When was it published?

August 28, 1793 in National Gazette

Domestic News August 28, 1793

National Gazette

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Judge Pac A, Mr. Smith, Mr. Winchester, Mr. Chase

Q: What keywords are associated?

Admiralty Court, French Privateers, Captures Jurisdiction, Baltimore Decree

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

View full issue View on Library of Congress PDF Page 3

What is this article about?

In Baltimore, Judge PAC A ruled against the jurisdiction of U.S. admiralty courts over captures made by French ships of war or privateers from belligerent powers, following arguments by lawyers Smith, Winchester, and Chase.

Clipping

OCR Quality

95% Excellent

Full Text

Baltimore, Aug. 16.—Yesterday the honorable Judge PAC A pronounced his decree, against the jurisdiction of the courts of admiralty of this country, to take cognizance of the legality of captures, by French ships of war, or privateers, of any of the belligerent powers. The question came before the court upon the pleadings subjoined, which from the importance of the subject, we have procured, and present to our readers. The cause received every support of which it was susceptible, on either side, from the arguments of Mr. SMITH, for the libellants, and Mr. WINCHESTER and Mr. CHASE, for the captors, which took up three days. The judge, in a very learned and elaborate opinion, unfolded his reasons against the jurisdiction of the court, in a manner, that we hope will leave our allies to the full enjoyment of their acquisitions, without further molestation, under the treaty of amity and commerce.

What sub-type of article is it?

Legal Or Court

What keywords are associated?

Admiralty Court French Privateers Captures Jurisdiction Baltimore Decree

What entities or persons were involved?

Judge Pac A Mr. Smith Mr. Winchester Mr. Chase

Where did it happen?

Baltimore

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Baltimore

Event Date

Aug. 15

Key Persons

Judge Pac A Mr. Smith Mr. Winchester Mr. Chase

Outcome

decree pronounced against the jurisdiction of admiralty courts to review legality of captures by french ships of war or privateers; expected to allow french allies to retain acquisitions without interference under treaty.

Event Details

The court considered pleadings on the jurisdiction over captures by French ships from belligerent powers. Arguments were presented by Mr. SMITH for libellants and Mr. WINCHESTER and Mr. CHASE for captors over three days. Judge PAC A delivered a learned opinion rejecting the court's jurisdiction.