Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-03-04
Wh,t arc Lcttcrs Of liarque ,


contemporary l,fs-s TO this question as one which
many probably, would be glad to have definite an-
ss.r TO- lust at tbs time. Letters Of Harqae extra
ordinary commissions, granted by public authority, to
oaners of vessel authorizing such vessel 20 make cap
ture and prz, OF t6e person., ships and property OF DO
s1tiscs of another nation which has committed ujlrir7
but n.geets or refuses give proper redress therefor
The vessel itself which bears such commission is some
times called Letter Of Narq1e
TIE t,lm m1rgas is derived from the Auglo-Saxou
,ssorea-bourd or boundary. Letters of marQue an
rsor. as they sre more fully termed signify literally
therefore commissions authorizing the passing Of the
tont, or boun larry for the purpose Of taking in re
turn.
In their origin they had reference TO specific in
les in capturing OBTAINING withholding the proper
~ Of individuals in time OF peace aud issued only tc
the r,ry iured, or bis agents. Their issue was moi
re,,rlsl as declaration Of war though formal hosti
lies i. ht be the ultimate result Some consider then
& .peci.s Of bostGtes imperfect war; bat strictly
they are not breach of the peace between nations
though foroible redress of injury is contemplated
The force may not iuapty be hkened to distress tor
rant which. in measure, is a remedy placed IN the
hand. of the riured psrty-the landlord himself
T. unnecessary to trace the modification aud regula
inns 90 which letters Of marQue have been subjected
from their origin TO the present day. Reprisas between
nation and nation as one means Of obtaining justice are
Of very ancient origin and have their foundation in the
nature of the relations OF different powers. Though
not Of frequent occurrence now, yet as late as 1854
President Jackson in his Annual Message suggested the
-,prety Of resorug TO this method of obtaining salts
s,etion Of our claims against France.
Letters Of marqle and reprisal hoEever, with refer
euee 10 operations az sea, were not known TIL much
later period when the increase in the number Of maritime
movers and the advance Of commerce. gave rise to their
necessity In modern practice, they are seldom, d
ever issued until has been declared or is in mmed
Ate prospect Merchants, III time Of war; often deem
advisable 70 carry larger than usual and more or les
of Al armament for purpos of te'rce aud not unire
a erty take out letters Of marquee Nit tue view, OF
,,rtnrty offers TO indemnify themselves for the increas
ed risk AID expense Of voyage by taking prizes Pa
vse.s or vessels fitted out at private expense, for tbs
purpose Of cruising against an enemys commerce. ART
commissioned by letters of marque. The term is now
.nnlieJ in general sense to the authority under which
all laaiul private armed ships act
In tbe United States the power of granting letters
r,srope and rcprisa is vested bg the Constitution II
Congress In the war Of 1872, this power was exercised
in The Ae, Of June 1872 declaring war, and provision
made for the guidance and regulation Of parties applying
for such commission and of vessels sailing under then
bv the Aes Of June, 90 1918 These Acts we're tempo
rlry in their design and are nov obsolete. Special iI
g.aion would be required upon any future occasion
Which called for renewed exercise of this power
Il would be a violation Of the Neutrality Act OF apr
p ISIS Tor an American vessel 20 be commissioned as
LETT Of muque in the service Of any foreign PoWe'
az ,ns, nation with whom are at peace or Tor any
vessel - be fitted and armed in any of our ports o'
the purpose Of cruising under letters Of marque against
a friendly power.