States to give up ships altogether, and to get other people to carry for them.  Consequently the plan of negotiating was resorted to.  Agents were sent to Algiers to ransom the captives and to obtain a treaty by presents and the payment of a fixed tribute.  Such a treaty was made in the summer of 1796.  In March of the succeeding year, the Dey showed so much ill-temper at the backwardness of our payments, that Joel Barlow, the American Commissioner, thought it necessary to soothe his Highness by the promise of a frigate to be built and equipped in the United States.  Thus, with Christian meekness, we furnished the Mussulman with a rod for our own backs.  These arrangements cost the United States about a million of dollars, all expenses included.

Having pacified Algiers, Mr. Barlow turned his attention to Tunis.  Instead of visiting the Bey in person, he appointed a European merchant, named Famin, residing in Tunis, agent to negotiate a treaty for the United States.  Of Famin Mr. Barlow knew nothing, but considered his French birth and the recommendation of the French Consul for Algiers sufficient proofs of his qualifications.  Besides attending to his own trade, Monsieur Famin was in the habit of doing a little business for the Bey, and took care to make the treaty conform to the wishes of his powerful partner.  The United States were to pay for the friendship and forbearance of Tunis one hundred and seven thousand dollars in money, jewels, and naval stores.  Tunisian cargoes were to be admitted into American ports on payment of three per cent; the same duty to be levied at Tunis on American shipments.  If the Bey saluted an American man-of-war, he was to receive a barrel of powder for every gun fired.  And he reserved the right of taking any American ship that might be in his harbor into his service to carry despatches or a cargo to any port in the Mediterranean.

When the treaty reached the United States, the Senate refused to ratify it.  President Adams appointed Eaton, formerly a captain in the army, Consul for Tunis, with directions to present objections to the articles on the tariff, salutes, and impressment of vessels.  Mr. Cathcart, Consul for Tripoli, was joined with him in the commission.  They sailed in the United States brig Sophia, in December, 1798, and convoyed the ship Hero laden with naval stores, an armed brig, and two armed schooners.  These vessels they delivered to the Dey of Algiers “for arrearages of stipulation and present dues.”  The offerings of his Transatlantic tributaries were pleasing to the Dey.  He admitted the Consuls to an audience.  After their shoes had been taken en off at the door of the presence-chamber, they were allowed to advance and kiss his hand.  This ceremony over, the Sophia sailed for Tunis.