Henry Knox letter May 24, 1793.

H. Knox, Secretary of War, to the Governor.
May 24th 1793.
War Department
Sir:
In consequence of a representation lo the President of the United States that lately at the Port of Charleston, in South Carolina, two vessels were commissioned, equipped, and armed as Privateers on behalf of one of the belligerent powers named in his proclamation; the same, together with the nature and tendency of such conduct have engaged his serious attention and deliberation. The President deeming the toleration of such a practice to be inconsistent with the duties of neutrality and with the preservation of the peace of the nation, and the same not being required by any Treaty of the United States, he has concluded that effectual measures ought to be adopted and pursued to prevent a repetition of it.
And inasmuch as such a proceeding by any of the parties at War or their subjects or citizens is an infraction of the Jurisdiction and rights of the United States, which would fall within the principle and remedy in the case stated in my letter of the 23d instant.
I am fully instructed by the President of the United States to signify to your Excellency in your capacity of commander-in-chief of the militia of your state his desire and request, that if the practice which has been mentioned should at any time occur in your stale, you will effectually interpose to put a stop to it; and in order thereto, that you will detain any vessel in respect to which the proceeding shall take place, and will be pleased to notify him of the circumstances of the case, and the steps which you may have taken, to the end that he may give such further directions thereon as may appear proper.
I have the honor to be with great respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient Humble servant.

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Source of Information

CALENDAR of VIRGINIA STATE PAPERS and OTHER MANUSCRIPTS, FROM AUGUST 11, 1792, TO DECEMBER 31, 1793, PRESERVED IN THE CAPITOL AT RICHMOND. ARRANGED AND EDITED BY SHERWIN McRAE. VOLUME VI. RICHMOND: A. R. MICOU, SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC PRINTING. 1886