Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In my despatch of September 11 (No. 49) I stated that a number of war vessels had left this coast and more were expected soon to leave. But the question was discussed with much warmth which should leave first, the French or the Ottoman fleet. This question was finally settled by the naval commanders thus: All but two of the war vessels of the French, all but two of the English, all but two of the Italian, and the whole Turkish fleet, with the ambassador [Page 458] on board, were to leave the harbor, at a given signal, on the 23d of September. This plan was carried out, and fourteen war vessels belonging to the four nations above named moved out of the harbor of the Goletta together, the French admiral assuming a position at the right of the Ottoman envoy, and the Italian admiral at the left. Their departure was, I believe, a cause of rejoicing among all the friends of good order in the regency. What were they here for? No one pretended that there had been for a long time any danger from the Bedouins or Arabs. Indeed, the latter have shown hostility to foreigners only when threatened with invasion. Officers belonging to each of these fleets have allowed, in private conversation with me, that they were here to counteract each other’s machinations, rather than to protect their respective nationalities from Arab plunder and assassination. The greatest antagonism existed between the French and the English. A misunderstanding and coolness finally took place between the French and the Italians, and the Turks were not quite satisfied with the restraints imposed upon them by their English friends. Thus mutual distrust and jealousy have marked the course of these international guardians, whose departures from these shores is speedily followed by peace. While those powerful fleets frowned upon the shore, the Bey’s efforts to subdue the rebels were to a great extent paralyzed. His men feared the treacherous Franks, and preferred to encounter them in battle rather than co-religionist brethren.
Though many skirmishes, robberies, and murders have taken place since the rebellion commenced, but one engagement has occurred which deserves to be called a battle. This occurred last week on the eastern coast, and is represented to have been so decided in its character as to bring all the tribes at once to submission. Some 200 persons were killed, as many more wounded, and three times that number taken prisoners. The government at once becomes able to collect its taxes and enforce its laws; and even the French, whose great ambition has been to humble the Bey by securing the fall of his prime minister, now allow that the rebellion is at an end, without the accomplishment of their cherished object. I place much stress on this concession of the French, since they have, by their interference with the government and opposition to its measuses, engendered a large amount of ill feeling and lost many posts of honor, influence, and profit. Their only satisfaction seems to be, that they have demonstrated their determination not to allow other nations to interfere in Tunisian affairs.
Already since the “great battle” a cheerful feeling has sprung up—merchants are encouraged with the hope of gain, and peace and prosperity are confidently anticipated by natives and foreigners; and from my stand-point I see no reason why this nation may not now enter upon a new period of its existence, with the promise of increased life, prosperity, and independence. It is evident that while France would probably rise with her full strength to prevent the interference or intervention of any other nation in Tunisian affairs, she is not herself prepared to intervene here, exposed to the gaze and criticisms of the advance nations of the world. The Emperor has probably considered this subject of late and shrinks from a big job. Algeria is hard to manage, and Tunis would but increase his troubles. The Bey may, then, continue to reign despite his powerful, jealous, and greedy neighbors; and it is to be hoped that he will greatly improve his administration, and thus avoid such difficulties and embarrassments as have lately imperilled his throne.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.