Tobias Lear to Charles D. Coxe, August 8, 1812. Tobias Lear Papers.

On board the Ship Allegany,
Gibraltar Bay, August 8th. 1812

Charles D. Coxe Esq.
Charge d’affaires of the U.States of America,
Tunis.

Dear Sir,

The enclosed circular, addressed by me to the Consuls of the U. States in the Mediterranean, will shew the cause of my having left Algiers, and being now in this place, where I arrived on the 4 instant.

This conduct of the Dey of Algiers is the more unaccountable, as we have hitherto been on the best terms with that Regency.  No complaints had been made; nor the smallest intimation of hostilities given before.  The Cargo of this Ship, had it been received, would more than have paid the Balance which would have been due to Algiers, by Treaty stipulation, on the 5th of September next.

I have written very fully to our Government on this Subject; and had an opportunity of sending my dispatches the next morning after my arrival here, by the Brig Hanannah Packet of New York, Captain Fosdick, bound to New York, and shall have opportunities to repeat them by several American Vessels which will depart from this for the U. States in a few days.  I shall probably remain at this place until I hear from our Government; and any letters directed to me here, to the care of John Gavino Esqr.  Consul of the U. States, will get readily to my hands.

I have not heard from Algiers since my departure; But I expect that the conduct of the Dey, so unjustifiable, unexpected and apparently so disgusting to every one, may have disagreeable consequences for him.

Enclosed is the copy of a letter from the Honble. The Secretary of State to me, received by the Allegany, respecting the changing of our Mediterranean passports, to which I beg your attention.  I also send one of the new passports, and twenty tops, or Indents.  I shall send thirty more by another conveyance, not wishing to trust the whole to one chance.  There were no letters for you by the Allegany.

The British Orders in Council, restricting Neutral Commerce, have been conditionally revoked; and American Vessels are not molested at present by their Cruizers.  We have no direct accounts here from the U. States, since the time when the Embargo was to have expired.  Report says that War had been declared against G. Britain in the House of Representatives; but not passed in the Senate.  This wants confirmation.

Mrs. Lear, who is with me, and has passed through the late unpleasant scenes with astonishing fortitude and spirit, desires her best compliments to Mrs. Coxe and yourself and to Mr. Ambrose, in which I join.  We beg you to present our best reguards and remembrance to Mrs. Tulin and her family.

Believe me to be, with great regard and esteem,

Dear Sir,
Your most Obedt. Servt.
Tobias Lear