3 June 1797 Questions to the Attorney Gen. on the conduct to be observed by convoys Sir. W.D. 3 June 1797 I wish you to turn your attention to the following inquiries; the result to serve as the bases of regulations for the naval force of the U.S. when [strikethrough: employed] it may act as convoys to our trade. In what cases may armed [undecipherable] therefore will it be lawful for armed ships of the U.S. to protect our merchantmen [interlined: according] [interlined: ships of war or privateers] against search by the [undecipherable] of any of the belligerent powers? without contravening either the law of nations or any existing treaty between the U.S and any foreign nation? In what cases will it be proper to permit a search and under what circumstances? I beg your early and serious attention to this subject, and [undecipherable] I am very respectfully & Charles Lee Esq. Attorney Gen.