247 The North Africa Pirates

247.The North Africa Pirates

 Stretching along the northern shores of Africa from Egypt westward to the Atlantic were four states . These states were named Tunis , Tripoli , Algiers , and Morocco . Their people were Mohammedans , and were ruled over by persons called Deys or Beys , or Pachas . These rulers found it profitable and pleasant to attack and capture Christian ships . The cargoes of the captured vessels they sold at good prices , and the seamen and passengers they sold at good prices to0-- as slaves . The leading powers of Eu - rope , instead of destroying these pirates , found it easier to pay them to let their ships alone . Washington and Adams also paid them to allow American ships to sail un - harmed . But the pirates were never satisfied with what was paid them . Jefferson decided to put an end to this tribute paying . He sent a few ships to seize the pirates and shut up their harbors . More and more vessels were sent , until at last the Deys and Beys and Pachas thought it would be cheaper to behave themselves properly . So they agreed to release their American prisoners and not to capture any more American ships (1805). In these little wars American naval offi - cers gained much useful experience and did many glorious deeds . Especialy Decatur 
 and Somers won renown .