rosecuted, the whole force of the
United States will be displayed to punish the transgression. I enclose
you one of O'Fallon's commissions, signed, as is said, by himself.
I have the honor to be, with great esteem, Sir, your most obedient,
humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER LXIII.--TO THOMAS BARCLAY, May 13,1791
TO THOMAS BARCLAY.
Philadelphia, May 13,1791.
Sir,
You are appointed by the President of the United States, to go to the
court of Morocco for the purpose of obtaining from the new Emperor, a
recognition of our treaty with his father. As it is thought best that
you should go in some definite character, that of Consul has been
adopted, and you consequently receive a commission as Consul for the
United States, in the dominions of the Emperor of Morocco, which, having
been issued during the recess of the Senate, will of course expire at
the end of their next session. It has been thought best, however, not to
insert this limitation in the commission, as being unnecessary; and it
might, perhaps, embarrass. Before the end of the next session of the
Senate, it is expected the objects of your mission will be accomplished.
Lisbon being the most convenient port of correspondence between us
and Morocco, sufficient authority will be given to Colonel Humphreys,
resident of the United States at that place, over funds in Amsterdam,
for the objects of your mission. On him, therefore, you will draw for
the sums herein allowed, or such parts of them as shall be necessary. To
that port, too, you had better proceed in the first vessel which shall
be going there, as it is expected you will get a ready passage from
thence to Morocco.
On your arrival at Morocco, sound your ground, and know how things stand
at present. Your former voyage there, having put you in possession of
the characters through whom this may be done, who may best be used for
approaching the Emperor and effecting your purpose, you are left to use
your own knowledge to the best advantage.
The object being merely to obtain an acknowledgment of the treaty, we
rely that you will be able to do this, giving very moderate presents.
As the amount of these will be drawn into precedent on future similar
repetitions of them, it becomes important. Our distance, our seclusion
from the ancient world, its politics, and usages, our agricultural
occupations and habits, our poverty, and lastly, our determination to
prefer war in all cases to tribute u
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