1793* detention qfvejsels in neutral ports. 213 

 the interests of mankind in general, that as many re^ 

 straints as pofsiblc, fliould be laid upon that kind of 

 piratical warfare, which we call privateering; so that 

 instead of extending neutral protection beyond due 

 bounds in its favour, it ought to be curtailed as far 

 as is pofsible, consistent with the ideas that prevail^ 

 at present on that head. Indeed the whole of that 

 system seems to be but a remains of that barbarous 

 kind of warfare which generally prevailed in for- 

 mer times, but which now, except in this instance, 

 is universally laid aside in all civilized nations ; for 

 can any good reason be given why the property of 

 individuals (bould be respected on land by bellige- 

 rent powers, and not equally respected at sea; yet that 

 nation would be justly deemed barbarous, which ihould 

 invest certain individuals, or bodies of men, with full 

 powers to go out at pleasure in armed bands, to pillage 

 and to plunder the enemy's country ; though we 

 and every maritime power in Europe, do not deem 

 ourselves barbarous, when we give such a commif- 

 sion to private adventurers, called letters of marque^ 

 to ifsue forth with armed force, and siezf whatever 

 property belonging to private individuals among our 

 enemies, can be met with upon the sea. Surely there 

 can be no difference between an unarmed merchant 

 vefsel carrying goods for the behoof of private indi- 

 viduals, and a waggon loaded, or a storehouse filled 

 with similar good^ on fliore ; yet habit makes 

 us look upon the one as a ju5t and honourable ac(]ui- 

 sition, and the other as a wicked and difhonourable 

 plunder. Were armed cruisers at sea to make war 

 only upon other armed inimical vefsels, as armed 

 troops on land maJic war upon others thcj meet 



