Having, for particular reasons, forborne to use all the measures in our
power for the restitution of the three vessels mentioned in my letter of
August the 7th, the President thought it incumbent on the United States
to make compensation for them: and though nothing was said in that
letter of other vessels taken under like circumstances, and brought in
after the 5th of June and before the date of that letter, yet where
the same forbearance had taken place, it was and is his opinion that
compensation would be equally due.

As to prizes made under the same circumstances, and brought in after the
date of that letter, the President determined that all the means in
our power should be used for their restitution If these fail us, as we
should not be bound by our treaties to make compensation to the other
powers, in the analogous case he did not mean to give an opinion that it
ought to be done to Great Britain. But still, if any cases shall arise
subsequent to that date the circumstances of which shall place them
on similar ground with those before it, the President would think
compensation equally incumbent on the United States.

Instructions are given to the Governors of the different States, to
use all the means in their power for restoring prizes of this last
description, found within their ports. Though they will of course take
measures to be informed of them, and the General Government has given
them the aid of the Custom House officers for this purpose, yet you
will be sensible of the importance of multiplying the channels of their
information, as far as shall depend on yourself or any person under
your direction, in order that the government may use the means in their
power, for making restitution. Without knowledge of the capture, they
cannot restore it. It will always be best to give the notice to them
directly: but any information which you shall be pleased to send to me
also, at any time, shall be forwarded to them as quickly as the
distance will permit. Hence you will perceive, Sir, that the President
contemplates restitution or compensation, in the cases before the
seventh of August, and, after that date, restitution, if it can be
effected by any means in our power: and that it will be important that
you should substantiate the fact that such prizes are in our ports or
waters.

Your list of the privateers illicitly armed in our ports, is, I believe,
correct.

With respect to losses by detention, waste, spol