War Department, 24^th May 1793. Sir [undecipherable] circumstances it is represented to this President of the United States, that lately at the Port of Charleston in South Carolina, two vessels have been manned [undecipherable: armed?] and [undecipherable: equipped?] and manifestly [undecipherable] on behalf of one of the belligerent pow- ers now at war; [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. To- gether with the nature and [undecipherable] of such conduct, [undecipherable] engages 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 [undecipherable] not being required by any treaty of the United States, he has considered that effectual mea- sures ought to be adopted and pursued to prevent a recurrence of it. [undecipherable: Inasmuch?] in as much as such a [undecipherable: practice?] by any of the parties at war, or their Sub- jects or citizens is an infraction of the juris- diction [Lre from the Sec^y. of War to prevent the fitting out &c. of Privateers, within the U.S., on behalf of any of the belligerent Powers. May 24. 1793.]