[endorsement: [undecipherable] lies from the list of those directing that no armed vessel illegally fitted out as a Privateer shall have a place in the ports of the U. States. Aug. 16. 1793.] War Department August 16. 1793 Sir It has heretofore been made known that the fitting out of privateers in the ports of the United States was considered as incompatible with our present state of neutrality. The Executive after trying other measures in vain to prevent a continuance of the practice finds itself at length constrained to resort to means more decisive than have been hitherto employed. To avoid therefore a further infraction of our rights and a further commitment of our peace, the President of the United States after mature deliberation has decided that no armed vessel which has been or shall be originally fitted in any port of the United States, as a cruiser or privateer by either of the parties at war is to have any haven in any of the ports of the United States. I am directed to inform your Excellency of this decision and to request that in case any vessel within the foregoing description should arrive in any port or harbour in the State of Delaware — that you would cause her to be ordered to depart immediately, and in case of her refusal that you would take effectual measures to oblige her to depart, It is at the same time the desire of the President that force may not be resorted to until every proper effort has been previously made to procure the early departure without it — And the President has further directed me to request that in case any such vessel shall have sent or brought subsequent to the fifth instant, or should hereafter send or bring any prize or prizes into any port or harbour of your State, that you would cause such prize or prizes to be immediately secured by the militia for the purpose of being restored to the former owners. It is also requested that you would please to transmit in writing all the cases and the evidences thereon which may occur in pursuance of this communication. The following are the names of the privateers comprehended within the meaning of this letter, that have hitherto come to the knowledge of the Government. Citizen Genet } Sans Culotte } fitted out at Charleston S Carolina Vainqueur de la Bastille } Petit Democrat Philadelphia Carmagnole Delaware I have the honor to be, with great respect Your Excellency's obedient Servant [signature] His Excellency Governor Clayton.