Papers of John Adams, volume 21
r.
th.Jan
y.1792
A few Years since, Congress made a Treaty with the
Emperor of Morocco. the Emperor, with whom that Treaty was made is since
dead. The present Emperor is as much inclin’d to be friendly to the United
States, as his Predicessor. but from some inattention on the Part of the
United States he has never been complimented on his accession to the
Throne.— by some Letters from Cadiz as late as Novr. I am inform’d, that he is determin’d unless he is soon notic’d,
to make depredations on our Navigation— his prime Minister is particularly
friendly to the United States. & has prevail’d on him to suspend his
intentions a few Months longer.1 If no measures have been taken,
the security of our Trade to all parts of Spain & Portugal requires,
that the Treaty shou’d be immediately renew’d. the friendship of the Old
Emperor to America I have experienced, in his not taking but half the
customary duties on a Brig & Cargo I had at Mogadore—& the
resentment of the New Emperor I do not wish to feel.— Mrs. Smith joins me in Affectionate Regards to
you & Mrs. Adams.—
I am with great Respect / Yr
Most. H Sert
mSmith—
RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “Excelly. John Adams Esqr.”
For the Moroccan-American Treaty of Peace and Friendship, see vol. 18:360–367, and for the change in Moroccan leadership, see Thomas Barclay’s letter of 17 July, and note 2, below.