Sir. 26. Tripoli March 3. 1809.- I have been duly favored with your letter of the 14. Ultimo, stating the plunder of [illegible] Imperial vessel in the port of Estanta by a Corsair of this Regency, the property belonging to Citizen [sic] of the United States, and enclosing several documents relative thereto. I seized the earliest occasion of representing the circumstance to His Highness the Bashaw, and was assured from His Excellency of the amplest satisfaction. Last evening the offending Rais "Hadge Osinand" returned into port with his vessel. He was immediately seized and thrown into confinement; his property has been sequestered and directed to be sold for the reimbursement of the sum ($1411) defalcated from the vessel. Should there arise any deficiency I have not a doubt but that the Bashaw will replace it.- The maritime principle which pervades the whole states of Barbary is the not very intolerant one of "free ships make free goods", the flag in all cases designating the character of the vessel. At a period anterior to the spoliation committed on the Instancabile, the Cruizers [sic] of this Regency were directed to capture all vessels navigating under the Imperial flag. I have therefore been necessarily limited in my application to His Excellency the Bashaw to a restitution of the property taken, vizt. one thousand four hundred and eleven Dollars, without offering any pretensions or claim for damages.- When- [2] When [sic] this business is finally settled, but upon the speediness of which you must not calculate too sanguinely in this country, I will not fail to communicate to you the result by the first occasion from hence. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Mo[st]: Ob[edien]t. serv[an]t. (signed) George Davis William Allen, Esq: Malta.