The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1807-12-19
raoM TIE nArIoxAL 1xrE1-tc1zcla
PROCLAMATION.


WHEREAS il has been represented to MS, ard is
well known, that great numbers Of our mariners
and scafa:mG men our natural bOrn and ler+ innate
citizens, have been, not only in some instances.
Sntced TO enter into the service Of foreign states
but have been for the most part forced into the
same, sometimes by pressganGs on shore soTrlc-
times seized bv The officers a foreign armed ships,
from on board our merchant vessels Sailing on the
high seas, or lying even within tic hsrbOr: ard
waters Of other independent states, and are now
actually serving rs well on board the ships o. war
belonging 70 the eaid foreign states, rs on board
the merchant vessels belonging to subjects there
of contrary 10 their allegiance end 20 the laws
and to the great injury Of their country, which
needs at ~ times the services they owe It, but
more especially Of the present. when it 10 so rruc;,
threatened and nsnaced, and when ito maritime
at jurisdjctiona rights, on which It's sovereientv
and security mainly depend, disputed and
called in question we have thourht ft 10 pub
lish this our proclamation We do hereby strict
~ Charge and command al masters o. vessels. ri
lots, mariners, shipwiights, and other scaflrino!
men, Cur citizens rs aforesaid, who my have
been inGccd or forced into the pay or service of a.
ny foreign state as aforesaid, Uiat they do forth.
with quit the same, and return 10 their own coun
try, Oh do enter on board such of orr ships cf
war or merchant ships IS they n5y chance 10 fall
IN with either on the high seas or in any rivers.
waters, havcns, roads, ports, Places yoAnfssevey
or ScheYeSoe5ey.
And for the better execution IF this our procIa
nation, we do not only authoifse and command
ali captains snd others, commencing our siips &
Vessels, TO stop and make stv of all and every
such person or persons as shall be passing by M
tcement OF cofNpuls:on INTO any foreign service.
contrary to Tie intent of this proc latnation and
10 seize upon and bring away al such persons as
Aforesaid, who shall be found 70 be serving IN anv
foreign merchant Siipnr vessel as aforesaid Il NJ
we do moreover cO1naHd, eYhoTt and coni,irc
~ our citizen5 detained, contrary To Uis;r nieg1-
ance ana TIER rights, on board any reign ship Of
war IS thcy ai}hDf then si&yish condition. and tic
risking their lives in the cause Of lGreien and
possibly 90 enemy n ton as theyysliie the c9un.
try wineh has cherished chem and as tIicv feel
forthe wives tie children, and the parents from
whom they bavc BE-. torn, and who languisb in
rgofzing grief FOR tIcir return, that they do ize
every possible opportunity Of extiicatinC tern-
selves irogI their deplOrs bic situation employing,
nevertheless, Tie most discreet ard orderly means
the case will adm tof; and taking spcc.l care
that no unnecessary violence be done Or offered 20
The vessel or the remainder Of tie crew, cut Of
which such persons may happily be able to effect
their Just sndlawfui dclivcrGhce.
And whereas It IS further represented 10 Vs.
that aInorg the indictments snd dciusions prac-
Used on our mariners and scafring eitizens, fos
reign statutes have beer enacted, declaring IN TIC
to or following, viz " For the better encour. q.
ing Of foreign mariners and seamen 90 come sud
'cFTe gu loal ships belonging 70 TINS kingdom Of