The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRIVATEERS.
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The writings of James Madison, | ||
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRIVATEERS.[55]
INSTRUCTIONS.
To Capt:—Commander of the private armed—called
the—:
For the private armed vessels of the U. States
The tenor of your Commission and of the act of Congs.
entitled "An act, &c. &c. a copy of which is hereto annexed,
will be kept constantly in your view. By The high seas referred202
to in your Commission, you will understand generally, to
extend to low water mark; But with the exception of the
space within one league or three miles of the shore of
countries at peace both with G. B. and with the U. S. you
may, nevertheless execute your commission within that
distance of the shore of a nation at war with G. B. and
even on the waters within the jurisdiction of such nation, if
permitted so to do.You are to pay the strictest regard to the rights of neutral
powers, & the usages of Civilized nations; and in all your
proceedings towards neutral vessels, you are to give them as
little molestation or interruption as will consist with the right
of ascertaining their neutral character, and of detaining and
bringing them in for regular adjudication in the proper cases.
You are particularly to avoid even the appearance of using
force or seduction with a view to deprive such vessels of their
crews, or of their passengers, other than persons in the military
service of the enemy.Towards enemy vessels & their crews, you are to proceed,
in exercising the rights of war, with all the justice &
humanity which characterize the nation of which you are
members.The Master & one or more of the principal persons belonging
to captured vessels, are to be sent, as soon after the
capture as may be, to the Judge or Judges of the proper court
in the U. S. to be examined upon oath, touching the interest
or property of the captured vessel & her lading; and at the
same time are to be delivered to the Judge or Judges, all passes,
Charter-parties, bills of lading, invoices, letters & other documents
& writings found on board; the s. papers to be proved
by the affidavit of the Commander of the capturing vessel or
some other person present at the capture, to be produced
as they were recd. without fraud, addition, subduction or
embezzlement.
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The writings of James Madison, | ||