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Davis, George (fl. 1803-1811) to Ahmet Bashaw Caramanli re: debts and requests for additional supplies

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02794.133 Author/Creator: Davis, George (fl. 1803-1811) Place Written: Tripoli Type: Manuscript document Date: 1809/03/03 Pagination: 2 p. 23 x 19 cm Order a Copy

Davis writes that Sidi Ahmet's brother is willing to pay Ahmet's debts even though he "expressed some surprise at the present extent of your debts expecially as you had so recently stated them at only about one fifth of their existing amount." Davis also reports that Jusuf Bashaw Caramanli will send "cloathing [sic], servants and arms" to Sidi Ahmet. Scribal copy bound together with GLC 2794.118, .120-.124, .128-.133, .135-.145 and .147-.151. (Letter #16 in bound volume.)

16. Tripoli March 3. 1809.

George Davis Consul of the United States of America-
To His Excellency Ahmet Bashaw Caramanli:-
The letter which your Excellency did me the honor to address me on the 19. Ultimo reached me on the 1. Instant. The enclosure for His Highness the Bashaw I presented in person.
The Bashaw expressed some surprize [sic] at the present extent of your debts especially as you had so recently stated them at only about one fifth of their existing amount. - But His Excellency desirous to afford the most solid proofs of his good disposition and cordiality towards you, and unwilling that any obstacles should arise to your departure, has instructed his Consul at Malta to arrange with your creditors, at as reasonable a period as can be obtained, for their final settlement. At the same time it is expressly understood that your Excellency will be scrupulously exact in your remittances for the ultimate satisfaction of these demands. To this point I recommend your particular attention; your punctuality in this respect is relied upon.
His Highness the Bashaw has also acquiesced in your several requests of cloathing [sic], servants and arms, which will be forwarded by the vessel (which leaves this in a few days) that is destined to carry you to Derna. A chouas of the Bashaw'a with a caftan, flags etc. accompanied by some of the inhabitants of Derna agreeably to your desire, will attend Your Excellency on that occasion. The chouas will be instructed to procure all the necessaries for your voyage. The - [sic]
The grateful satisfaction you express at the recent distinguishable concession by your brother of the sovereignty and revenues of Derna in your favor is very acceptable to His Highness the Bashaw, and I sincerely recommend it to your Excellency to cultivate by every means the present good understanding existing between you.
With great respect & consideration
I have the honor to be,
Your Excellency's
Mo[st]: Ob[edien]t. Serv[an]t.
(signed) George Davis

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