[duplicates Gen Knox] [1793 May 24] War department May 24, 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 [strikethrough: armed] as Privateers, on behalf of one of the belligerent powers mentioned 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— [strikethrough: And] inasmuch as such a proceeding by any of the parties at [strikethrough: Charleston] or their Subjects as Citizens is an infraction of the jurisdiction and rights of the United States, which would fall within the [undecipherable] [undecipherable: JT Si Papers] remedy of the case Stated in my letter of the [undecipherable] 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 [undecipherable] 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 Servant [signature] H Knox Sec^y of War His Excellency The Governor of the State of Connecticut