Letter of Marque carried by Captain Millin of the American
privateer Prince of Neufchâtel during the War
of 1812.
James Madison, President of the United States of America,
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
BE IT KNOWN, That in pursuance of an act of congress, passed
on the 26th day of June one thousand eight hundred and twelve,
I have Commissioned, and by these presents do commission,
the private armed Brig called the Prince
de Neufchâtel of the burden of three hundred
& Nineteen tons, or thereabouts, owned by John Ordronaux
& Peter E. Trevall of the City & State of New York
and Joseph Beylle of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania
Mounting eighteen carriage guns, and navigated by one hundred
& twenty nine men, hereby authorizing Nicholas Millin
captain, and William Stetson lieutenant of the said Brig and
the other officers and crew thereof, to subdue, seize, and
take any armed or unarmed British vessel, public or private,
which shall be found within the jurisdictional limits of the
United States, or elsewhere on the high seas, or within the
waters of the British dominions, and such captured vessel,
with her apparel, guns, and appurtenances, and the goods or
effects which shall be found on board the same, together with
all the British persons and others who shall be found acting
on board, to bring within some port of the United States;
and also to retake any vessel, goods, and effects of the people
of the United States, which may have been captured by any
British armed vessel, in order that proceedings may be had
concerning such capture or recapture in due form of law, and
as to right and justice shall appertain.
The said Nicholas Millin is further authorized
to detain, seize, and take all vessels and effects, to whomsoever
belonging, which shall be liable thereto according to the law
of nations and the rights of the United States as a power at
war, and to bring the same within some port of the United States,
in order that due proceedings may be had thereon.
This commission to continue in force during
the pleasure of the president of the United States for the time
being.
GIVEN under my hand and seal of the United
States of America, at the City of Washington, the twelfth day
of December in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred
and fourteen and of the independence of the said states the
thirty ninth.
BY THE PRESIDENT James Madison
Jas. Monroe Secretary of State.
Downloaded with permission from Maritime
History. This is the Letter of Marque issued to the
second captain of the Prince of Neufchâtel.
Reference: HCA32/1342/
Location: Public Record Office
Richmond Surrey
TWD 4DU UK.
