, and other great potentates of FJuropean Christian nations, as it will herein be fully shown, that most of them have, more or less, through their respective representatives at the court of Algiers, acted their several pai-ts with misguided ambition, or private sinister views, behind this great curtain of Barbarian iniquity — and in which, it is evident, that the Christian maritime powers of Europe had for centuries made their national honour subservient to their well known character for speculative monopoly in their relations with the Bai'bary powers generally, to the greatest inj ury of all defenceless Christian nations.

Under these imperious impressions the author was for a moment dismayed! But recollecting that he was a citizen of a free and enlightened country — he now, therefore, as a native of the United States of America, most respectfully begs leave to dedicate this production, in favour of Liberty, to their more friendly patronage — they having most independently stood forth in defence of their own just I'iglits, and this singly, against the general tyranny and cruelty long exercised by the piratical states of Barbary, towards Christian nations in their commerce to the Mediterranean sea.

The reader will readily admit, upon a fair principle of reason, that the free navigation of this sea, as well as all other great waters, was originally given by the great Author of Nature for a just and friendly intercourse — and this equally to all nations — consequently, that no one nation has the legitimate right to set up any arbitrary line of demarcation, by way of an assumed barrier, against the ships of any other nation trading from one sea to another. But the Algerines and other states of Barbary, under the impression tliat the Christian maritime powers never would unite to destroy this usurpation, they have continued their depredations on those seas with impunity.

Act I.— Scene I

J view of the city and surrounding fortifications of the Harbour of Algiers — their fieet at anchor within the mole.

A number of Christian slaves at work on the marine, a platform of stone constructed by the sweat of their brow, and extends from the outlet gate of this walled city, to. a castle built on a rock, and protects their shipping.

Hassan, [commandant of marine, to the slave keeper.) Blackbeard, take care to keep those Christian Dogs under your care hard at work, until the setting sun — then turn them all within our city gates, count them over, and lock them up to prevent escape, as we expect some of them will soon be ransomed, and pay us well for our trouble.

Scene changes to the Divan in conclave.

Muley Mahomet, the Dey^s prime minister, enters, and, with much gravity places his right hand on his left breast, boivs thrice, and thus addresses them —

' Seigniors of this our august Divan, — I greet you in the name of Hadgi Ali Bashaw, our great sovereign the Dey, and am thus commanded to make known to you— - That we are just advised by a courier extraordinary, that the bills lately given for our last Christian ransom, amounting to one million of piastres, have been paid to tlie orders of our great money changer, David Brokereye; and he, for his usual premium in such cases, has guaranteed the money to be forthcoming in safety to our hand's — so far, good — but we must enforce the further strict collection of Christian tribute due for the navigation of these, our waters of the Mediterranean sea, which will increase to us, as the Emperor of Morocco has latterly declined the roving trade — and by this means, our coffers v/ill be in a much better condition to act, than they have been for some time.

SoLYMAN, {the oracle of the Divan.) Our prime minister brings us good tidings from our sovereign, and we note it accordingly, in the transactions of our Divan for the day.

Mahomet. Now, the first matter of importance to be attended to, will be to send some appropriate presents to the great Ottoman chief at Constantinople — not that we consider ourselves bound to obey him, having long since shaken off this yoke. But we must continue this mark of our respectful homage to him, as the great present protector of all Mahometan rights — upon which only true principle, the great Barbarossa founded his original system of government for this regency, and which we are bound by solemn oath to maintain, against all the powers of Christendom! The next point that may require our attention, is, to increase our naval force, as, from this source alone, we expect to spread terror on these, our seas, and thereby continue to make the Christian commerce thereon, subservient to tributary submission.

Now, friends of our Divan — having, in my official duty, represented the state of our relations abroad, it becomes necessary to have your collective opinions towards our safety at home, {seats himself.)

SoLYMAN. In answer to our prime minister, it would be well to see that our castle and forts are in the best state of defence, for, as it has been concluded on by the Dey to send all our fleet against the Tunisians, our present declared enemy, perhaps they might have the same design against us — and it is high time to recruit our land forces; they should never be less than ten thousand effective men; but, from the plague and other causes, they are little more than half that number at present, and we can readily be supplied from the outcasts of the Levant, wliich make the most daring soldiers, and we might send a recruiting officer in oui' pilgrim ships, which go that way yearly, and he would soon pick up as many men as we want.

Mahomet. The present state of the Christian world, likewise demands all these precautions — we know tliey have been at loggerhi-ads many years, as they pretend, to preserve what they call the balance of power — but in truth, to gratify ambition and interest. We have lately witnessed the ships of war of John Bull, chasing those of John Crappeau into our ports — we dare not say nay to tliis; for, were it not for the heavier metal of the former at sea, we should have some reason to fear the encroachments of the latter, as he is a known usurper, and it is whispered he has been looking towards the states of Barbary, as he has done towards Egypt, in order to further his ambitious strides towards the East — at all events, it would be safe to keep a good look out on all sides, as there is no knowing, or trusting, to these m arring belligerents. Ptrhaps, in a hasty mood, they might strike a blow at us.

SoLYMAN. We have listened with much attention to your summary on the state of matters and things politically connected with the Cliristian world — and, as we perfectly agrte, vv % the Divan, have nothing further at the moment, to otfer for your consideration.

(seats himself.')

Mahomet. As we understand ourselves thus far, in our public duty, I see no hindrance to look towards our private gratification. I have therefore to say, that the Viclic Hadgi, our minister of marine, has reported to me, "the arrival of a vessel from Mocha, with a cargo of excellent coffee;" and, as you know our great feast of Rhamadan will be at hand the next moon, we shall then want a good supply of this article, to wash down the fumes of our grand regalia pipe, used on such occasions —I therefore propose, that we purchase this cargo amongst us friends present; but, previous to which, let us have the price of this article fixed as low as possible; this you know can be done, as usual, through the agency of our friend Brokereye, who is admitted as the organ of all commerce here— consequently, this merchant cannot complain, should he be disappointed — and if he does, it must be adjusted by the consul of his own nation, and you know we can manage him as we see fit.

{seats himself.)

SoLYMAN. What say you friends here, to a share in this Mocha specul; tion? I am ready and willing.

The Divan. (Omnes.) As our oracle says.

Mahomet. This being to your liking, I must now inform you that consul Tribute is the representative of the Christian who brings the coffee hero — I have notified this consul to attend nie at the Divan, about this hour, and we must probe him to the quick in his consular relations; and, after this is done, we may expect him, like all the rest, to truckle to us in tributary submission, and to increase our bye presents; and in this instance, we may also count on a good dish of Mocha, to wash all down and make good friends again — ha, ha, ha — we may now enjoy the laugh by ourselves — but let us be strictly watchful, and put on our gravest faces in the presence of Christians.

Messenger to the Divan enters — Seigniors, I have to announce consul Tribute waiting in the anti-chamber, to receive audience.

SoLYMAN. Conduct this Christian consul to our presence, and then let no one enter until further orders.

(Exit messenger.)

Mahomet. You rcust know this Tribute is a man weak in nerve, yet extremely ambitious; just the thing for us, as we Barbarians, as those Christian dogs call us, are not to be outdone behind our own curtain — you know we contrive to make them expound each others' views, and thus we are enabled to estimate their talent and pretensions, and then form our own basis in the general relations accordingly — but here comes the man of Tribute to answer for himself.

Consul Tribute enters, and bows.— Pea.ce and goodwill unto you. Seignior Mahomet, the trusty representative of Hadgi Ali Bashaw, and the descendant of the holy Prophet, whose great name you bear — most respectfully do I now present myself at your call, before the Divan of this regency, and have the honour to kiss your hand. {Bending to receive this humiliating token from the hand of Mahomet.)

Mahomet. This dftne, Consul Tribute, we greet you as the representative of the United Christian Brotherhood in tiie West, duly accredited by the Dey and Regency of Algiers — please be seated in our Christian consular chair, to which you have for some time been a stranger — but we hope you will find yourself perfectly at your ease, whilst we concert the best ways and means towards a better understanding in our existing relations.

Consul Truiute. I am highly sensible ol your courteous civility, {takes his scat.)

(Jsiile.) In truth, no man of Christian conscience can sit easy in this chair of iniquity! Now for a Barbarian probing, which I anticipate from the imperious brow of scrutiny that now surrounds me! But what can I do? I know Mahomet is a daring intriguer with us Christians, and over-rules the Divan — therefore, I must do as well as I can, where I cannot as well as I would — this to me is a solemn pause!

Chuistian Monitor, (a lean, pnle figure, enters, and takes stand behind the consular chair.) — Although I am not an accredited agent here, by the rule of Barbarian policy, yet am I an invisible monitor, to hear, see, and admonish faithfully. Therefore, let reason whisper in the Christian ear what conscience should dictate. When men in public station are at a loss to reconcile any glaring inconsistence to the world, directed by ambition, or interest, most courtiers reso't to the never failing; idea of expediency, in tlie case — this makes some men most servilely bend to kiss an unclean hanci!

Consul Tribute. (asid\) I thought I heard a voice! Yet 1 did not perceive any one here in the act of speaking!

Christian Monitor. Conscience is not seen, but may be felt!

Consul Tribute. Seignior Mahomet, did you speak?

Mahomet. No, Consul Trib ite. But let us now to business — we must remind you, that your last year's tribute has been due some time, and your national affairs are far in the back ground with us. In short, the consuls of other nations are bidding over you, to obtain our much d'^sired fiivours in t'le commerce of tliese, our seas — moreover, they have offered to increase our bye pre-

B sents — ^but we still are your friends, and therefore advise you to be more liberal in your offers, by which your nation, as well as yourself, may be the gainer in the end. However, you need not be told the consequences of any misunderstanding with the B^y, our master, which might be vexatious to you, and unpleasant to ourselves in the executive duty!

(Jiside.) Beware, that we do not deprive you of your exequator, and then threaten to ram you into our great gun on the marine, and fire you off — this seems to be the bug-bear that is to overawe all refractory Christian consuls here!

Consul Tribute, (aside.) I see from the scowl of the prime minister, that he is determined to brow -beat me into his measures — this I must bear, knowing the least said at Algiers is the soonest mended — so my reply must be short, in fair promises:

Seignior Mahomet — You know the great distance between this and our Western continent — this is the true reason that our means are not here so prompt as you might expect. But I hourly look for our regalia ship, with all ti'ibutary dues — not forgetting the powder and other munitions of war promised — and as you, my good friends, have premised, I shall not be unmindful of some further appropriate presents to the Dey, as well as yourselves, in ray next biennial offerings — and this submission, I hope, will ensure the usual confidence of you all.

(seats himself.) Mahomet. Our patience is almost exhausted by our great needs! But we hope this is not the old state of excuse used by all you Christian consuls, by way of put off to us here. However, now to show you our good faith in the plausible apology just made, we, in the name of the Dey and Regency of* Algiers, allow you six moons more to fulfil all your national dues — and, as you say, not forgetting us here in your next offers.

Consul Tribute. Seigniors, I now, in the name of mv nation, return you my best acknowledgments for this special indulgence.

(Aside.) It looked squally, as old Blowhard, my predecessor here, used to say— but this seems only what those Mussulmen call a white squall, and may be seen through.

Mahomet. Remember, all is well that ends well!

Consul Tribute. In confidence, it should be so understood between us — (Jside) but not expressed — and, now to prevent them from brooding over the past, I will ,turn the subject to one that will, in the mean time, tickle their palates.

Seigniors, I have to report, according to your local regulations, the arrival of a citizen of my nation, named Yankoo — his voyage has been circuitous, from Mocha to the Balearic Isles, and from thence liere — and he bi-ings a cargo of excellent Mocha, suitable to your market.

Mahomet. The cargo of coftee, coming from Mocha, must be of Oriental extraction — and you say, tnis merchant is named Yankoo — the name strikes our ear forcibly as from the same origin — at all events, we recjuire proof of his coming within your consular jurisdiction.

{^side ) If we can deprive him of consular protection here, we can then manage things to our own interests — but have this coftee we must, and this on our own terms.

Consul Tribute. As to the name, it matters not; but as to the man, 1 have known him, and his connexions, for years, and vouch for him as a native citizen of my nation, and have sent my Factotum to conduct him to my consular house.

Mahomet. If so, we cannot dispute your word. And, as you report this Mocha to be good, we j^n-esent should like to taste it. However, we are informed by our friend David Brokereye, that this article has fallen much in price the world over; and, if we purchase, should expect the submission of the wliole cargo on such terms as named by him, and accorded by you. {Jside.) You understand us.

Consul Tribute. Seigniors, you have long known my accordant disposition, and i will see what is to be done for your gratification in this instance — but you know it does not rest altogether with me. (dside) So here is another speculative imposition, which may interfere with my public duty, if not also my own private views — but I dare not come in contact with these Mussulmen — my Factotum is the man for such business.

Mahomet. You know we Mahometans are not permitted, by the laws of our holy Prophet, to drink ardent spirits, and shall want something in our own way, to regale at the great feast of Rhamadan. [jiside) You need not hesitate, we expect this coffee by hook or by crook — • as to your conscience, if you Christian consuls have brought any here, it has been so often seered in Algerine sacrifices, that we feel well assured you will not be troubled with any qualms on this occasion!

Consul Tribute. (Jiside) Needs must go where the Devil drives. I must therefore put aside the conscience of a Christian, and listen to those Mussulmen, that never had any —

Seigniors — As you desire a preference in this cargo of Mocha, for the goodly purposes mentioned, I would fain contribute to the great calumet of Peace, and thus brighten the chain between us — but I must inform you, that this citizen Yankoo is a native of an independent nation, where every man will have his own say in his own affairs. However, I shall place this business in the hands of my Factotum, the licensed renegado, whose zeal to serve you is well known, and you may deal with him as you see fit. (Aside.) Factotum has covered many iniquitous schemes here for your benefit — it is true he contrives to get his own share in some way.

Mahomet. But before we proceed, I must now inform you that we have made some changes in our customs, and shall expect the duties to be paid on this coffee the moment it is landed.

(Aside.) We know this citizen must land his cof!ee here — this will fix him for the present, and we know how to manage Christians after they a' e within our power, and their consular representatives, through hopes, or fears, dare not say nay.

Consul Tribute. In answer to your demand for the duties in advance, I must observe, this is not conformable to the stipulations of the existing treaty between us, and I pray your consideration therein.

(Aside.) Thus much my public duty requires me to say — but I know there will be no alternative but to gratify your arbitrary and mercenary dispositions — and then, if this citizen of my nation should appeal for my consular support towards his rights, which may be presumed, 1 shall have to battle the watch witli him, and you reap the advantage.

Mahomet, [aside to Solyman.) I perceive that Tribute appears more conscientious this day than usual, and places this business in the hands of his Factotum — some artifice must be at the bottom! We must probe him further! Oppose my talk; this will appear like free discussion in our councils, which the Christians disbelieve.

What say you, Solyman, as regards the treaty on this subject? And what says our own local laws on the government of our customs?

Solyman Seignior Mahomet — we have recorded in the archives of our Divan the treaty in question, and to this ett'ect — in the year one thousand one hundred and seventy-three of the great Hegira, an'iwering to the Christian era 1795 — we, the Dey and Regency of Aljriers, formed our first tributary treaty with the United Christian Brotherhood in the West, originally consisting of thirtet n confederated states, — and in this treaty it was thus stipulated: —

" That all "itizens of said states should have the right to trade freely in all our ports, to land an^ merchandize, and to reship the same when and where they pleased."

This is the letter of the law — whatever the spirit may be, depends on tiie construction — as to our local laws since made on this subject, the}' demand that the duties on all foreign merchandize be paid in advance, when entered at the Custom house. {Aside.) And it will be decided according to our own rules here, {seats himself.)

Mahomet. Solyman, this, as usual on your part, breathes good faith, and no doubt is conformable to the Christian representative that now fares you.

{Aside.) The Christian smiles! Then, as to us Mussulmen, let meek conscience sleep, whilst we gain our ends! PU stroke my beard downwards gently; this is one of our signs, and by which Solyman will know I am desirous to hear a little more from his smooth tongue, towards the Christian.

Solyman, {Jsidc.) I understand you. Seigniors— I have been further considering tiiis case, on the piinciples of soiuid policyl It is true, we have the right to B 2 promote our own local views and interests, as done by all other nations — yet it behoves us to preserve our good name, with our power over the Christian world — as we have for a^es governed the commerce coming within the ancient pillars of Hercules, which we have determined as the line of demarcation in our great tributary system, and issue our Mediterranean passport only to such favoured Christian nations as treat formally with us, by due submission in the same.

(■Aside.) I observe our prime minister puts his hand to his forehead — this is another of our signals, and shows I must end — now for Mahomet's definitive reply to my mock wisdom, by way of a Christian tickler.

Mahomet. Seigniors of the Divan — our oracle Solyman, in his well known temper of good will and good faith, seems to have laid down the letter, the spirit, as well as the customs and usages of other nations, on a fair comparison with our own — yet this must be understood on the principle of the former just and liberal scale of rights and wrongs. Nevertheless, it must be taken into view, that this system of political justice has been entirely exploded, and the practice of belligerents now openly declares, " that might only can give right." Whether this Christian dogma may be legally right, or morally just, is not for us at present to determine — neither can it be for Christians to find fault with our tributary system, as long as they, by this rule, plunder the vessels of each other on the high s<^as, as well as by usurpation on land — as to what is said in their printed books on jiirisprudence, it is no rule for us — they call us unlettered Barbarians — then why should we trouble our heads about their treatises, or written forms, when they do not adhere to good faith themselves — and thus it would appear to us, that after all the talk and fuss Christians make about national honor, it is but a shadow! And to conclude, we expect the duties to be paid hereafter on all merchandize, the moment it is landed on our shore — this, consul Tribute, for your special government, as well as all other Christian consuls here.

(seats himself.)

Consul Tribute. Seignior Mahomet — this being so decreed by you, I must govern myself accoi-dingly—

(aside) a severe probing, but nothing further, I hope, this heat!

Mahomet. Friends of our Divan — I now, in the ncaine of the Dey, dissolve you until his further commands— and, consul 'I'ribute, we consider you at present the most favoured Ciiristian representative at our court

[thetj shake hands.

Christian Monitor. Most subtile Mussuhncn — thus do ye always say to the Christian consul, when under the influence of your insidious tributiiry probations — and thus do they in turn bear the scoff" of those Barbarians, and kiss the rod that awes them into pitiful subjection!

Scene II

Consular House of the United Christian Brotherhood in the West, at the city of Jilgiers — arms over the door — a spread Ea^le.

Factotum, and citizen Yankoo, enter.

Factotum. Consul Tribute, this is the citizen of your nation, just arrived, and I have, conformable to your orders, conducted him here, (^e.vit Factotum.)

Citizen Yankoo. Consul Tribute, I have the honour to be the bearer of letters from Don Juan Martinpecker, the consul of our nation in the Balearic Isles, directed to you — and here are others for different Christian consuls resident at Algiers, (.handing them.) Now, sir, having some commercial views which brings me to your city, I therefore, as the first step, declare myself in due form, as a citizen of the Uniled Christian Brotherhood in the West — my name is Yankoo — perhaps you may recollect me, as I had tlie honour to be known to you in former days.

Consul Tribute. Citizen Yankoo, I do recollect you as a native of the city t)f Delphia in the West, and re« cognize you as a citizen of my nation, [they shake hands) But I m- st now inform you that I have just come from the Divan, and singular to relate, hearing your name was Yankoo, and coming from Mocha, they have taken it into their heads that jou must be of Oriental extraction, as well as your coffee — aiid lest this question should be renewed here, prompts me to ask the origip of your name— perhaps it may have been adopted from some local idea; as, for instance, in some part of the United States of America, they call the people Yankees — none the worse for that, in my opinion, and so would Brother Jonathan say.

Citizen Yankoo. You are right as to my nativity — =1 am a true Delphian — but as to the origin of my name, I can no more answer for it, than Tristam Shandy could for his! However, julging from analogy, Yankoo may have some affinity, if not the origin to the name of Yankees, (aside) Thus much for my origin! Now for my progress, which is of more consequence to me as a man of commerce — I seem to have caused some singular queries — but I can excuse a little speculative curiosity herein, being fully aware that ambition and interest are the two great secret springs to most men's actions in civilized society, whatever they may be in a land of Barbarians.

Consul Tribute. Your explanation seems to the point, and I give you credence accordingly — please be seated — it is many years since 1 have had the pleasure of seeing you, but have heard of you in distant parts, yet little thought that we should meet at the city of Algiers, {aside) I should like to hear all about this Mocha voyage, but I find your answers rather quizical, as you gave me a close Shandian rub, for my great uncle was named Toby.

Citizen Yankoo. Chance seems to have brought us together— for when I entered the Mediterranean sea, I had not the most distant idea of visiting Algiers — but here I am, and perhaps it would not be considered intrusive, to let you know explicitly what could have induced me to venture here.

Consul Tribute. I am ready to hear, by all means — tell your story, {aside) Perhaps I may then ask a few questions to suit my own views.

Citizen Yankoo. In the first instance, I came from Mocha with a cargo of coffee for the Mediterrarean market — 'his I landed at the city of Pal ma, in the Balearic Isies, intending to reship it from thence, to some adjacent port in Fiance or Italy, where I was assured it would command a great price, and good remittance — but France and .Spain being then at war, 1 could not make a shipment direct from the latter to the former, and 1 then concluded to bring part of my cargo here, and if I could not sell to advantage, to reship it to Marseilles, or Leghorn, which I was informed could readily be done in Algerine vessels, and I now make free to ask your consular advice and friendly assistance in the same — you, no doubt sir, are fully aware that we neutrals are under the necessity of seeking the best means to secure our interests on the high seas, from the vexations of the belligerent powers, and more so against the private armed picaroons — and my insurance was directed to be made no further than Gibraltar — so I am now at my own risk, {aside) I find you very ready to hear my stoiy, and as you now have it, I hope it will be sufficient to protect me and my property from further scrutiny here.