vessels for that
purpose. Notwithstanding the remonstrances of the American government,
the officers of the British navy were not unfrequently seen seizing
native British subjects who had voluntarily enlisted on board our
vessels, and had also impressed into the British service some thousands
of American seamen.

[_Interesting Events_: Second War:

The Berlin Decree of 1806, and that of Milan, in the succeeding
year, (both issued by the French government, to prevent the American
flag from trading with their enemy,) were followed by the British
Orders in Council; no less extensive than the former, in the design,
and equally repugnant to, the law of nations. In addition to these
circumstances, a cause of irritation existed some time between the
United States and Great Britain. This was the right of search,
claimed by Great Britain, as one of her prerogatives. This was to
take her native born subjects, wherever found, for her navy, and to
search American vessels for that purpose. Notwithstanding the
remonstrances of the American government, the officers of the
British navy, were not unfrequently seizing native born British
subjects, who had voluntarily enlisted on board of our vessels,
and had also impressed into the British service some thousands of
American seamen.]

"In consequence of the British and French decrees, a general capture of
all American property on the seas seemed almost inevitable. Congress,
therefore, on the recommendation of the president, laid an embargo on
all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States.

[_Interesting Events_: Second War:

In consequence of the British and French decrees, a general capture
of all American property on the seas seemed almost inevitable.
Congress, therefore, on the recommendation of the President, on the
22d of December, 1807, laid an embargo on all vessels within the
jurisdiction of the United States.]

"In a moment, the commerce of the American republic, from being, in
point of extent, the second in the world, was reduced to a coasting
trade between the individual states. The opposition to the act in
several of the states was so great that they unanimously declared
against it, and individuals throughout the whole seized every
opportunity of infringement; therefore Congress thought proper to repeal
the embargo law, and substituted a non-intercourse with France and
England."

[_Interesting Events_: Se