The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-08-31
WHOLE NO. 25s.
CHRISTIAN SLAVES IN ALGIERS.
ny mas. BRoucHAn.

fTduClSCO muSiUbCl WIS TITO IdtHcf VI q
family of three sons and six daughters. and a
citizen Of The pretty town OF Aci Reale, for
merly Acis Aquileja,) distant about ten miles
from Catania, in Sicily. He was man Of
some substance, which, however, was prin-
cipally embarked in small vessel, Of which
he was also The padrone, or captain. The
crew which manned the little vessel, were
all his near relatives in her they traded
constantly between Aci Reale and Malta,
carrying wine, fruit and other provisions TO
that island. The great ambition Of both
Francisco and his wife, was to devote their
eldest son and eldest daughter to the service
OF the church, and as their childrens inclina-
tons seconded this, according to their con-
viction, pious wish, they were educated in
accordance with snch a determination. But
as both their son Luciano and his sister, were
yet under the required age for admission
into the religious profession--lhe young lad,
since the completion of his studies, had ac-
companied his father for the last several
voyages in their bark, acting as the scriUaao
OF their mercantile transactions. As the time
approached when he and his sister were TO
enter their noviciate, which the religious pa
rents had determined should be at the
same time, it was also agreed, when they last
quilted their beautiful romantic town, that it
was 10 be Luciano's last voyage But man
proposes, and God disposes. They were
all taken by an Algerine corvette, and con-
demned to bondage. Their more than usual
aggravated misfortunes, and their excellent
character, induced my parents to do all in
their power to mitigate their undeserved I'M
happiness. Luciano obtained, through their
interest, the situation of Scrivano at the Dey,s
Garden, in which his good education ena-
bed him to give much satisfaction and the
Office Of my sisters and my footman, was
made expressly for the venerable old Fran
cisco, who to the best Of his ability, never
for minute lost sight OF us when summoned
to our promenades.
After many abortive attempts to propitiate
the Dey in behalf Of the poor old man, whose
wife and daughters had sold all they pos
sessed in the world, TO send the products TO
Algiers, in the hope that it might suffice for
his ransom though, alas it fell so far short
OF the fixed large sum, that the Dey would
not hear OF Its acceptance-my dear father,
on particular occasion, (what exactly do
not now recollect,) on which, according to
usansa, the Dey was bound to make pre-
sent Of value TO the English Consul, as was
his constant practice in similar circumstances,
made public request that his highness would
graciously be pleased, instead Of any other
offering, to beslow upon Christian slave
This, in royal courtesy, oven in Algerine ETH
quete, the Pacha could not refuse, and Fran
cisco, as well as several other equally fortu-
nate slaves, were granted to his request
". When , !he old man was on the point nc eayi
find propitious moment in which he might
prevail upon the Dey to grant him the liberty
of one Of his sons, on the payment of the
hitherto considered inadequate sum of money
which had been forwarded for the purpose Of
his own ransom, 10 which Of his SONS the pre-
ference shonld be shown. ASK me not,
sir" replied the agitated father, /" cannot
make choice between two children equally
dutful and a1ectionate, and equally dear to
me-" An opportunity for the furtherance Of
my fathers benevolent intentions did at length
occur, and he named orr own servant Maria
no as the object worthy Of being benefited
by the Dey's liberality and in consequence
his passage was engaged on board ship go
ing to Malta. He took respectful leave Of
the family, and we all looked at the vessel as
it sailed out Of the bay-of course believing
that it contained our honest sotto cuocco. But
TO the astoni shment Of the whole household,
Mariana entered the drawing-room that very
evening, and throwing himself at the feet Of
my parents, he exclaimed, pardon me, my
beneiactors, if your servant has thus presumed
to deceive your goodness. Luciano was my
elder brother, and in every respect more
worthy, and capable Of being NOR, useful to
my parents than am and have therefore,
against his own will, by proving to him, as
he is able to do more good, that it was his
bounden duty to go in my place, with difficulty
persuaded him; and believe me, that is far
happier for me; and hope it may please
God 10 let me serve you while live" Tears
Of mingled sympathy and admiration were the
only answers to this model of fraternal piety,
whose last wish was, however, unful6lled
for Mariana was one Of the weeping group
that escorted us to the Marina on the evening
of our embarkation at Algiers; and he was
one Of Lord Exmouhs triumphant proofs that
Britannia rules the waves.
ASPIRATIONS OF MND.--By Rep. Orpille
De,peu-Fix thine eve upon a star in the in