The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1805-12-06
FROM THE BALANCE, PUBLISHED IN HuD-
SON, NJ r.
AMERICAN CAPTIVES IN TRIpoII
E*f'a9 from fhe JJ''arn.I Of DR.. Coqo4eyy, Kept
during hgs ea1bti2,ity in 7rip9A.
APTIVES IN TRIPoLI.
Continued

Anguf 10. Lewis Hexiner, who lately turn
ed Turk, vert by order of the Bafhaw, and told
capt. Banbriage, the particulars of the two late
actions. The Blfhaw informed me that the
late commander of the fcbooncr Vixen, LENT.
Smith, was commodore of the gun-boats in the
late action, and was killed bya mufket fI,ot
through his head. Our men complained of be-
ing Grove and beat about at an unmcrciful rate,
in confequence of which they petitioned the
Balha'v. III the following terms:
To bis Esecisney tie Gran9 Balazu of J-r;-
poll, -''
The petition of the whole Of the American
pritoners NOT hurnbly RIeweth:
mat your humble petitioners, when doing,
with an their power, as they are commanded,
are mott cruelty beaten b. our wardens, toned.
niulted, and fpit upon by the folders and o.
Tiers required to carry burthens impoflible for
us to tuttain; and chafed and brufed, until we
are or loon flall be, unable to labour at all.
From the many acts of juftice, kndnefs, and
genero'Ity' we have experienced from your ex-
cehency' we cannot fuppofe that fuch conduct
is authorized by your commands or that we
ihould be puniihed for what is ont of our pow
er TO perform or for the actions of Others,
winch We have no agency in, and which we can
not prevent.
Returning your excellency our fincere and
humble thanks for your bounty and privileges
heretofore fhewn, and relying on your goodnefs
| tor protection, we therefore, mott humbly prav.
! thar your excellency would interpofe your row
al authority, and grant us fpeedy relief. And
your petitioners, as in duty bound. will remain
| your excellency's NOT humble, faithful, and O.
bedent fervants.
On the petition being explained to the Ba-
NAV by Hexner, Tor Rauet american, his new
nane) the Baniaw forbid the Turks Rtiking the
prifoners.
Auguft H.. The Bantaw fent for me. and.
agreeably TO his orders, took feat by his Iide
He began conversation about my country, and
our tquadrou, which was then in fight, and con-
lifted of eighteen fail. He faid that for two
dollars he could repair all the damages that ,he
bombardment did TO his town-that but one
man washurtby the fhells, that what he had been
offered for the American prifoners was about
hfty dollars per man; that he would make them
earn that fun in two months. He aI< ed me
what thought my country would give for me
told him did not know. He faid he would
rot take twenty thoufaud dollars for me 70
which replied, that might then expect to re.
main in Gavery for life. lie patted me on
the ihoulder, and faid, | NUT then content nv.
left to Ray with him. I alked to go and Zee
our men, but he refufed, laying the Moors and
Arabs would kill me if they could catch me.
Augna l2. Our fquadron hoiRed fac Of
truce, f'nt in brig and fchooner, and fred =
gun. The Bs!l,aw did not, and fwore he would
not anfwer 1t /; and faid he would not trea, viii
commodore Preble. A truce, however, was AZ
forwards held. Conful O'Brien wilhed to corn,
on thore, but was refufd.
Augult I3. Another truce was held. yvb,r
the Baihaw demanded one million of dollars fo,
our ranfom. One hundred and twepty thor,
land dollars were offered and refufed.