24. Malta 1. April 1809- Sir Your letter of the 19 ultimo has been delivered to me by the Bashaw's special messenger Hadge Hamit Massens. The mission of so respectable a character is an additional evidence of His Excellency's friendly disposition towards Sidi Ahmet and as such is duty appreciated by him. It is how ever to be regretted that this personage had been dispatched previous to the arrival of Sidi Amarath at Tripoli, inasmuch as the same occasion might have returned him to his parents and thus have accelerated the departure if the family; but from the assurance contained in your letter that he shall be speedily re-embarked, I am induced to hope that little further detention will be necessary.- The Jewels belonging to Sidi Ahmet which had been pledged for a part of his debts have been redeemed by the Bashaw's Consul, who promised to deliver them up to him on his departure. As the same person it also directed to answer for the rest of Sidi Ahmet's debts, and a Hadge Hamet Massen is authorized to make the disbursement for the necessarier [sic] which may be required for the accommodation of the family on the voyage, as well as for some trifling article which they may wish to purchase previous to their departure, it appears only necessary for Sidi Amarath to rejoin them in order to their embarkation. Sidi Ahmet and family are impatient for this event. I have the honor to be With great respect, Sir, your most obt. Servt. (signed) John Payne. George Davis, Esq: Consul of the U. S. of America at Tripoli.-