Archive consisting of ten letters related to the Barbary Wars, dated between 1804 and 1818, all addressed to Tobias Lear, the US consul general at Algiers who had formerly served as George Washington’s private secretary. Three letters are from N. C. Nissen, Danish consul at Tripoli, and mention Commodore John Rodgers and “pleasure of seeing arrive here one of the U. States Gunboats...who brought information of the victories of the French in Naples.” Nissen’s most interesting letter, dated March 10, 1808, in part: “There are now marching upwards of 40/m men through Denmark for to attack Sweden. Daily I see about 2000 more marching through this place. The Pope has ceased to exist as a Temporal Prince. France has declared war to Algiers and it is probable that an army will pass through Spain to attack Gibraltar...The President Mr. Jefferson has positively refused to be elected again, he was requested to permit it.” Two letters from Josef Iznardi, one mentioning a letter to the “Secretary of State,” James Madison. One letter from William Jarvis, complimenting Lear on the “proofs you have given of your humanity, by taking so active a part to obtain the amelioration of the situation of the Portuguese prisoners in Algiers.” Also included are letters from Captain Mat. Smith, R. G. Keats, a Spanish consul, and an 1814 manuscript copy of a letter regarding President Jefferson’s appointment of Lear to negotiate an exchange of prisoners. In overall very good to fine condition, with various folds, creases, foxing, and toning. RR Auction COA.
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