University of Virginia Library

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRIVATEERS.[55]

INSTRUCTIONS.

To Capt:—Commander of the private armed—called
the—:

For the private armed vessels of the U. States

1.

• The tenor of your Commission and of the act of Congs.
  entitled "An act, &c. &c. a copy of which is hereto annexed,
  

  ---

  202

  
  
  
  will be kept constantly in your view. By The high seas referred
  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.

2.

• 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.

3.

• 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.

4.

• 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.