2pp., 4to (400 x 305 mm), in English and in Arabic, possibly in the hand of translator Isaac Cardoza Nunes, creasing from old folds, separations and some losses along same; old repair with thread along center horizontal fold, affecting text; two repairs along folds on verso; soiling and old dampstaining.

ONE OF THE EARLIEST OFFICIAL INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE MUSLIM WORLD.

Reads in full, on verso: "Translation of the within Letter from His Excellency Sidi Hadg Taher Ben Abdelhick Fennish to their Excellen. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Esqrs. Grace to God who is the one sole unity whose Kingdom is the only Existing One. To their Excellencies John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Esqrs. This is to acquaint you that I am ordered by the Emperor my Master whom God preserve to ackowledge the reciept of your Letter, Sign'd at London and Paris on the 1st and 11th of October 1785, which has been delivered in to his own hands by the Honorable Thomas Barclay Esq. who came to this Court in order to Negotiate an amicable Peace between my Master (whom God preserve) and all his Dominions and those of the United States of America. This matter has been happily concluded to the satisfaction of all Parties. The Contents of this Treaty you will learn from you Envoy the said Thomas Barclay, to whom his Imperial Majesty has delivered it together with a Letter for the United States. I have likewise The Imperial Majesty's orders to assure you of his (entire approbation of the conduct of your Envoy, who has behaved himself with integrity and honor since) his arrival in our Country, appearing to be a person of good understanding, and therefore his Imperial Majesty has been graciously pleased to give him two honorable, favorable, and unparalleled audiences, signifying His Majesty's perfect satisfaction at his Conduct. As I am charged with the affairs of your Country at the Court I can assure you that I will do all that lies in my power to promote the friendly intercourse that is so happily Begun and of the assistance I have already given in your affairs, your Envoy will acquaint you, and concluding I do Sincerely remain, Morocco, the 1st Day of the Blessed Month of Ramadan 1200". The same in Arabic on recto, marked at bottom "(Copy)".

Following the negotiation of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the United States and Morocco in June 1786, Moroccan diplomat Tahar ben Abdelhak Fennish, makes his introduction to American commissioners John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

The original letter (now in the Massachusetts Historical Society) was executed by Isaac Cardoza Nunes (who possibly made this copy) who served as translator during the American-Moroccan treaty negotiations. It was among the documents, including the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, that was enclosed in Thomas Barclay’s October 2, 1786 letter to the commissioners, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, which reached Paris in late December.