John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "Morocco Desert Scene with City" Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Signed lower left. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 22c Friendship with Morocco stamp issued July 17, 1987. Morocco was among the first nations to recognize the independence of the United States after the Revolutionary War. As the new nation began to trade with Europe and the Middle East, her ships were often attacked by the Barbary Pirates of Tunis and Tripoli. After unsuccessful negotiations between John Adams and the Tripoli government, the American Congress sent Thomas Barclay to neighboring Morocco to negotiate a separate treaty of peace and friendship. Moroccan Emperor Sidi Mohammed III, agreed to provide safe harbor for American merchant vessels - and to intercede when they were seized by the Barbary states. Barclay conceded to the Emperor's demand for a nominal annual monetary tribute. Thus, an agreement was reached. In Morocco's capital, Marrakech, on June 23, 1786, the Treaty of Marrakech was signed. The next summer, on July 18, 1787, the treaty of peace and friendship was ratified by Congress and thus began the longest unbroken amnity treaty in American diplomatic history. Image Size: 8.75 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 16.75 x 20.5 in. Unframed. (B10942)