Peak season notice: Shipping for this category may take 14–21 business days after cleared payment. Thanks for your patience.
LOT #42051 |
Starting Bid: $1,000
Tobias Lear Letter Signed...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
Tobias Lear Reports on American Commerce Under Seizure by French Privateers in Barbary Diplomacy
Tobias Lear Letter Signed ("Tobias Lear"). Four pages
of a bifolium, 7 7/8 x 9 3/4 inches; Algiers, [Algeria]; February
11, 1810. Retained copy of Lear's letter to Charles D. Coxe, signed
in his hand.Lear writes to Charles D. Coxe, U.S. chargé d'affaires in Tunis, discussing American commerce in the Mediterranean, diplomatic conditions in the Barbary States, and ongoing tensions with European powers. In part:
"Dear Sir,
I am very sorry to find so many of our Vessels have been detained by French privateers, and sent into Tunis...I am persuaded that every thing in your power will be done to relieve our Citizens and their property; and it it [sic] has been a pleasing circumstance to find His Excellency the Bey disposed to do us all the justice in his power upon these occasions...We have had no American vessel sent in here, and none of our Countrymen since I wrote you last. A number of very valuable English prizes have been brought in by the French privateers and sold.
I am very sorry to learn that your health is declining, I hope the air of the winter may be beneficial to you. The Interest of the U States in Tunis has become more important in consequence of so many of our Vessels having been carried in there by French privateers; and it would be very much to be regretted if the State of your health should make it necessary for you to quit that place at this time.
On the 20th of January arrived here after a tedious passage from Washington, The Brig Blanchy Wm. M. Cotton master with the remainder of the Stores for this Regency, This has placed our affairs on good ground here.
I received a letter from Marseilles of the 30th ultimo, in which it is stated that the Cargoes of the American Vessels at Naples to the number of 15 had been confiscated and sold; and also adds that there is no appearance of any settlement between the U States & France, to relieve our Commerce from its embarrassments. Our affairs with England are also very dark. The Conduct of Mr. Jackson having made it necessary for the President to break off all communication with him, and desire his recall. I send to Mr. Davis a manuscript Copy of the Presidents Message to Congress, which gives a better knowledge of our public affairs as relating to the Belligerents, than a thousand Gazettes would do.
We have had more tranquility here since the accension of the present Dey, than for some time before; and we are in hopes that Peace will be established between the Regency, and a free communication once more offered.
The accounts from Europe as relating to Spain, are as usual, very vague and contradictory; but there can be little doubt of that country being soon subdued.
With great esteem & regard
Dear Sir
Yr most obdnt Servt
Tobias Lear."
A full transcript of the letter is available in the lot's extended description online.
Lear writes at the height of the Napoleonic conflict, when both France and Britain imposed restrictions on neutral trade. French privateers regularly seized vessels and brought them into North African ports, where their cargoes could be confiscated or sold. Lear had been appointed Consul General to Algiers in 1803 under President Thomas Jefferson, during the period of the First Barbary War. He later played a central role in negotiating the 1805 settlement with Tripoli, securing the release of American prisoners. By 1810, he remained in Algiers overseeing American interests across the region, including interactions with Tunis and other North African ports. His position required constant communication with other U.S. officials, such as Coxe, who handled American affairs in neighboring states.
The letter also refers to deteriorating relations with both France and Britain, including the recall of British minister David Erskine's successor, Francis James Jackson, following diplomatic conflict with the United States. These developments formed part of the broader crisis in American foreign relations that would lead to the War of 1812.
A substantive and informative letter, linking American commerce, Mediterranean diplomacy, and European conflict during a critical period in early U.S. foreign policy.
Condition: Overall very good. Expected toning and folds, with just a few minor stains. Minor separations at bottom margins of center vertical fold of both leaves and integral fold, affecting text. Small tear at upper right margin of second leaf, not affecting text. A bright and highly legible piece.
Provenance: Christie's, Fine Printed Books & Manuscripts Including Americana, December 5, 2008, lot 266.
More Information: Full transcript:
"Dear Sir,
I am this moment informed that a Vessel departs directly for Tripoli, by which I forward to the care of Consul Davis, this letter with its enclosed, and two packages from the Department of State, one containing Gazettes, and the other a Copy of Laws. Enclosed you have copies of my letter of the 14th of Sept. & 14th of December 1809. Since which, vizc. on the 20th of January I received your letter of the 27th of November, with its enclosures.
I am very sorry to find so many of our Vessels have been detained by French privateers, and sent into Tunis, as I am sure it must give you a great deal of trouble, and may cause some unpleasant discussions. I am persuaded that every thing in your power will be done to relieve our Citizens and their property; and it has been a pleasing circumstance to find His Excellency the Bey disposed to do us all the justice in his power upon these occasions. It will be fully Stated to our Government and I have no doubt fully appreciated by them. We have had no American vessel sent in here, and none of our Countrymen since I wrote to you last. A number of very valuable English prizes have been brought in by the French privateers and sold.
I am much obliged by your offer to reimburse to me the balance of you're A/c with Degon Purviance & Co under my Guarantee against the claims of the Creditors; but on this condition it would be useful to receive it, as there could ultimately be no advantage from it. Their Bill upon you I still hold and only wait a fair occasion to have it presented and the necessary done upon it.
In June last I received a letter from Mr. David Dodge of New York, on the subject of his brother's affairs in Tunis, to which I gave an answer a Copy of which is enclosed. You will see Dr. Dodge's a/c that the furniture which he took was charged to the U States, so that he could have no claim to that.
By the first opportunity that can be depended upon I shall make you a remittance on a/c of the U States; but the present is too uncertain to depend entirely upon: and as my accounts with Mr. Higgins have not been forwarded for some time, I do not choose to draw further upon him until I know the state of our a/c.
I am very sorry to learn that your health is declining, I hope the air of the winter may be beneficial to you. The Interest of the U States in Tunis has become more important in consequence of so many of our Vessels having been carried in there by French privateers; and it would be very much to be regretted if the State of your health should make it necessary for you to quit that place at this time.
On the 20th of January arrived here after a tedious passage from Washington, The Brig Blanchy Wm. M. Cotter master with the remainder of the Stores for this Regency, This has placed our affairs on good ground here.
The Ship Resource was chartered by His Excellency the Dey, to carry his Regalia to Constantinople and sailed on the 29th of December. The ship Traveller of Salem, Jacob Endicott master sailed from hence yesterday for a market, with a Cargo of Oil purchased at Borgia, with the proceeds of her cargo sold here in August Port. Another, the Ship Brutus of Nasburyport, Capt. Roberts is here expecting also to get a Cargo of Oil. The Brig Blanchy is still here repairing the damages & wear of the long passage.
I received a letter from Marseilles of the 30th ultimo, in which it is stated that the Cargos of the American Vessels at Naples to the number of 15 had been confiscated and sold; and also adds that there is no appearance of any settlement between the U States & France, to relieve our Commerce from its embarrassments. Our affairs with England are also very dark. The Conduct of Mr. Jackson having made it necessary for the President to break off all communication with him, and desires his recall. I sent Mr. Davis a manuscript Copy of the Presidents Message to Congress, which gives a better knowledge of our public affairs as relating to the Belligerents, than a thousand Gazettes would do. I trust he will forward it to you, as it is the only one I have.
We have had a more tranquility here since the accension of the present Dey, than for some time before; and we are in hopes that Peace will be established between the Regency, and a free communication once more offered.
The accounts from Europe as relating to Spain, are as usual, very vague and contradictory; but there can be little doubt of that country being soon subdued.
Mrs. Lear unites with me in best wishes for your health and compliments to Mr. Ambrose. It is long since we have heard any thing from Mrs. Tulin, and you say nothing of the family in your letter. You must present the most friendly regards of Mrs. Lear and myself to them, and Believe me to be
With great esteem & regard
Dear Sir
Yr most obdnt Servt
Tobias Lear
PS – Enclosed is a letter for Capt. W.S. Brown or Capt. H. Rogers of the Ship Milwood which came to my hands on the 6th inst from Spain."
Auction Info
2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction #6331 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
June
19th
Friday
10:50 am CT
Auction Dates
June
19th
Friday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining
27 Days
9h 14m 2s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: 1
Page Views: 8
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid (minimum $49) per lot.
This lot is in: 1 -
Signature® Floor Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 42001-42298) - 11:00 AM Central Time, Friday, June 19, 2026.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]
Exhibition Viewing Times, Title Page, Floor Session and License Information
Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions - Dallas
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms