This paper attempts to excavate 19th century Tunisian understandings of emotions through legal texts and diplomatic letters exchanged among Tunisian and foreign authorities. Specifically, this paper looks at the adjudication of a mid-19th century blasphemy case that took place in the streets of downtown Tunis, a case that hinged on the allegation that blasphemy against Islam unleashed uncontrollable religious feelings among local Muslims. Through a close reading of court documents and archival letters, this paper proposes a particular “Tunisian” understanding (or strategic representation) of affect: as something that comes upon a human subject (and for which the human subject cannot be held responsible). This understanding is compared with the representation of affect presented in letters from European and Ottoman authorities who urged against the prosecution of the blasphemer.