1229. CHESAPEAKE, Interdiction of British ships.—
The interdicted ships are
enemies. Should they be forced, by stress of
weather, to run up into safer harbors, we
are to act towards them as we would towards
enemies in regular war, in a like case. Permit
no intercourse, no supplies; and if they
land, kill or capture them as enemies. If they
lie still, Decatur has orders not to attack them
without stating the case to me, and awaiting
instructions. But if they attempt to enter the
Elizabeth River, he is to attack them without
awaiting for instructions. Other armed vessels,
putting in from sea in distress, are
friends. They must report themselves to the
collector, he assigns them their station, and
regulates their repairs, supplies, intercourse
and stay. Not needing flags, they are under
the direction of the collector alone, who
should be reasonably liberal as to their repairs
and supplies, furnishing them for a
voyage to any of their American ports.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. v, 173.
Ford ed., ix, 130.
(M.
Aug. 1807)
