To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 January 1808

Sir,	Algiers, January 4 1808

The Courier, for Alicante having been detained two days longer than was expected, give[s] me an opportunity of adding these few lines to my dispatches herewith (which are covered to Mr. Montgomery Consul in Alicante, with a request to forward them by the first opportunity); and to say, that it is reported this day, that the French Consul is in a fair way to settle the differences between his Government and this Regency (which is the cause of the detention of the Courier); but I confess I cannot give credit to it in full; for they are of too serious a nature to be soon adjusted; and such concessions will be requi[red] here, as nothing but the most desperate situation could induce them to make. It is true, that the French Consul has been at the Palace for [two] days past, which he has not been permitted to [en]ter before for more than Six Months; and [at] his last attempt to visit, he was refused [ad]mittance in the most abrupt and uncivil manner.

Should a reconciliation take place between France and the Regency; there will probably be a difference with the other Great Power.

I forgot to mention, in my letter of the 31. ultimo, what I presume you must often have heard before; vizt. that it is indelibly impressed on these people; as well as all of the other Regencies; that we are restrained by our Treaty with G. Britain, of 1783, from building any Ships of the line. This is naturally encouraged by Englishmen; and so general has been the beleif in this Sea, that I have met several of our Countrymen, who had the same impression. And I am convinced that the appearance of one Ship of the Line [of] the U. States in this Sea, would have a better effect, for us, with these Powers, than twenty Frigates. For they well know our ability to build, man and fight those Vessels; but they most sincerely beleive that we are restrained from exercising that ability. Accept the assurances of high Respect and most sincere Attachment with which I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most faithful & most Obdt. Servt.

Tobias Lear

P. S I must repeat that the only real security we can have in this Sea is a Naval force especially now.

DNA: RG 59--CD--Consular Despatches, Algiers.

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