Conclusion of the work.

CONCLUSION.

ARRIVED at the end of the course that I had marked out, I stop, and here terminate my labours. I am sensible that I have not said every thing that I had conceived on a subject so vast, and so important to the happiness of nations. Yet I flatter myself, that the main object I had in view, has been attained; that of laying the foundations of a science, on which some more skilful hand may, hereafter, raise a more spacious edifice. Happy if the useful truths displayed in this work, should contribute to the welfare of mankind more happy still, if its perusal should impress on the hearts of the potentates of Europe, the great idea, that MARITIME LAW is not the result of barren theory, or cold diplomatic speculation, but an emanation of the luminous and sacred principles of the law of nature and nations; and that the practice of this law, rendered common among all nations, and essential to the interest of all, is, perhaps, the only secret, or the noblest and most ef fectual means, of securing the repose of the world.

END OF THE SECOND AND LAST PART.

VOL. II.

3 B

APPENDIX.

INSTEAD of the Catalogue of Books and Authors cited by M. Azuni, and annexed to the second volume of the original work, it has been thought more useful to subjoin, as an Appendix to this translation, some public acts and papers relative to neutral com

merce.

An ample list of treaties and public acts, from 1731 to 1802, with a reference to the different collections in which they may be found, is inserted at the end of Mr. Cobbett's translation of the Compendium of the Law of Nations, by M. Martens, London, 1802. The introduction to this work contains a list of the most approved works necessary in the study of the law of nations; and the sixth chapter of the third book exhibits a summary of the rights and duties of neutrality, according to the modern law of Europe. In the second part of the work of Lampredi, translated by M. Peuchet, Paris, 1802, may be found numerous extracts from the public treaties and conventions relative to commerce and navigation.

Besides the authors referred to in the notes to the preceding work, some small but valuable tracts on the rights of neutrals, have lately appeared in Europe and America, that deserve to be mention

ed.

These are, 1. A treatise on the Visitation of Neutral Vessels under Convoy, &c. by I. F. W. Schlegel, Doctor and Professor of Law in the University of Copenhagen, translated, London, 1801;

2. Remarks on Mr. Schlegel's work, by Alexander Croke, Esq. L. L. D. London, 1801; 3. Letters of Sulpicius on the Northern Confederacy, with appendix, &c. London, 1801; 4. A Vindication of the Convention, concluded between Great-Britain and Russia, London, 1801; 5. Substance of the Speech of the Right Hon. Lord Grenville in the House of Lords, November 13, 1801, London, 1802; 6. The Rights of Neutrals, &c. Miscellaneous Papers on Political and Commercial subjects, by Noah Webster, junior, New-York, 1802; 7. A Dissertation on the Freedom of Navigation and Maritime Commerce, &c. by William Barton, A. M. Philadelphia, 1802; 8. War in Disguise, or the Frauds of the Neutral Flags, London, 1805, reprinted, New-York, 1806; 9. An Answer to War in Disguise, or, Remarks upon the New Doctrine of England concerning Neutral Trade, New-York, February, 1806; 10. An Examination of the British Doctrine, which subjects to capture a neutral trade, not open in time of peace, Washington, 1806.

TRANSLATOR.

APPENDIX.

NUMBER I.

Declaration of the Empress of Russia, to the Courts of London, Versailles, and Madrid, dated February 26, 1780.

THE empress of all the Russias has fully manifested her sentiments of equity and moderation, as well as given evident proof, during the course of the war that she supported against the Ottoman Porte, of the regard she has for the rights of neutrality and the liberty of universal commerce, as all Europe can witness. This conduct, as well as the principles of impartiality that she has displayed during the present war, justly inspired her with the fullest confidence, that her subjects would peaceably enjoy the fruits of their industry, and the advantages belonging to a neutral nation. Experience has, nevertheless, proved the contrary. Neither the abovementioned considerations, nor a regard to the rights of nations, have prevented the subjects of her imperial majesty from being often molested in their navigation, and stopped in their operations, by those of the belligerent powers.

These hindrances to the liberty of trade in general, and to that of Russia in particular, are of a nature to