NARRATIVE

OF A

RESIDENCE IN ALGIERS;

COMPRISING

A GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE REGENCY ;

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE DEY AND HIS MINISTERS;

AND

OBSERVATIONS

ON THE RELATIONS OF THE BARBARY STATES WITH THE CHRISTIAN POWERS,

Although some time has elapsed since the first publication of M. Pananti's narrative, it is still the latest, and by far the most ample work we possess on a country which has acquired, and continues to acquire, new claims to public attention both from recent and passing events.

After having suffered the coast of northern Africa to remain in the hands of lawless pirates for several centuries, there seems at length, to be a serious intention on the part of one power at least, to put an end to a state of things which has given rise to the universal complaints of Europe, though without any attempt to adopt decisive measures since the unfortunate enterprise of Charles V. The expedition of Spain in 1775, was so ill combined, that success could hardly have been expected.

By referring to the arguments of the author, it will be seen that he considered the task of putting down the piratical states, as belonging equally to all the christian powers. Hence his anxiety to witness the formation of a league in which each should bear its part for one common object. While it may be justly regretted that so much apathy should have prevailed on a question of such general interest, the probable consequences of Algiers becoming a French conquest and colony, are eminently calculated to excite reflexion in this country. The EDITOR cannot, therefore, suffer a second

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JAN 20 '38

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vi

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

edition of the present work to go forth, without expressing an earnest hope that such measures may be adopted, as shall prevent the injury to British power in the Mediterranean, should our most formidable rival retain possession of a coast which would give her a fearful maritime preponderance in the event of any future war. The effects to be apprehended from Algiers being occupied by a naval power like that of France, are so striking and self-evident, that no allusion would have been made to the subject, were it not for the rumours in circulation, as well as the constant indications given by the Paris journals, that the permanent possession and colonization of northern Africa, form objects of anxious solicitude with the whole French nation. It is true, declarations to the contrary have been made, and pledges of moderation offered to our ministers; but those who are at all acquainted with modern diplomacy, will know, how to estimate such promises.

Having thus frankly stated his opinion on a point which he considers to be of great national importance, the EDITOR cannot conclude these brief remarks more appropriately, than by annexing the following extract from a letter which has just appeared in the United Service Journal. The statements and conjectures of the writer will be read with deep interest at the present moment, and are worthy of historical record.

LONDON, June 5th, 1830.

E. B.