Christian Slaves Piracy - Tripoli. Handwritten... - Lot 250 - Conan Belleville Hôtel d'Ainay

Christian Slaves Piracy - Tripoli. Handwritten letter of 7 pp. in-folio, unsigned. "To the house of the Dutch consul in Tripoli, June 9, 1729". Period copy of an important diplomatic letter, account of a mission made on behalf of the King to the Pasha of Tripoli, which ended with the signing of a peace treaty on 9 June 1729, aimed at protecting French ships from barbarian pirates and at buying back and bringing back Christian slaves. Heading reads: "From the roadstead of Tripoli on 10 June 1729. Letter written by M. de Goujon to M. le Comte de Maurepas ". In order to put an end to the acts of piracy by the Tripolitans against French ships, France had bombed Tripoli in July 1728. The treaty was signed on June 9, 1729. But looting and attacks against French crews would continue for a long time to come]. A long and fascinating letter reporting on his interviews with the Pasha, the negotiations (especially for the repurchase of Christian slaves), and the signing of the treaty. "I have the honour of reporting to you on my arrival in front of Tripoli on 31 May. I sent Mr. Le Cher d'Estournelle to the Pasha to give my compliments, and he sent me three of the principals of the Republic to give me his []. That same day and the following day, we worked with M. Pignon, M. le Cher d'Estournelle and Moy on the draft peace treaty he sent me. I take the liberty of telling you that we felt we had to make some changes to Articles 4, 5 and 6, as you will see them expressed in the treaty". He explains the changes made. "We did not feel we had to ask for 200 piasters for each of the French slaves who could not be represented, so as not to disturb the possession where we are in all the Barbarism to remove the French who were slaves there, paying one hundred and fifty piasters []. Please send me the destination of the frigates; I must inform you of the destination of the frigates.