Richard O’Bryen, captain of the Dolphin, repeatedly petitioned Congress while languishing in captivity for eleven years. In this petition—sent six years after his capture—O’Bryen described the high prices other nations paid to free hostages and outlined means U.S. officials could pursue to win American sailors’ freedom. After his release O’Bryen served as U.S. Consul to Algiers.
Most Honoured Sirs we hope you will Consider what our Sufferings must have been in this Country Dureing that Trying Period of Nearly Six years Captivity
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
Petition from Captain Richard O'Bryen to Congress, April 28, 1791
Protection from Piracy
Barbary pirates preyed on ships off Africa's western and Mediterranean coasts for centuries. After U.S. independence, Britain withdrew protections for American ships formerly stipulated in treaties with the Barbary States. In the 1780s and 1790s, pirates captured and enslaved many American sailors, demanding exorbitant ransom payments. After diplomatic means failed, Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Navy to prevent further raids on American commerce.
Richard O’Bryen, captain of the Dolphin, repeatedly petitioned Congress while languishing in captivity for eleven years. In this petition—sent six years after his capture—O’Bryen described the high prices other nations paid to free hostages and outlined means U.S. officials could pursue to win American sailors’ freedom. After his release O’Bryen served as U.S. Consul to Algiers.
Most Honoured Sirs we hope you will Consider what our Sufferings must have been in this Country Dureing that Trying Period of Nearly Six years Captivity
Records of the U.S. Senate, National Archives and Records Administration
