War department, 24^th May 1793. Sir In consequence of a representation to the President of the United States, that lately at the Port of Charleston in South Carolina two vessels were commissioned, equipped and manned as Privateers, on behalf of one of the belligerent powers named in his proclamation, the same, together with the nature and tendency of such conduct, have engaged 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 same not being required by any treaty of the United States, he has concluded that effectual measures ought to be adopted and pursued to prevent a repetition of it. And inasmuch as such a proceeding by any of the parties at war, or their subjects or citizens, is an infraction of the jurisdiction and rights of the United States, which would fall within the principle 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 commander in chief of the militia of your State, his desire and request, that if the practice which has been mentioned should, at any time, occur in your State, you will effectually interpose to put a stop to it; and in order thereto, that you will detain any vessel in respect 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, Your Excellency's most obedient, humble Servant. H Knox Secy of War His Excellency The Governor of Virginia [Endorsement on wrapper: Secretary at War. a May 24. 93]