Autograph letter, signed, concerning Barbary pirates.

£4,000 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

The great traveller and explorer of the Nile at the very beginning of his career abroad. In 1763 Bruce was appointed the British Consul at Algiers, charged with studying the antiquities and ruins of the country as well as maintaining diplomatic relations. In fact, Bruce's consular duties left almost no time for exploration, which he took up in earnest after he was relieved of his consular position in 1765. The present letter is likely one of the first reports that Bruce sent back to Great Britain. It explains his preparations for resisting the assaults of Barbary Pirates on British property. 'There has been for these several days reports here that the Emperor of Morocco was putting out some Chebeques [war ships, usually mounted with 24 guns] to cruze upon the English And from Gibraltar it has been wrote that orders are come to bring all British subjects from the Moorish dominions that a frigate has been stationed of Sallé Bar. I thought it my Duty in Case this should be true to speak to the Dey for leave to Export provisions to Mahon and Gibraltar should the Communications of those places with Theran be cut off. The King principal Officers of the Government have assurd me that in the most Chearful manner that they will now Every time Use supply Assist these Garrisons as their own.... This Assurance the Dey Accompanied with Every Expression of Affection Respect both for the King For the Nation.' Bruce makes a request for some assistance to be sent to him, claiming that such an

• Binding: Hardcover

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