Madison, James, 1751-1836 to Tobias Lear re: instructions for relations with the Dey of Algiers
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02794.052 Author/Creator: Madison, James, 1751-1836 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Letter signed Date: 1803/07/14 Pagination: 7 p. + address 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Written as Secretary of State to Lear, who was serving as American Consul General at Algiers. Madison's letter of instruction concerns paying the annual tribute to Algiers, handling forged American passports, etc. A postscript adds: "the universal toleration in matters of religion established in most of our states, and the entire want of power respecting them in the general government, has, we understand, induced the Barbary powers to view us more favorably than other Christian nations, who are exclusively so, and with whom these powers consider themselves in perpetual hostility, suspended only at times by temporary truces. It is recommended to you to avail us of this fact and opinion, as far as it can be used to lessen the unequal condition of the intercourse between us." Docketed on address leaf.
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