Mountford, Timothy (fl. 1804-1810) to Tobias Lear re: description of military situation in Algiers
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02794.060 Author/Creator: Mountford, Timothy (fl. 1804-1810) Place Written: Algiers, Algeria Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1804/02/30 Pagination: 2 p. + address 25 x 20.3 cm Order a Copy
Mountford writes that "in case of an attack on my own Garrison" he will most likely suffer because the people under his command are "sick," "Nobody," "willing-but-slow" and "Good for nothing." Yet he is cautiously opitmistic: "If I did . . . to groan, tremble & start at everything that snaps -- would only make a bad matter worse." Mountford was Lear's secretary in Algiers. Docketed on address leaf.
Algiers, Feb. 30. 1804
My Dear Sir,
All is tranquil-there seems to be the same collection of Soldiers in the Ports-that were, when, & a few days after the British left the Coast.-
About this time two years past, we were overwhelmed in troubles at the Cape- And to-morrow, will complete the second anniversary of the general conflagration of the unfortunate City of Cape Francis. Never-never may we be witness of such scenes, again.
Now, in case of an attack on my own Garrison, what a hopeful set of Soldiers I have under my command, & will give you a list of them & their situation.-
1 Carbone ------------------- sick
2 Manuel --------------------- Ditto
3 Gennese -------------------- Nobody
4 Carson --------------------- willing but slow.
5 Mary ----------------------- worth all the above,
[at present
6 Loriesa ------------------- good for nothing-
7 Mochacha (Dog) --------- Better than all, [2]
Excuse me, but I see no reason to be sad- beside, if I did, to groan, tremble & start [inserted: at] everything that snaps- would only make a bad matter worse- therefore, I am the reverse of the Black Cloaks- for I am determined to live as long as I can.-
My best respects to Mrs. Lear & our friends- and believe me with the highest respect & esteem.
your most
obt. St.
//Mountford
P.S. The Ships which arrived [inserted: the day before] yesterday- brot [sic] the Danish regalia, consisting of Cannon, powder, Ball, Cordage, &c.-
[address leaf]
From
Mr. Timy. Mountford
3 feby 1804
Tobias Lear, Esqr.
Consul-General
Of the U.S.A.
American Garden.
Algiers.
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