805. BERLIN DECREES, Piratical Meaning of.—
These decrees and orders [of
council], taken together, want little of
amounting to a declaration that every neutral
vessel found on the high seas, whatsoever be
her cargo, and whatsoever foreign port be
that of her departure or destination, shall be
deemed lawful prize; and they prove, more
and more, the expediency of retaining our
vessels, our seamen, and property, within our
own harbors, until the dangers to which they
are exposed can be removed or lessened.—
Special Message. Washington ed. viii, 100.
Ford ed., ix, 185.
(March 17, 1808)
See Embargo.
