CABINET OPINION ON PRIVATEERS AND PRIZES J. MSS. - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 7 (Correspondence 1792-1793) [1905]
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The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 7
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CABINET OPINION ON PRIVATEERS AND PRIZESJ. MSS.
Aug. 5, 1793.
At a meeting of the heads of departments & the Attorney-general at the Secretary of State’s office Aug. 5, 1793.
The case of the Swallow letter of Marque at New York, desired to be sent out of our ports, as being a privateer, it is the opinion that there is no ground to make any order on the subject.
The Polly or Republican, in the hands of the Marshal at New York, on a charge of having been armed in our ports to cruize against nations at peace with the U. S. it is the opinion there is no ground to make any new order in this case.
The Little Democrat, the Vainqueur de la Bastille, the Citoyen Genet & the Sans Culottes, a letter to be written to Mr. Genet as was determined on the 3d. instant, and an instruction in conformity therewith be given to the Governors, Mr. Hammond to be informed thereof & to be assured the government will effectuate these former resolutions on this subject.
The Lovely Lass, the Prince William Henry, & the Jane of Dublin prizes to the Citoyen Genet. Mr. Genet to be written to as was agreed on the 3d. instant.
The brig Fanny and ship William reclaimed as taken within the limits of our protection, as it is expected that the court of Admiralty may very shortly reconsider whether it will take cognizance of these cases, it is thought better to take no new measure, therein for the present.
The Schooner fitting out at Boston as mentd. in a letter of Mr. Gore to Mr. Lear, the Governor of Massachusetts to be written to to suppress her.
Mr. Delaney’s letter of the 24th. of July on the question whether duties are to be paid on prize goods landed for sale, it is the opinion the duties are to be paid.
A letter from Mr. Genet of the 4th. of Aug. informing the Secretary of State that certain inhabitants lately arrived from St. Domingo are combining to form a military expedition from the territory of the U. S. against the constituted authorities of the s’d island, it is the opinion that the Governor of Maryland be informed thereof (because in a verbal communication to the Secretary of State Mr. Genet had named Baltimore as the place where the combination was forming) and that he be advised to take measure to prevent the same.
The Secretary of State and Attorney General are of opinion that Mr. Hammond be informed that measures are taking to procure restoration of the prizes the Lovely Lass, the Prince William Henry and the Jane of Dublin and in case that cannot be effected that Government will take the subject into further consideration.
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