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Lear, Tobias (1762-1816) to Hamuda Bassa re: introduction as American Consul

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02794.075 Author/Creator: Lear, Tobias (1762-1816) Place Written: Tunis Bay Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1805/08/02 Pagination: 2 p. 23 x 18.5 cm Order a Copy

Written aboard the "U.S.S. Constitution." Draft copy of letter with edits. "[T]he honor of presenting myself to your Excellency In the purpose of fulfilling the President's wishes."

Tobias Lear Consul General of the United States of America for the Regency of Algiers &c.
To Ham[inserted:o]ada Basha the Most Illustrious and most Magnificent Prince, the Bey of Tunis, the abode of Happiness.-
On my departure from the United States, I was honored by the President with a letter for your Excellency, of which I take the liberty of enclosing you a copy.
I should before [inserted: this] [struck: illegible] have had the honor of presenting myself to your Excellency in the purpose of fulfilling the President's wishes exemplified in his letter, had I not been informed by George Davis Esqr., the Charge 'd' Affairs of the United States at your Court, that your Excellency would not receive me [inserted: or any other person besides Davis as] [struck: as a person] authorized to transact any offices [inserted: relating to] [struck: of] the United States in your Regency.
In consequence of this declaration I shall decline presenting myself to your Excellency, unless your resolution should be revoked, as I cannot appear in any other character than that assigned to me [2] by the President of the United States.
I pray your Excellency to accept the assurances of my high respect & consideration.

Tobias Lear

On board the U.S. Frigate
Constitution in Tunis Bay
Augt. 2. 1805

To
The Bey of Tunis
2 Augt. 1805

Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816

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