By the United States in Congress assembled, April 7, 1781. : Be it ordained, and it is hereby ordained by the United States in Congress assembled, that the following instructions be observed by the captains or commanders of private armed vessels, commissioned by letters of marque or general reprisals, or otherwise by the authority of the United States .

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• In Congress, April 3, 1776 : Resolved, that every person intending to set forth and fit out a private ship or vessel of war, and applying for a commission or letters of marque and reprisal for that purpose, shall produce a writing, subscribed by him, containing the name, and tonnage or burthen of the ship or vessel .
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• Know ye, that we have granted, and by these presents do grant, licence and authority to John Foster Williams mariner, commander of the [blank] ... to fit out and set forth the said [blank] in a warlike manner, and by and with the said [blank] and the crew thereof ... to attack, subdue and take all ships and other vessels whatsoever carrying soldiers, arms ... or any other contraband goods to any of the British armies or ships of war employed against these United States .
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