Letters to the Editor
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
‘In 1796, U.S. Vowed Friendliness With Islam’
Daniel Pipes in his column “In 1796 U.S. Vowed Friendliness With Islam” [National, November 7, 2006] fills in a gap of my understanding of relations with Muslim countries at the end of the 18th century. Just four years later when the mullahs were asked, by John Jay, by what right did they attack our shipping and enslave our citizens, the response was the Koran commands us to kill infidels. Jefferson responded by sending four brigades and the newly formed Marine Corps to Tripoli. Following seven years of war, led by Stephen Decatur, our first war against Muslim terrorism came to an end.
WALTER McVICAR
Bedford, N.Y.
