Prisoners Algiers Account Forgotten American Algerian 1785-1797
Between 1785 and 1797, a group of American Algerian prisoners were held captive by the Dey of Algiers, a powerful regent who ruled over the North African state of Algeria. These prisoners, who were mostly sailors and merchants, had been captured by Algiers pirates during their voyages across the Mediterranean Sea. Despite several attempts by the United States government to secure their release, many of these prisoners were forgotten and remained in captivity for years. This article will explore the reasons behind their captivity, the conditions they faced in prison, and the efforts made to secure their release.
The Captivity of American Algerian Prisoners
The capture of American sailors and merchants by Algiers pirates was a common occurrence during the 18th century. Algiers, along with other North African states such as Tunisia and Tripoli, controlled much of the trade across the Mediterranean Sea. These states often demanded tribute and ransom from European nations in exchange for safe passage through their waters. However, smaller vessels and unprotected ships were often captured and their crews taken hostage.
In 1783, the United States began sending ships across the Atlantic Ocean to trade with European nations. However, these ships were frequently attacked by Algiers pirates. This prompted the United States to negotiate with Algiers for safe passage through their waters. In 1785, the two nations signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, which required the United States to pay tribute to Algiers in exchange for safe passage of their vessels.
However, Algiers continued to capture American ships and their crews, despite the treaty. The Dey of Algiers demanded that the United States increase their payments of tribute and ransom. This led the United States to send several missions to Algiers to secure the release of their citizens and to negotiate a new treaty. However, these negotiations were often unsuccessful and led to the arrest and captivity of several American Algerian prisoners.
Conditions Faced by Captive Prisoners
The conditions faced by American Algerian prisoners were harsh and often brutal. The prisoners were kept in cramped and overcrowded cells, with little access to food or water. Many prisoners suffered from malnutrition, dehydration, and disease. The treatment of prisoners was also inhumane, with reports of beatings and torture common.
The prisoners were also subject to a form of slavery, as they were forced to work for the Dey of Algiers. Some prisoners were sent to work on farms or in the fields, while others were forced to work in workshops and factories. The work was often strenuous and dangerous, with little protection or safety measures in place.
Efforts to Secure Their Release
The United States government made several attempts to secure the release of American Algerian prisoners. In 1790, President George Washington sent a diplomatic mission led by John Paul Jones to Algiers to negotiate a new treaty. Jones was successful in securing the release of several prisoners, but his efforts to negotiate a new treaty were unsuccessful.
In 1793, President Washington sent a second mission to Algiers, led by Joel Barlow. Barlow was able to secure the release of several more prisoners, but again, negotiations for a new treaty failed. However, the mission did succeed in securing the release of the most famous American Algerian prisoner, Thomas Paine. Paine, a prominent Revolutionary War hero and author of "Common Sense," had been held captive in Algiers for two years.
The Impact on Diplomatic Relations
The captivity of American Algerian prisoners had a significant impact on the diplomatic relations between the United States and Algiers. The United States government was hesitant to use force to secure the release of their citizens, as they did not want to risk war with Algiers. Instead, they chose to negotiate and pay tribute in exchange for the release of prisoners.
However, the continued capture of American ships and their crews led to a growing frustration in the United States. In 1798, President John Adams authorized the creation of the United States Navy, with the primary mission of protecting American ships and citizens from piracy and attack. This led to a series of naval battles with Algiers and other North African states, known as the Barbary Wars.
The long-term consequences of these events were significant. The United States Navy became a powerful force in the Mediterranean Sea, and the Barbary Wars helped establish the United States as a major naval power. The captivity of American Algerian prisoners also had an impact on the abolitionist movement in the United States. Many of the prisoners were forced to work in slavery-like conditions, which highlighted the atrocities of slavery and helped to generate support for its abolition.
Conclusion
The captivity of American Algerian prisoners in Algiers between 1785 and 1797 is a largely forgotten chapter in American history. The prisoners faced harsh conditions and were subject to brutal treatment, and their captivity had a significant impact on the diplomatic relations between the United States and Algiers. Despite the efforts made by the United States government to secure their release, many of these prisoners were forgotten and remained in captivity for years. The use of
