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John Jay signed Letter of Marque and Reprisal, authorizing a private American ship to attack and seize Great British ships and cargo during the Revolutionary War. Signed by Jay as President of the Continental Congress, circa 1778, surviving Letters of Marque and Reprisal are quite rare and desirable manuscripts from the Revolutionary War. Their use was authorized by the Continental Congress on 3 April 1776 prior to the Declaration of Independence and proved highly effective during the War -- on both the American and British sides, although some felt they hampered the build-up of the American Navy.
Letter reads in part, ''You may by force of Arms, attack, subdue, and take all Ships and other Vessels belonging to the Subjects of the King of Great-Britain, on the High Seas...carrying Soldiers, Arms, Gun-powder, Ammunition, Provisions, or any other contraband Goods, to any of the British Armies or Ships of war, employed against these Colonies...'' The letter further instructs Commanders, ''If you, or any of your Officers or Crew, shall, in cold Blood, kill or maim, or, by torture or otherwise, cruelly inhumanely, and contrary to common Usage and the Practice of civilized Nations in War, treat any Person or Persons surprized in the Ship or Vessel you shall take, the Offender shall be severely punished...'' Commanders were also prohibited from ransoming any persons or property seized.
Letter measures approximately 8'' x 12'', matted and framed to a size of 15.75'' x 19.75''. Small holes at intersecting folds, partial split along horizontal fold and some dampstaining particularly at lower right. Not examined out of frame but appears in very good condition.
John Jay Signed Letter of Marque and Reprisal During the Revolutionary War -- As President of the Continental Congress, Jay Authorizes a Private Ship to Attack and Seize Great British Ships and Cargo
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