Thomas Jefferson’s report on the status of the negotiations with Algiers included this list of Dolphin and Mary crew members with ransom fees indicated. Jefferson was very familiar with the hostages’ plight—as the Secretary of State, and previously as Minister to France under the Articles of Confederation, Jefferson advised Congress on how to secure peace with Algiers.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
Report of Secretary of State on American captives at Algiers, December 28, 1790
Protection from Piracy
Barbary pirates preyed on ships off Africa's western and Mediterranean coasts for centuries. After U.S. independence, Britain withdrew protections for American ships formerly stipulated in treaties with the Barbary States. In the 1780s and 1790s, pirates captured and enslaved many American sailors, demanding exorbitant ransom payments. After diplomatic means failed, Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Navy to prevent further raids on American commerce.
Thomas Jefferson’s report on the status of the negotiations with Algiers included this list of Dolphin and Mary crew members with ransom fees indicated. Jefferson was very familiar with the hostages’ plight—as the Secretary of State, and previously as Minister to France under the Articles of Confederation, Jefferson advised Congress on how to secure peace with Algiers.
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
