Warrington, H. to: Italian ambassador.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05251 Author/Creator: Warrington, H. Place Written: Tripoli Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1828/09/12 Pagination: 7 p. 32 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written as British emissary, to the Italian ambassador, concerning an offer of $100,000 to prevent kidnappings of British nationals.
CONFIDENTIAL
Tripoli
k112 Sept. 1828
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge your Excellency's dispatch of the 6th ultimo - the tenor of which is so truly flattering to my feelings that my pen is inadequate to express my gratitude.
I have received the Elegant Snuff Bose which His Majesty has graciously been pleased to bestow on me and the distinguished Honor shall be handed down in my Family to after ages, when the same feelings of Pride and Satisfaction will be felt, as at this moment occupy every sentiment of gratitude and pleasure. His Excellency Commodore Garafa has I presume informed you with the negotiation carried on Board Ms Majesty's Frigate, it will therefore be unnecessary for me to allude to that. I shall therefore briefly state the opinion & sentiment delivered to His Highness during the discussion on the subject of his unjust demand.
Hold the that His Majesty had faithfully maintained every article in the Treaty concluded by Lord Esmouth, and that he was felt desirous to promote the desirable effects of Peace, Commerce, Harmony nd good will between the respective Kingdoms, but that His Majesty's Honor and Dignity could not namely submit to the infraction of the Treaty by the demand of large pecuniary sums and frankly told I-Iis Highness that such were not supported on the Principle of Honor or common Honesty, & that if it were possible for His Majesty to comply it would only be opening an avenue to call on His Majesty for any sum that service or necessity might require. I hold the Bashaw I was persuaded England would view with an unfavorable eye, the violation of a Treaty made under Her auspices. I told His Highness he had two advisers one for Peace the other for War and the result would prove who had the interest of His Highness most at heart. Every argument was resorted to, and every Pacific Dispositi on displayed to bring this negotiation to an amicable termination, but Sir what could I expect when this war adviser I understand had taken the liberty of promising His Majesty's Funds, for the supply of thousands, & hundreds of Thousands. I asked the Bashaw had he not been told that His Majesty's line of Battle ship had brought a present of $100,000 and that the British Consul prevented it being given. I firmly believe, of resistance being advised & promises made of large sums up to the moment hostilities commenced. I speak the sentiment of every person in Tripoli, and nearly the whole of the National Representatives were at my garden, and they expressed (to thee honor do I say it) their unqualified disgust and indignation at such proceedings, against a Christian Flag, & against a Nation in bonds of amity & friendship with our respective governments.
I have probably allowed my feelings to out step my discretion, in having deviated from the Official Path, but prudence has forbidden to mention the name concerning it has been the duty of your Vice Consul to put you in possession of facts. It is impossible for me to speak in terms too high of the conduct of M. Rosario Messina, and I particularly recommend him to your consideration, & Mr. John P_ evinced that good and honorable feeling so often displayed for the interest of His Majesty's Flag. The shells which fell in the Town the first day had a visible effect & had the fire been directed against that object again, this affair would have terminated. Permit me to observe how defective the Fusces were I fear His Majesty's smaller vessels might have suffered in the gale for two days & the Commodore must have had difficulty in preserving them.
Sincerely do I hope that the Relation of Peace & Friendship will be shortly reestablished, and this Bashaw convinced that he cannot violate sacred Treaties, and levy pecuniary contributions with impu@ty & in the very face of justice & honesty. With every sentiment of high consideration I have the honor to be Sir
Your Humble Servant,
H, Warrington
P.S. The offer is truly flattering but as I could not accept the appointment without the Permission of my government I strongly recommend Mr, Rosario Messina.
H. Warrington
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