![JAY, John (1745-1829). Document signed (“John Jay”), as President of Congress, In Congress, Wednesday, 3 April 1776 [likely signed ca. 1778]. Instructions to the Commanders of private Ships or vessels of War, which shall have Commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprisal, authorising them to make Captures of British vessels and Cargoes. 1 page, folio, recto only, small paper loss along left edge (not affecting text).](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2015/NYR/2015_NYR_11610_0046_000(jay_john_document_signed_as_president_of_congress_in_congress_wednesda101929).jpg?w=1)
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JAY, John (1745-1829). Document signed (“John Jay”), as President of Congress, In Congress, Wednesday, 3 April 1776 [likely signed ca. 1778]. Instructions to the Commanders of private Ships or vessels of War, which shall have Commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprisal, authorising them to make Captures of British vessels and Cargoes. 1 page, folio, recto only, small paper loss along left edge (not affecting text).
AMERICANS TAKE THE WAR TO THE BRITISH -- BUT BAN TORTURE
“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,” the document begins. They were also authorized to take by force the “Soldiers, arms, gun-powder, ammunition, provisions,” and any other goods “employed against these colonies.” Two months before the American colonists declared their independence, they declared these rights to wage aggressive war on the high seas against the King’s navy and even his merchant shipping. But this license to piracy was not a license to indulge in blood lust. “If you, or any of your officers or crew, shall, in cold blood, kill or maim, or, by torture or otherwise, cruelly, inhumanly, and contrary to common usage and the practice of civilized nations in war, treat any person or persons surprised in the ships or vessels you take, the offender shall be severely punished…”
AMERICANS TAKE THE WAR TO THE BRITISH -- BUT BAN TORTURE
“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,” the document begins. They were also authorized to take by force the “Soldiers, arms, gun-powder, ammunition, provisions,” and any other goods “employed against these colonies.” Two months before the American colonists declared their independence, they declared these rights to wage aggressive war on the high seas against the King’s navy and even his merchant shipping. But this license to piracy was not a license to indulge in blood lust. “If you, or any of your officers or crew, shall, in cold blood, kill or maim, or, by torture or otherwise, cruelly, inhumanly, and contrary to common usage and the practice of civilized nations in war, treat any person or persons surprised in the ships or vessels you take, the offender shall be severely punished…”