"As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Musselmen; and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."
The purpose of which is to make clear that the Treaty of Tripoli is between governments and not religious powers. That is America wants its ships and commerce left alone, period. Christianity or Islam have nothing to do with it. End of point.
That's the context and the only context the POTUS Adam's comment should be understood.
Further, the Barbary Coast powers held the peculiar policy that any country not having a “peace” treaty with them were considered to be at war. Obtaining a peace treaty required an annual “gift” to the ruling poo-paas. The Barbary Coast states were running a shakedown racket. It was a method of extracting tribute or, failing a payment, an excuse to pursue piracy under the pretext of honorable warfare.
Moreover, it seems that the Tripoli treaty was initiated under the Washington Administration and was drawn up by Joel Barlow. Reportedly, the draft in possession of Tripoli did not contain the wording at issue. Nor can any such language be found in similar treaties with Algiers and Tunis. Nor is it entirely clear that Adams (or Washington) ever saw the language of the “peace” treaty version voted on by the Senate.
Thanks for your views and the support you offer.