It has also been determined, that they shall be
given to all vessels _bona fide_ owned by American citizens _wholly_,
whether built here or not. Our property, whether in the form of vessels,
cargoes, or any thing else, has a right to pass the seas untouched by
any nation, by the law of nations; and no one has a right to ask where a
vessel was built, but where is she owned? To the security which the
law of nations gives to such vessels against all nations, are added
particular stipulations with three of the belligerent powers. Had it not
been in our power to enlarge our national stock of shipping suddenly
in the present exigency, a great proportion of our produce must have
remained on our hands for want of the means of transportation to market.
At this time, indeed, a great proportion is in that predicament. The
most rigorous measures will be taken to prevent any vessel, not
wholly and _bona fide_ owned by American citizens, from obtaining our
passports. It is much our interest to prevent the competition of other
nations from taking from us the benefits we have a right to expect from
the neutrality of our flag; and I think we may be very sure that few, if
any, will be fraudulently obtained within our ports.
Though our spring has been cold and wet, yet the crops of small grain
are as promising as they have ever been seen.
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