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Timothy Pickering Autograph Endorsement Signed...
Description
Secretary of State Timothy Pickering Endorses Hammouda Pasha's Peace Terms after the First Barbary War
Timothy Pickering Autograph Endorsement Signed ("T.
Pickering"). Two pages of a bifolium (separated at the integral
fold), 7 7/8 x 9 7/8 inches; [Washington]; [no date, but
circa 1805]. Comprising three lines at the bottom of a
clerical transcript of the "Determined Terms of Hamouda Bashaw
of Tunis to make a peace in the United States of America." With
integral blank, docketed on the verso.Pickering writes in full: "The above is copied from Captain O'Brien's Journal, as the terms finally fixed by him with the Bey of Tunis. Signed T. Pickering."
Hammouda Pasha ibn Ali ruled from 1782-1814 as the Bey of Tunis, a largely autonomous Regency of the Ottoman Empire that, along with Tripoli and Algiers, conflicted with European and U.S. naval powers in the Mediterranean between 1801-1805 during the First Barbary Wars. Unlike Tripoli or Algiers, settlement with Tunis was reached without war, the U.S. having presented a treaty and posed either compliance or attack. Pasha reached a settlement with the opposing powers, but demanded, as evinced in the present transcript, a series of additional payments and forfeitures, including, as listed here, ammunition and building materials. Captain Richard O'Brien was, at this time, the U.S. Consul to Algiers, overseeing tribute payments and prisoner releases, and acting as liaison with Timothy Pickering as Secretary of State under George Washington and John Adams.
Condition: Very good, with toning and wear commensurate with age and handling. Bifolium separated at the integral fold. Small nick to bottom left edge and bottom right corner torn. Flattened folds. Slight show-through and offsetting of ink. A very well-preserved example with highly legible ink.
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