War department 24^th May 1793. Sir In consequence of a representation to the President of the United States that [undecipherable: vessels?] at the port of Charleston in South Carolina, two [undecipherable: vessels?] were commissioned equipped and manned as privateers on behalf of one of the belligerent powers named in his proclamation. the fact, together with the nature and [undecipherable] of their conduct have engaged his serious attention and deliberations. The President deems 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 [undecipherable] to prevent a repetition of it. And in as much as such a [undecipherable: proceeding] by any of the parties at war, or their [undecipherable] or citizens is an infraction of the jurisdiction and rights of the United States which would fall within the principles and remedy of the case stated in my letter of the 23^d instant. I am further instructed by the President of the United States to signify to your Excellency in your capacity of [undecipherable: Commander] or in this [undecipherable] of your State [undecipherable] and acquaint that if the [undecipherable: practice] which has been mentioned should, at any time, occur in your State, you will effectually interpose to [undecipherable] it, and in order there to that you will detain any vessel in regard 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 direction thereon as may appear proper. I have the honor to be with great respect [undecipherable] [undecipherable] humble servant [signature] [undecipherable] His Excellency Governor [undecipherable]