22
the remainder of the directions that I would ask permission to submit it once more for Consideration.
The direction is that we should ask the Admiralty to explain more precisely the danger which they apprehend.
But they have already stated in the plainest terms that Sea Officers are not Lawyers, And that they fear the gravest consequences if the task is to be forced upon them of seizing Ships, British or Foreign, for the infraction of an English Act of Parliament made without any treaty or Agreement with Foreign Powers.
The Admiralty do not think that Naval Commanders should be called upon to solve questions of law and diplomacy.
It would be difficult for them to be more precise unless they were to specify any of the numerous cases which it is easy to imagine.
only too easy to foresee cases of error
Within six weeks after the proposed Instructions are issued, the Captain of any British Man of War large or small might
Office!