Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1861-03-27
Letters Of Marque-Their Origin and
What They Mean.


and property Of another nation which has
committed injuries, but neglects or rtfu.
ses to give proper redress thei efor. The
vessel itself which bears such commission
\ Is snmetimes called letter of Marque.
The term maJque is derived from the
Anglo-SaXon mearca-bound or boundary
Letters of marque and reprisal, as they
are more fully termed, signify literally,
therefore, commissions authorizing the
passing Of the frontiers. or boundary, for
the purpose Of taking in return.
In their origin they had reference to
specific injuries in capturing, OBTAINING or
Withholding the property of individuals
in tir1e of peace, aud issued only to the
party injured, or his agents. Their issue
was not regarded as n declaration of way.
though formal hos!iliies might be the
ultimate result Some consider them "A
species of hostlities, an imperfect war;
but strictly, they are not breach of the
peace between nations, though forcihle
redress of injury is contemplated. The
force may not inaptlv be likened to a
redress for rent, which, in measure. is
remedy placed in thehqnds of the injured
party-the landlord himself.
IL is unnecessary to trace the modiica-
tion and regulation to which letters Of
marque have been subjected from their
origin to the present day. Reprisals
between nation and nation, as one means
ot obtaining justice, are Of very ancient
origin, and have their foundation in the
nature of the relations ofdiferent powers.
Though not of frequent occurrence now.
yet as late as 1894, President jackson. in
his Annual Message, suggested the pros
priety of resorling to this method Of
obtaining satisfaction against France.
Letters Of maroue and reprisal. hpwev,
er, with reference to operations at sea-
were not known till much later period
when the increase in the number Of
maritime powers, and the advance Of
commerce, gave rise TO their necessity. In
modern practice they are seldom, if ever
issued till war has been declared, or is in
immediate prospect. Merchants, in time
of war, often deem Il advisable to carry
larger crews than usual, and more or less
of an armament, for purposes of defense,
and not unfre9uently take oct letters Of
marque with the view, if opportunity
offers, to indemnify themselves for the
increased risk and expense of a voyage
by taking prizes. Privateers, CT vessels
fitted out at private expense, for the par
pose of cruising against an enemy's com
merce, are commissioned by letters Of
maroue. The tern is now applied, in a
general sense, to the authority under
which all lawful private armed ships
act.
In the United States, the power Of
granting letters of marque and reprisal is
vested, by the Constitution, in Congress.
In the war of 1912, this power was excl
cised in the act of June 1912, declaring
war, ard provision made for the guidance
and regulation of parties applying tor
such commission, and of vessels
t sailing under them, by the acts Of june
:. 26, 1913. These acts were temporary in
, their design, and are now obsolete
/, Special legislation would be required upor
, any future occasion which called for
, renewed exercise of this power.
!. 1t would be violation of the Neutralit,
f Act of April 90 1918, for an American
v vessel to be commissioned by a letter o
g marque in the service of any foreig'
a power against nation with whom we ar
/, at peace, or for any vessel to be fitted on
|. and armed in any OF our ports for tn
O purpose OF cruising under letters
It mqrque against friendly power.
. TAKEN ABAcK One of the ridiculou