Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.
Sir: My last despatch, about the affairs of Tunis, was dated July 2. Since then few events have occurred worthy of record. Rumors of war and of peace have been by turns circulated and contradicted, several petty revolutions have occurred in different localities, and some robberies have been committed. Insurgent cavalry have appeared at different points in the regency, impressing men into their service and appropriating provisions to their use. But few days ago eighty wagon loads of provisions, intended for the Bey’s army at Beja, were seized, together with a quantity of horses, mules, and camels, and the Bey’s men were stripped of even the clothes upon their backs. Two days afterwards, however, all these things were restored, and the marauders were punished. The people have been in a state of feverish excitement; at some points they have raised the Turkish flag and called for English protection, and everywhere have made demonstrations of ill will towards the French.
The French and Italian navies have continued to be represented by about twenty war vessels and some 12,000 marines, while England and Turkey have kept here usually four or five war vessels. French and Italian officials have been able to predict only feebleness, disorder, and confusion in the regency so long as the Mamelukes should be continued in power; while the English and Tunisian officials have uniformly spoken hopefully in regard to the future. There has been shown a general disposition to disparage, if not to embarrass, the government. It has been represented as past the hope of recovery, and it has indeed presented a pitiful aspect. Some representatives of powerful nations united in sustaining the demands of the rebels, and of the Bey’s army of 5,000 men, sent out to encounter the insurgents, more than 500 deserted and joined the insurgent camp. Little spirit and no enthusiasm has at any time been manifested in behalf of the Bey, while, on the other hand, the rebels have been well organized, and have exhibited much esprit du corps.
Still a triumph on the part of the Bey is proclaimed. Day before yesterday the director in the Foreign Office called upon every consul to announce, in behalf of his master, the establishment of peace. The conditions named are a diminution of taxes and a general amnesty. There were numerous demonstrations of satisfaction, particularly about the English consulate. The large flag was raised, and a band of music contributed to the enjoyment of the occasion. From prudential considerations I avoided showy and noisy demonstrations of rejoicing, but have to-day presented my congratulations to the Bey in person. I expressed the hope that the peace proclaimed might be substantial and lasting, and that from it might result, under the rule of his Highness, the permanent prosperity of this regency. I assured his Highness of the good will of the American government, and alluded to the expression of interest in Tunisian affairs contained in your last despatch. He appeared gratified by such an expression from the Mexican minister, and begged me to assure him, in return, of his best wishes for the complete success of our government. He is kept informed in regard to our affairs by the official Arab journal, which is edited by an ardent friend of America, and contains some piquant articles on the slavery question, and a weekly summary of American news.
The Bey is of Moorish character as well as origin. He is guarded in his expressions, and in conversation shows good sense rather than much intelligence. His face indicates kindness and melancholy, rather than energy. He is rarely seen except at the side of his prime minister, who, though subordinate in office, is vastly superior in ability. Sidi Mustafa is worthy of his Greek origin; shrewd and persevering, he is to be characterized rather as a manager than a statesman. [Page 453] His efforts have been more effectual for his personal aggrandizement than for the prosperity and wellbeing of the state. He has become rich, while the country has become poor; his tactics, however, have of late been particularly serviceable to the Bey. Without suffering his temper to be ruffled by officious consuls, he has wearied the rebels with delays, amused them with promises, bribed them with money, and frightened them with the show of arms, and especially with the fear of foreign intervention, so that they have become weakened and divided.
It is due to say that there is a question in some minds in regard to the genuineness and permanence of the peace proclaimed. The French and the Italians are unbelieving, and their ships-of-war continue to guard the harbor; yet I am persuaded that the report of the peace is substantially true, and that the rebel leaders have acted from a regard to their true interest in yielding submission to the Bey.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. G.