Seth Kaller, Inc.

“it shall...be the duty of the master of every ship or vessel of the United States, any of the crew whereof shall have been impressed or detained by any foreign power, at the first port, at which such ship or vessel shall arrive...immediately to make a protest.”

This rare historical broadside addresses the pressing issue of the impressment of American, a major factor leading the young United States into the Quasi-War with France (1798-1800) and later to the War of 1812 with Great Britain.

GEORGE WASHINGTON. An extract of the Act, entitled, ‘An Act, for the relief and Protection of American Seamen;’ passed in the fourth Congress of the United States, at the first Session, begun and held at the City of Philadelphia, on Monday the seventh of December, One thousand seven hundred and ninety-five. May 28, 1796. Broadside. Baltimore, MD: John Hayes. Signed in type by George Washington as President, Jonathan Dayton as Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Samuel Livermore as President pro tempore of the Senate, printing the fifth and sixth sections of the act. 4 pp., 8½ x 13 in.

Inventory #24393       ON HOLD

Excerpts
“it shall and hereby is declared to be the duty of the master of every ship or vessel of the United States, any of the crew whereof shall have been impressed or detained by any foreign power, at the first port, at which such ship or vessel shall arrive...immediately to make a protest, stating the manner of such impressment, or detention, by whom made, together with the name and place of residence of the person impressed or detained; distinguishing also, whether he was an American citizen; and if not, to what nation he belonged. And it shall be the duty of such master to transmit by post, or otherwise, every such protest made in a foreign country, to the nearest Consul or Agent, or to the Minister of the United States, resident in such country.”

Historical Background
While war was waged between England and France, George Washington’s neutrality policy allowed the U.S to trade with both, and the value of American exports tripled. However, in 1792 the United States stopped repaying its debt to France based on the argument that it was owed to the French Monarchy, not the new French Republic. The French responded by authorizing privateers to seize U.S. ships trading with Great Britain. In the meantime, the British Royal Navy needed experienced sailors, and began stopping American ships and seizing and impressing (forcing into service) any sailors thought or claimed to be British subjects.

On March 14, 1796, Edward Livingston of New York introduced in Congress a bill for the relief and protection of American seamen, which passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 77 to 13. The Senate tried to amend the bill but ultimately accepted the House version, and President Washington signed it into law on May 28.

John Hayes (1757-1822) operated a printing establishment in the port city of Baltimore, Maryland. From 1783 to 1792, he was the publisher of The Maryland Gazette; or, the Baltimore Advertisernewspaper, and he also published almanacs.

We are aware of only one other example ever being offered for sale. Evans 31340.