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shall be found in any river, port, bay, or harbor, or on the high
seas, within the jurisdictional limits of the United States, or
hovering on the coast thereof, having on board any negro,
mulatto, or person of color, for the purpose of selling them as
slaves, or with intent to land the same in any port or place
within the jurisdiction of the United States, contrary to the
prohibition of the act, shall, together with her tackle, apparel,
and furniture, and the goods and effects which shall be found on
board the same, be forfeited and may be seized, prosecuted, and
condemned in any court of the United States having jurisdiction
thereof.

"It further authorizes the President of the United States to
cause any of the armed vessels of the United States to be manned
and employed to cruise on any part of the coast of the United
States, or territories thereof, and to instruct and direct the
commanders to seize, take, and bring into any port of the United
States, all such ships or vessels; and, moreover, to seize, take,
and bring into any port of the United States, all ships or
vessels _of the United States, wherever found on the high seas_,
contravening the provisions of the act, to be proceeded against
according to law.

"You will, therefore, consider yourself hereby especially
instructed and required, and you will instruct and require all
officers placed under your command, to seize, take, and bring
into port, _any vessel of whatever nature_, found in any river,
port, bay, or harbor, or on the high seas, within the
jurisdictional limits of the United States, or hovering on the
coast thereof, having on board any negro, mulatto, or person of
color, for the purpose of selling them as slaves, or with intent
to land the same, contrary to law; and, moreover, to seize, take,
and bring into port, all ships or vessels _of the United States_,
wheresoever found on the high seas or elsewhere, contravening the
provisions of the law. Vessels thus to be seized, may be brought
into _any_ port of the United States; and when brought into port,
must, without delay, be reported to the district-attorney of the
United States residing in the district in which such port may be,
who will institute such further proceedings as law and justice
require.