PARIS, September 18, 1787.
GENTLEMEN,--Congress having thought proper, by their vote of July the
18th, to entrust me to take measures for the redemption of our captives
at Algiers, and to desire you to furnish the money necessary, it is
proper to state to you some data whereby you may judge what sum is
necessary. The French prisoners, last redeemed by the order of
Mathurins, cost somewhat less than four hundred dollars: but the
General of the order told me, that they had always been made to pay
more for foreign prisoners than their own. The smallest sum then, at
which we can expect ours, including redemption, clothing, feeding, and
transportation, will be five hundred dollars each. There are twenty of
them. Of course, ten thousand dollars is the smallest sum which can be
requisite. I think a larger sum should be set apart, as so much of it
as shall not be wanting for the prisoners, will remain for other uses.
As soon as you shall have notified me that the money is ready, I will
proceed to execute the order of Congress. I must add the injunctions of
the General of the Mathurins, that it be not made known that the public
interest themselves in the redemption of these prisoners, as that would
induce the Algerians to demand the most extravagant price. I have the
honor to be, with sentiments of the most profound respect, Gentlemen,
your most obedient, and most humble servant.