White Slavery in the Barbary States

The work examines the origin, history, and character of the enslavement of Christians by the North African Barbary states, focusing on Algiers as a central seat. It traces the practice through classical, medieval, and modern phases, noting successive peoples, empires, and the emergence of distinct states. It emphasizes the coastal geography and climate that kept the region closely connected to southern Europe and enabled raids and commerce. The narrative brings together scattered reports and legal, political, and moral observations to portray mechanisms, human costs, and social consequences of piracy and slave markets. The author issues a firm moral condemnation and argues for the ultimate rejection of the practice.