452 
 
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE 
 
Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward. 
No. 45.J                            UNITED STATES CONSULATE, 
Tunis July 30 1864. 
SiRn: My last despatch, about the affairs of Tunis, was dated July 2. Since

then few events have occurred worthy of record. Rumors of war and of peace

have been by turns circulated and contradicted, several petty revolutions
have 
occurred in different localities, and some robberies have been committed.
In- 
surgent cavalry have appeared at different points in the regency, impressing

men into their service and appropriating provisions to their use. But few
days 
ago eighty wagon loads of provisions, intended for the Bey's army at Beja,
were 
seized, together with a quantity of horses, mules, and camels, and the Bey's

men were stripped of even the clothes upon their backs. Two days afterwards,

however, all these things were restored, and the marauders were punished.
The 
people have teen in a state of feverish excitement; at some points they have

raised the Turkish flag and called for English protection, and everywhere
have 
made demonstrations of ill will towards the French. 
The French and Italian navies have continued to be represented by about 
twenty war vessels and some 12,000 marines, while England and Tnrkey have

kept here tisually four or five war vessels. French and Italian officials
have 
been able to predict only feebleness, disorder, and confusion in the regency
so 
long as the Mamelukes should be continued in power; while the English and

Tunisian officials have uniformly spoken hopefully in regard to the future.

There has been shown a general disposition to disparage, if not to embarrass,
the 
governament. It has been represented as past the hope of recovery, and it
has 
indeed presented a pitiful aspect. Some representatives of powerful nations

united in sustaining the demands of the rebels, and of the Bey's army of
5,000 
men, sent out to encounter the insurgents, more than 500 deserted and joined

the insurgent camp. Little spirit and no enthusiasm has at any time been

manifested in behalf of the Bey, while, on the other hand, the rebels have
been 
well organized, and have exhibited much esprit du corps. 
Still a triumph on the part of the Bey is proclaimed. Day before yesterday

the director in the Foreign Office called upon every consul to announce,
in behalf 
of his master, the establishment of peace. The-conditions named are a diminu-

tion of taxes and a general amnesty. There were numerous demonstrations of

satisfaction, particularly about the English consulate. The large flag was
raised, 
and a band of music contributed to the enjoyment of the occasion. From pru-

dential considerations I avoided showy and noisy demonstrations of rejoicing,

but have to-day presented my congratulations to the Bey in person. I expressed

the hope that the peace proclaimed might be substantial and lasting, and
that 
from it might result, under the rule of his Highness, the permanent prosperity

of this regency. I assured his Highness of the good will of the American
gov- 
ernment, and alluded to the expression of interest in Tunisian affairs contained

in your last despatch. He appeared gratified by such an expression from the

Mexican minister, and begged me to assure him, in return, of his best wishes

for the complete success of our government. le is kept informed in regard
to 
our affairs by the official Arab journal, which is edited by an ardent friend
of 
America, and contains some piquant articles on the slavery question, and
a 
weekly summary of American news. 
The Bey is of Moorish character as well as origin. le is guarded in his 
expressions, and in conversation shows good sense rather than much. intelligence.

His face indicates kindness and melancholy, rather than energy. He is rarely

seen except at the side of his prime minister, who, though subordinate in
office, 
is vastly superior in ability. Sidi Mlustafa is worthy of his Greek origin;
shrewd 
and persevering, he is to be characterized rather as a manager than a statesman.