protection and assistance, and that they may join, as much as possible, the fleets and convoys of these three northern maritime powers. But the king's intention is merely to secure, by the above arrangements, the lawful commerce of his subjects, and not to cause any prejudice to the different powers at war, with whom he lives in perfect harmony, nor to favor any contraband dealings whatever; all the subjects of his majesty, who traffic by sea, or practise navigation, are hereby enjoined to observe the most exact neutrality, conformably to the laws of nature, and the rights and privileges of nations, almost universally acknowledged. But as the different treaties respecting the maritime commerce, which several powers have concluded among themselves, might create some difference in these rights and privileges, it is principally to the known declaration, which her majesty, the empress of Russia has caused to be presented, last year, to the belligerent powers, and to the ordinance which his majesty afterwards issued, on the 8th of March, 1780, for the regulation of her colleges of commerce, to which the subjects of the king are to conform, with regard to their maritime commerce; the principles set forth therein being such as his majesty finds the most coincident with the rights and privileges of nations in general, and with his own in particular. In consequence thereof, it is ordered by this present edict, to all the Prussian subjects, who are in any ways concerned in the maritime commerce and navigation, as follows: ART. I. That they shall not take any part, under what pretence soever, in the present war; and shall not carry to any of the belligerent powers, under the Prussian flag, any goods or merchandise generally açknowledged as contraband, and which constitute implements or ammunition of war; such as cannons, mortars, flints, matches, gunpowder, salt-petre, pikes, sulphur, swords, and saddles. The subjects of the king shall also be cautious not to carry on board of their trading ships, any more of these articles than is absolutely necessary for their own use. II. All Prussian subjects are, on the contrary, allowed and permitted to carry, under the Prussian flag, as well to the belligerent as to the neutral nations, all kinds of goods and merchandises which are not comprehended in the foregoing article, and which cannot properly be construed as implements or ammunitions of war, nor are hereby prohibited, but particularly allowed, all the productions of all the different provinces of his majesty's dominions. His majesty expects, from the equity and friendship of the belligerent powers, that they will not henceforth per mit their ships of war, or privateers, to molest or seize any Prussian ships laden with masts, hemp, pitch, corn, and other materials, which, without being warlike stores, may however be converted into such, and which constitute the principal and almost only object of the Prussian commerce. These powers, it is hoped, are too just, to expect that the commerce of a neutral nation should be suspended, or entirely annihilated, on account of their broils and wars. After these principles, it is likewise hoped, that the different powers at war will henceforth let freely pass and repass, without seizing or confiscating, all lawful cargoes, goods, and merchandise, belonging to Prussian subjects, and which may be laden on board of ships belonging to the subjects of any belligerent nations and in the same manner, all lawful cargoes, goods, and merchandise, belonging to the subjects of any belligerent powers, and that may be laden on board of Prussian ships; "for, in all these cases, his majesty will most efficaciously interfere in favor of his subjects trading by sea." But as it is prudent to avoid contestations as much as possible, his majesty most earnestly recommends to all his subjects, to endeavour, as much as can be, to load their goods and effects on board of Prussian ships, and always to carry the same under the Prussian flag; as also not to employ themselves, more than need be, in any coasting trade; but to adhere principally to the Prussian commerce only, in order to avoid the better all accidents, misunderstandings, and difficulties. III. All Prussian ships, before they put to sea, shall provide themselves with proper passports and attestations from the admiralties, maritime colleges, or magistrates of the city or port from which they sail, as also with proper clearances, bills of lading, and other customary certificates, in which shall be expressed the quality and quantity of the cargo, the name of the proprietor, and the person to whom the goods are sent, as well as the name of the place for which the ship is destined. All these papers shall in every respect be clear and not equivocal. They shall always be kept on board, and shall not be thrown into the sea, under any pretext whatever. All captains or commanders of ships, are above all hereby forVOL. II. 3 F bidden to have on board of their ships any double, equivocal, or entirely false papers or passports; in which case, upon due conviction thereof, they shall not only be deprived of his majesty's protection, but also incur severe punishment. IV. All Prussian ships, taking in any cargo in a foreign port, shall likewise provide themselves with the necessary passports and clearances, which are customarily granted to trading ships in that port, in order that they may prove every where of what nation they are, what their cargo consists of, from whence they came, and for what port they are bound; and if any pirate or other person should take the said papers from them by force, the king will consider it as an offence of the first magnitude. V. No officers, or other persons employed in the navy of any of the belligerent nations, shall be taken as passengers, or otherwise be found on board of any Prussian ship; nor shall any more than one-third of the crew, consist of natives of any of these nations. VI. All Prussian navigators are hereby strictly commanded, not to take any cargoes, goods, or mer chandise whatever, to any fortified place or port, that may be besieged, blockaded, or surrounded by the ships of war of any of the belligerent powers. VII. All Prussian navigators are likewise expressJy forbidden to lend their names, papers, &c. to any other nation; for they are to carry on their trade in general in a manner conformable to the rights and customs of all nations, so that they may not occasion any prejudice to the rights of the belligerent powers, nor subject themselves to any reason of complaint. All those of his majesty's subjects, who shall strictly conform to the tenor of this present edict, may rely on the king's most efficacious protection; but all those who shall neglect to conform thereto, shall not only be deprived of his protection, but may attribute to themselves all the dangers and damages which they may draw upon themselves, by a conduct con trary to the tenor of this present ordinance. Given at Berlin, April 30, 1781. By order of his majesty, FINKENSTEIN, E. F. DE HERTZBERG. No. X. Letter from Mr. Fox, to M. Simolin, dated March SIR, 29, 1782. HAVING laid before his majesty an extract of the letter, which you did me the honor, sir, of communicating from prince Gallitzin and Mons. de Marcoff, I have his majesty's commands to inform you, that the king, desirous of testifying his intentions towards their H. M. and of renewing their friendship which has been so unfortunately interrupted be tween old allies, who ought to be united in the bonds of mutual interest, is ready to enter into a negotiation, for the purpose of setting on foot a treaty of peace, on the terms and conditions of that which was agreed to, in 1674, between his majesty and the republic; and that the better to facilitate the execu |