The Pirate Coast
by Donald E. Hester
on Saturday, 27 December 2008
Book Reviews
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Donald E. Hester
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“After Tripoli declared war on the United States in 1801, Barbary pirates captured 300 U.S. sailors and marines. President Jefferson sent navy squadrons to the Mediterranean, but he also authorized a secret mission to overthrow the government of Tripoli. He chose an unlikely diplomat, William Eaton, to lead the mission, but before Eaton departed, Jefferson grew wary of the affair and withdrew his support. Astoundingly, Eaton persevered, gathering a ragtag army, including eight U.S. Marines, and leading them on a brutal march across 500 miles of desert. After surviving sandstorms, treachery, and near death from thirst, Eaton achieved a remarkable victory on "the shores of Tripoli", as commemorated in the Marine Corps Hymn. His triumph gained freedom for the American hostages and newfound respect for the young United States, but for Eaton, the aftermath wasn't sweet. When he dared to reveal that the president had abandoned him, Jefferson set out to crush him.” – Audible.com
The book takes some time to get to O'Bannon and the Marines. In fact there is quite a bit of information about the political climate then O'Bannon. However, the few references of O'Bannon show him to be a true Marine. Standing at attention even with guns pointed at him as Arabs fit with rage yell as if to kill them. The Pasha hugged and called him a brave man when that incident was over.
William Eaton, a self-righteous patriot, definitely would ensure justice prevails no matter if the heavens fell. He lived this way and in the end, it would cost him. I don't know if I am proud that he would follow his convictions no matter the cost or if I feel he could have been less brash and not brought as much upon him.
This story seems to have been played out over and over in History. Also this particular group of Arabs or Bedouin, seem to be impossible to deal with. They caused more delays and jeopardized the entire operation because the wanted to renegotiate or someone cheated someone out of money.
Eaton, the Marine and Hamet took the city of Darnah and held it. Mean while Lear decided he did not want Eaton to take credit for solving the problem sailed for Tripoli to start peace talks. Lear did establish peace with the US and the current Pasha Yusuf. Lear gave more than was need to gain the release of the prisoners and the treaty had secret clauses and did not state the US would never pay another bribe. The treaty was supposed to allow Hamet to be reunited with his family. However the secret clause signed by Lear and Yusuf said the Pasha could keep his family for four years. Lear never intended to obligate the Pasha to return the family members.
They recalled Eaton and Hamet leaving the towns people who joined them to feel the wrath of Yusuf.
Eaton was enraged that the US was not going to fulfill its promise to Hamet and that Lear had give so much in bribes to gain the peace.
Eaton returned home to find that he was a hero. Everyone credited him with the peace that was in Tripoli. The two parties at the time Federalist and the Republicans both tried to use him as their hero and Eaton wouldn't have any of that. In fact he felt we were all Americans and we should leave it at that.
Eaton began to criticize the administration concerning Lear. Unknown to Eaton, Jefferson and Washington had a falling out before Washington's death and a number of letters damaging to Jefferson where in Lear's possession. They disappeared and no doubt Jefferson owed Lear a favor and would not bring him down for fear of what might be revealed. Eaton persisted and Jefferson worked like any politician to protect his interests. He tried to destroy Eaton, but Eaton the obstinate would not give up. The federalist party then started to use Eaton as there weapon against the Jefferson administration. (The more things change the more they stay the same. Politics has not changes one bit in 200 years.)
During this time Aaron Burr knowing that Eaton was upset at the Jefferson administration decided to let him in on his plot to create a Western United States. Eaton being a patriot over everything went to Jefferson about the plot. Jefferson thought of it as an empty threat.
Later Eaton would find a letter with intelligence about Aaron Burr's exploits in the West and his building of an army. Eaton passed the information on to Jefferson's administration.
He was again used as a pawn in Jefferson's dealing and was finally awarded some money from congress for his work in Barbary. Eaton was not satisfied and continued to drink and gamble to his ruin.
This book has tainted my perception of our young nation. I know see that it is much that same today as then. Politicians who will do anything to stay in power, manipulate people for their own ends, lie, cheat, steal, commit fraud and not keep their word.
The book also brings to light a point that doesn't necessarily surprise me but does give me a moment of pause. The only thing that stop the Barbary Pirates was war. Lear for all of his negotiations for peace did not bring peace. It was not until France and England later defeated them in combat and took over the area did the piracy stop.
The parallels with today's world are uncanny. The Barbary Pirates are similar in action and ethics to today's terrorists. It does appear that peace for them will only come by the sword and the only one to stop them is by the sword. How unfortunate.
Someone once said that the only thing we learn from history is that we don't learn from history. How true. I have however learned from Eaton a great truth. We should all be Americans and not a political party. His discussed with dirty on dishonorable politics rings true in my ears. I however will not become a drunk or obsessed with it.
There is one last thing I learned. Marines kick a$$. Semper Fi!