CASE OF THE UNITED STATES. 49 



SEIZURES IN 1818. 



Notwithstanding the decision of the Vice Admirality Court of 

 Halifax, rendered in August, 1817, holding that the seizures above 

 referred to were illegal, and notwithstanding the assurance given 

 by Lord Castlereagh to Mr. Adams in Iiis note of May T, 1817, here- 

 inabove quoted, that pending the negotiations for a new treaty in- 

 structions would be issued to the naval commanders on the American 

 station suspending the execution of the orders under which the afore- 

 said seizures had been made, four additional seizures of American 

 fishing vessels were made by British warships in the months of July 

 and August, 1818, and here again in every instance the vessels were 

 seized within three marine miles from the shore and the offences 

 charged were alleged to have occurred within that limit." As 

 appear from the official records of these seizures, one of the vessels was 

 seized while lying at anchor in Mackerel Cove, Beaver Island; one 

 off Pope's Harbor, and two in Lipscomb harbor, one of which was 

 released after the following notice had been endorsed upon its license : 



It is hereby notified, that it is the earnest desire of rear admiral 

 Sir David Milne, commander in chief of his Majesty's ships and 

 vessels in North America, and in the lakes of Canada, in endeavour- 

 ing to preserve the maritime rights of his majesty from infringe- 

 ment, to avoid, as much as possible, subjecting the vessels and people 

 of the United States of America engaged in the fisheries to any loss 

 or interruption which they have made themselves liable as to the 

 just rights which belong to the maritime dominions of his majesty 

 in North America. You are therefore allowed to pursue your voy- 

 age without further detention, taking notice, however, that if you are 

 again found trespassing on his majesty's rights you cannot expect 

 to receive further indulgences: and you are requested to notify to the 

 vessels of your nation, as far as in your power, to avoid inter- 

 f erring with these fisheries which exclusively appertain to his maj- 

 esty's subjects, as they will be hereafter proceeded against as the law 

 directs. Given under mv hand at Halifax, 58 year of H. M. reign, 

 1818. 



(Signed) Davu) Milne, Commander in Chief P^ 



<» Appendix, p. 1076. 



