George C. Smith to Edward Fettyplan regarding Smith's status as a slave in Algiers [Copy] - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC02794.167
From Archive Folder	Tobias Lear papers
Title	George C. Smith to Edward Fettyplan regarding Smith's status as a slave in Algiers [Copy]
Date	30 September 1812
Author	Smith, George C. (fl. 1812)
Recipient	Fettyplan, Edward
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	Notation on first page: "Copy of a letter received Septr 30th 1812." "Be not astonished!! for alas! it is too true, that I am now addressing you as a Slave in Algiers . . . . I think that all differences will be adjusted between G[reat] B[ritain], & America, Should they not do not let me die a Slave in Algiers . . . .I steal the time after begging the paper to write this." Captain Smith's ship, the "Edwin" was captured the Algerians in 1812. Lear arranged to pay the ransom for his and his eleven crewmembers' freedom.
Subjects	Government and Civics Diplomacy Global History and Civics Africa Barbary Coast Barbary Wars Pirates Barbary Pirates Prisoner Slavery
People	Smith, George C. (fl. 1812) Fettyplan, Edward (fl. 1812)
Place written	Algiers, Algeria
Theme	Government & Politics; Foreign Affairs;
Sub-collection	The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Copy of a letter received September 30th 1812- from Cap George E. Smith of the Brig of Salem Mr. Edward Fettyplan Malter -- Dear Sir, Be not astonished !! for alas it is to here, that I am non addressing you as a Slave in Algeria. -- I lost cenvoy.-- met with adverse winds-- and fell into the hands of these witches in the 26th of Augt I am now at work upon the mole--my situation distressing- no distinction of persons- I was shipped of everything even the clothes to my back. -- For Heavens take give me some assistance, and you will conser an external obligation on me-- you know my kinds -- & my situation in life is good for $ 810 in Salem in cash I think you will not hesitate ro advance for my Ransom for I cannot Survivor [sic] Six months labour here. Please to advise Mr. Sprajer or donne other of you correspondents at gibratter to authorize the swedish Consul to clear for my Ramsom.-- I expect it will be about $1600-- I think that all differences will be adjusted between G. B. & American, Shoulf they not [illegible] not let me [illegible] a Slave in Algiers -- I can order the money to be transfered to your Brother. -- I am in great haste, you W>D-- (signed) G.B. Smith. a Slave in Algiers-- I steal the time, after begging the paper to write this--

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