Payne, John to George Davis re: Sidi Ahmet's son's visit to Tripoli, his relations with U.S.

21.
Sir. Malta 18. March 1809.

This letter will be delivered to you by Sidi Ahmurath second son of the Ex-Bashaw, the object of whose visit to Tripoli is to express to his uncle the gratitude of his father and family for the benefits which his Excellency has recently bestowed upon them. Previous to the receipt of your letter of the 4. Instant I had not failed to convince Sidi Ahmet of the propriety of this measure, and he had determined to put it in execution after his arrival at Derna; but as it appears to have met your approbation, and as you consider it will prove pleasing to the Bashaw, we have decided that he shall proceed without delay in the Tartan Rais Courier. I have chosen this vessel in preference to that which brought your letter because she can be more promptly dispatched. The anxiety of his parents, as well as the expediency of hastening the embarcation [sic] of the family for Derna, will render it advisable that the son should remain as short of a time as possible at Tripoli.
The generosity of the Bashaw having removed every reasonable impediment to his brothers departure, I only attend the arrival of the Chouas and vessel which is to transport him to his destination. No exertion shall then be wanting on my part to expedite their sailing, and I shall embrace the first occasion thereafter to return to Tripoli.
You will perceive by the enclosed letter from Sidi Ahmet that I have endeavored to impress upon him the necessity of acting with frankness towards his brother and I can - [2] can only hope that he will fulfill the promises made me: indeed, if any faith is to be placed in their assurances, this family may long enjoy the fruits of your unremitted exertions in their favor.
I think it unnecessary to detail the particulars of the many conversations I have had with Sidi Ahmet. In them all I have never lost sight of what I considered most essential to his interests and most consonate to your views and those of His Excellency' the Bashaw, by recommending to him to level his wishes to his situation, to preserve a prudent and economical line of conduct in the administration of his Government, and to cultivate, by every means in his power, harmony and friendly communication with his brother. Upon the strict observance of this mode of procedure I assured him would depend his prossession [sic] of that liberal support which had been accorded him, and it's [sic] possible increase. Bit if on the contrary, his extravagance and indiscretion should give just ground of suspicion to his brother, and therein occasion him to be again dispossessed of the province, the United States would not consider themselves bound in justice to render him any support: that all his pretensions [sic] had been acceded to, and therefore he could have no further claim to their interference. At the same time I informed him that the American Consul at Tripoli would ever consider it his duty to promote his interests near the Bashaw, and would willingly be the channel of their amicable intercourse.- My arguments appeared to have some weight with him as he acknowledged this correctness, but [2] but feeling myself authorised by my instructions, I did not demand any formal renunciation of the protection of our Government, nor do I think he would readily grant it.-
The letters etc. which you enclose were delivered immediately after their receipt, and the perusal of them appeared to afford much satisfaction. Sidi Ahmet and family write to His Excellency the Bashaw, and their relatives, by this conveyance.

With great respect
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your Mo[st]: Ob[edien]t. Serv[an]t.
(signed) John Payne

George Davis, Esq:
Consul of the U.S. of America,
for the Regency of Tripoli.