Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-04-26
From TIE ESSEX Register.


As Algiers is an object of attention al this
time to the American Repub lie, we propose
70 give brief sketch of the various ex-
Peditions undertaken by the Europeans az
gainst that city. TbGTe have been thir-
teen SUCH expeditions, viz. six by the SPAN
iards. four by the French, and three by the
English. The French were eminently sue.
cesstui in each. The Spanish also in two
attempts, but at the other times were un-
fortunate. their fleet being either DESTROYED
by tremendous gales, or their soldiers 40 d
camp broken BY an earthquake. The Eng.
hsh expeditions were not on an extensive
scale, but in the first they succeeded in OFT
whiting the Turks in the second in damat-
ing their city, and the third in humbIihg
them, and securing a peace, which Was
kept oy the Turks much better than ANY
they mac made with the English in former
umes. upon the whole, it will appear
that 1t is not difficult TO bring these barba-
rians to respectable notice Of our country
men when visiting those seas. We look
towards the Mediterranean as that place
where the American navy first began to
germlnate that character Which has lately
grown to such magnitude and strength
and we now look to the same spot where
genlous and talent will be again developed,
tlonai character, and efficacy to its coun,
ellis.
In 1905, Ferdinand v. King of Arragon,
avaihng himseif of favorable opportunity.
while the Algerines were engaged in a CT
vii broil, fitted out an eknedition nr,Ier
the command of Peter, Count Navarro
who compelled them to submit to his arms.
obiiged them 70 do Ferdinand homage and
pay him.,a tribute! Peter. to secure his
conquest, onlit fort on iitte island ou-
posIte the town, which so effectua.ly Com
manded the -harbor, that not corsair
could get in or out without the consent of
the masters. They remained in this sub,
Jugauon till Ferdinand's death, in 1910.
when they attempted TO regain their liberty.
lney inVteo nrach Barbarossa, famous for
his warlike abilities and successes among
the Arabs, TO execute their design. But he
ing at the head of an army in the citv he
put to death Selim the sovereign, and pro-
claimed himself King.
BY his tyranny he soon became unpopnr
lar, and the young prince, son of Selim.
implored the Spaniards for assistance in re-,
gaining his throne. He promised the Mar
gus de Gomarez, who Commanded the
Spanish fortress before the town of AL
gers, that for such service he would. il sue.
cesstul, put the town into the possession of
the King OF Spain. In 1917 the King Of
Spain, sent feet with 10000 troops ON
board to- accomplish this object Bat a
tremendous storm overtaking them when
within sight OF Algiers, nearly the whole
fleet were dashed pieces against the rocks,
or toundered. The King of Spain not dis
pirited by this misfortune, sent another feet
with an equal force the same year, and
were safely landed. Upon this Barbarossa
Aicrio Ok
Turkish soldiers. The Spanish General
pursued him. Barbarossa came to the river
-Hulxdrs, which he endeavored to cross, and
as the Spanish general was pressing hard
upon hrs rear, Barbarossa had recourse to a
statagem in order to retard them. He
strewed gold, silver je wells and pearls in
the road but the Spauards, regardless OF
the bait, came up with the infidel, and after
several desperate charges on both sides. the
Turks gave way. Barbarossa was killed with
nearly two thirds of his whole army, IRE
Spaniards did not take possession Of the ci.
ty bat returned home.
In 1919, Cheridin, Dey of Algiers, took
possession Of the Spanish fortress at the
mouth Of their harbcr and put all the gar
rison to the sword, In 1871 the Spaniards
we're resolved to chastise them. Towards
the end Of summer, Charles v. emperor
oHA NIB " OpdiiS SdiISu WITH IZU snIDB
and 10000 troops. The flower of the Spa.
nish nobility were on board the ieet, and Sc.
veral ladies, in order 70 settle in Barbary
after its conquest Every ship carried he
standard Of SpaiH. IN which was a crucisz.
at her head and stern. The Pope gave Il
bis benediction. and granted ndulgences to
those who might be wounded, and 2 crown
OF martyrdom to those who Should he kin
ed. When this feet appeared before Az
giers the inhabitants fed, leaving ONLY he
garrison Tor its defence The spariardq
landed without opposition, erected fsrs
on an eminence and called j. the Emperor
fort which tame it still retains. But SEQ,
after, on the 2s,h OCT Der, an ear,hnuake
overturned he hills in,o ne emperor camp.
buried some thsnsauds Of his troops in ,6e
sand and destroyed ninety Of his ships. n
was with difficulty he got on board the ~.
with few Of his officers, and sailed ,or
Spain.