Mr. John Adams meets the Tripolitan Ambassador

...“We make Tobacco in Tripoli," said his Excellency “but it is too strong. Your American Tobacco is better.”—By this Time, one of his secretaries or upper servants brought two Pipes ready filled and lighted; the longest, was offered me,: the other to his Excellency. it is long since I took a Pipe but as it would be unpardonable to be wanting in Politeness in so ceremonious an Interview, I took the Pipe, with great Complacency, placed the Bowl upon the Carpet, for the stem was fit for a Walking Cane, and I believe more than two Yards in length, and Smoaked in aweful Pomp reciprocating Whiff for Whiff, with his Excellency, untill Coffee was brought in. His Excellency took a Cup, after I had taken one, and alternately Sipped at his Coffee and whiffed at his Tobacco, and I wished he would take a Pinch in turn from his snuff box for Variety: and I followed the Example with Such Exactness and solemnity that the two secretaries, appeared in Raptures and the superiour of them who Speaks a few Words of French cryed out in Extacy, Monsieur votes etes un Turk— — —The necessary Civilities being thus compleated, His Excellency began upon Business...

- John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 17 Feb. 1786