On Article II.
The reasonableness of this article is manifest. Citizens
or subjects of one country residing in another, tho' bound by
their temporary allegiance to many common duties, can never
be rightfully forced into military service, particularly external
service, nor be restrained from leaving their residence when
they please. The law of nations protects them against both;
and the violation of this law, by the avowed impressment of
American citizens residing in Great Britain, may be pressed
with the greater force on the British Government as it is in
direct inconsistency with her impressment of her own subjects
bound by much stronger ties to the United States, as above
explained, as well as with the spirit of her commercial laws and
policy, by which foreigners are invited to a residence. The
liberation of the persons comprehended by this article therefore,
cannot be justly or honorably refused, and the provision
for their recompence and their return home, is equally due to
the service rendered by, and the wrong done to them.
