Collections | Migrations | Privateering and captivity in the Mediterranean | Privateering in the Mediterranean [11 Objects]

Change your selection


Related Content

Introduction to the Chapter

A battle between Algerian ships and ships of the Naples Royal Navy, which chased the Algerian ships and ultimately destroyed them by firing cannon shots on 17 May 1792

1792

State Archives of Naples

Naples, Italy

See Database Entry

 Justification for this item

Privateering wars were constant problems in the Mediterranean. Here, the frigate of the Kingdom of Naples is seen destroying the privateers from Algiers, the most important privateering hub in North Africa. The incident took place in 1792.

Letter from Marshall Forteguerri, commander general of the navy of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, confirming the purchase of Tunisian slaves in Naples

1797

Archives Nationales

Tunis, Tunisia

See Database Entry

 Justification for this item

Throughout the 18th century, relations between the Regency of Tunis and the kingdoms of Italy and Tuscany were confrontational. There were also many Muslims captured in Spain and Malta. In 1798, after Malta was taken by Napoleon Bonaparte, all of the Muslims being held there – around 2,000 people – were released.

Treaty of Peace and Trade between France and the Tunisian Regency

1799

Archives Nationales

Tunis, Tunisia

See Database Entry

 Justification for this item

Until the early 19th century, relationships between European powers were dominated by the consequences of privateering in the Mediterranean. The treaty signed guaranteed the safety of the crew and cargo of French ships at sea and in Tunisian ports.

Passports that French ships were obliged to carry in order to be allowed to practice privateering

1799

Archives nationales

Tunis, Tunisia

See Database Entry

 Justification for this item

A type of document bearing a seal and a signature that had to be carried by French ships to ward off attacks from Tunisian privateers in the Mediterranean.

Disembarking captives at La Goulette Port, Tunis

1800

Archives Nationales

Tunis, Tunisia

See Database Entry

 Justification for this item

This print shows privateers overseeing the unloading of captives at the port of La Goulette, Tunis. Some captives might regain their freedom after paying a ransom, but most were put to work or had to serve as galley slaves. Others who converted to their captors’ religion and where sufficiently qualified could become important state officials. Eligible women might end up in royal households and even as wives of princes.

General Hullin's audience, provided by the Dey of Algeria

19th century

National Library of France

Paris, France

See Database Entry

 Justification for this item

Algeria was the foremost privateering hub in North Africa, focusing primarily on the attack of British and French vessels. In August 1802, riled by the constant Algerian looting of French ships, Napoleon Bonaparte sent General Hullin with a warning message to the Dey of Algiers, Mustapha Pasha.

General Hullin's audience, provided by the Dey of Algeria

19th century

National Library of France

Paris, France

See Database Entry

Privateer ship flags

19th century

Palais de la Rose – Musée de l’Armée

La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia

See Database Entry

 Justification for this item

These flags represent the late 18th/early 19th-century emblems of a privateer acting on behalf of the Regency of Tunis. Unlike pirates, privateers were commissioned by governments, and their maritime activity was referred to as privateering. They were given authorisation to attack enemy merchant ships during war time.

Privateer ship flags

19th century

Palais de la Rose – Musée de l’Armée

La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia

See Database Entry

Vue d'Alger

1816

Musée National des Beaux-Arts

Algiers, Algeria

See Database Entry

 Justification for this item

North African rulers engaged in privateering not only because it was lucrative, but because their trading vessels were not allowed into European ports. Algiers – seen here before the bombardment by the British fleet in 1816 – was the foremost privateering city state until Algeria was conquered by France in 1830.

Vue d'Alger

1816

Musée National des Beaux-Arts

Algiers, Algeria

See Database Entry

Chorographical plan of the attack waged by Lord Exmouth against Algiers on 27 August 1816

December 1816

State Archives of Turin

Turin, Italy

See Database Entry

 Justification for this item

Control of Mediterranean trade routes was one of the main sources of conflict between European powers and the North African provinces, referred to as the “Barbary Regencies” of Tunis, Algiers and Tripoli.

Declaration by the Bey of Tunis assuring that in future wars with any European power prisoners will not be enslaved

Palace of Bardo (Tunis), 17 April 1816

State Archives of Turin

Turin, Italy

See Database Entry

 Justification for this item

Following European warnings, in particular the expedition led by Lord Exmouth (1816) to prohibit privateering, a peace treaty was signed between the Bey of Tunis and Lord Exmouth, commander-in-chief of the Royal British Navy on 17 April 1816.

Change your selection


Related Content

Introduction to the Chapter