760 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 



from the vicinity of her capture or elsewhere, she remains always 

 liable to seizure and detention if met by yourself in Canadian waters, 

 and in British waters everywhere if brought to account by Her 

 Majesty's cruisers. But great care must be taken to make certain 

 of the identity of any offending vessel to be so dealt with. 



All vessels seized must be placed, as soon as possible, in the cus- 

 tody of the nearest Customs Collector, and information, with a 

 statement of the facts, and the depositions of your sailing piaster, 

 clerk, lieutenant, or mate, and of two at least of the most reliable of 

 your crew be despatched with all possible diligence to the Govern- 

 ment. Be careful to describe the exact locality where the violation 

 of the law took place, and the ship, vessel, or boat was seized. Also 

 corroborate the bearings taken, by soundings, and by buoying the 

 place (if possible) with a view to actual measurements, and make 

 such incidental reference to conspicuous points and land marks as 

 shall place beyond doubt the illegal position of the seized ship, 

 vessel or boat. 



Omit no precaution to establish on the spot that the trespass was 

 or is being committed within three miles of land. 



As it is possible that foreign fishing craft may be driven into Cana- 

 dian waters by violent or contrary winds, by strong tides, through 

 misadventure, or some other cause independent of the will of the 

 master and crew, you will consider these circumstances, and satisfy 

 yourself with regard thereto before taking the extreme step of seizing 

 or detaining any vessel. 



On capture, it will be desirable to take part of the foreign crew 

 aboard the vessel under your command, and place some of your own 

 crew, as a measure of precaution on board the seized vessel ; first low- 

 ering the foreign flag borne at the tune of capture. If your ordi- 

 nary complement of men does not admit of this being done, or if 

 because or several seizures the number of your hands might be too 

 much reduced, you will in such emergency endeavor to engage a few 

 trustworthy men. The portion of foreign crew taken on board the 

 Government vessel you will land at the nearest place where a Consul 

 of the United States is situated, or where the readiest conveyance to 

 any American Consulate in Canada may be reached, and leave them 

 there. 



When any of Her Majesty's vessels about the fishing stations or in 

 port are met with, you should, if circumstances permit, go on board 

 and confer with the Naval Commander, and receive any suggestions 

 he may feel disposed to give, which do not conflict with these instruc- 

 tions, and afford him any information you may possess about the 

 movements of foreign craft; also inform him what vessels you have 

 accosted and where. 



Do not fail to make a full entry of all circumstances connected with 

 foreign fishing vessels, noting their names, tonnage, ownership, crew, 

 port, place or fishing, cargo, voyage, and destination, and (if ascer- 

 tainable) their catch. Report your proceedings as often as possible, 

 and keep the Department fully advised on every opportunity, where 

 instructions would most probably reach you at stated intervals. 



Directions as to the stations and limits on which you are to cruise, 

 and any further instructions that may be deemed necessary, will from 

 time to time be conveyed to you. 



