It is certain, that heretofore, they have been much divided in opinion,
as to the distance from their sea-coast to which they might reasonably
claim a right of prohibiting the commitment of hostilities. The greatest
distance to which any respectable assent among nations has been at any
time given, has been the extent of the human sight, estimated at upwards
of twenty miles; and the smallest distance, I believe, claimed by any
nation whatever, is the utmost range of a cannon ball, usually stated at
one sea league. Some intermediate distances have also been insisted
on, and that of three sea leagues has some authority in its favor.
The character of our coast, remarkable in considerable parts of it for
admitting no vessels of size to pass the shores, would entitle us
in reason to as broad a margin of protected navigation as any nation
whatever. Not proposing, however, at this time, and without a
respectful and friendly communication with the powers interested in this
navigation, to fix on the distance to which we may ultimately insist
on the right of protection, the President gives instructions to the
officers acting under his authority, to consider those heretofore given
them as restrained, for the present, to the distance of one sea league,
or three geographical miles, from the sea-shore.
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