Part 3 of 7 - Ibiblio

202 ATLANTIC THEATER
The Licensed Trade
British /and and naval forces were locked in a struggle against the
French when the War of 1812 commenced, but they had a continuing
need for supplies, particularly grain, flour, and naval stores which had
customarily been purchased in North America. Thus, even though the
United States had declared war, the British countenanced trade with
those Americans willing to continue. In order to protect American
ships involved in trade that supported British armies in Portugal and
Spain, the consulates were authorized to issue documents in favor of
such ships. They instructed British warsh.p commanders to release,
assist, and protect the ship they had halted. In thefollowing memoran·
dum, Vice A dmiral Herbert Sawyer, commander of Brilish shIps 011
the North American station, advises the capta,;lS under his command
that such licenses were being issued.
(Copy)
Secret Memorandum
V,CE ADMIRAL HERBERT SAWYER's
MEMORANDUM ON TilE LICENSED TRADE
Centurion at Halifax 27th July 1812
The former minister of his Majesty in America having granted 180
numbered Licenses and 5 distinct ones fOT vessels under American ,
Portuguese and Swedish colors to carry provisions to the Armies in
Spain & Portugal, and return in ballast. and further 14 for American
vessels loaded with wood for the Dock Yards in England. 30 for those
loaded with cattle & flour for the West Indies and the government of
New Brunswick having given permission to American Merchant
Vessels loaded with provisions for St. Johns. and to take English
Merchandize in return; and the following vessels viz. Bingham. Slag
Harriet , Orion, & Centurion, are under such circumstances, as to be
particularly protected. and can pass without fear of being molested by
any of his Majestys vessels. as vessels being employed in an innocent
commerce, and according to the intention herein expressed: and
vessels which are provided with licenses from his Excellency Sir John C.
Sherbrooke. to import provisions to Halifax, are free from detention. I
JANUARY- AUGUST 181 2 203
have likewise granted 20 protections to Mr. Robert Elwell for vessels
loaded ,:,"h flour and other provisions for Spain & Portugal. And I
have WTllten a letter to Mr Andrew Allen. his Majesty's Consul in
Boston . speCifYing that all vessels having a Copy of that letter among
their papers. certified by hIm under the English Consulate Seal. with
such Articles as are before specified. and bound to the before mentioned
Countries. are to be protected by his Majesty's vessels under my
command. you therefore govern yourself accordingly.
12 August 1812
The~e has ~een written a lener subsequent to the above order. to
Chevalier [ LUIS] D·Onis. His Catholic Majesty's Minister in America
someth~ng similar to that written to Mr. Allen . on {he same subject.:
Accordmgly all vessels having a Copy Cenified by him are to be proteCled
. I have granted a protection to Mr Charles Bradford. to import
a ca rgo of dry goods to a pon in the United States & likewise one to Mr
Elijah MIX .. theirvessels will hoist the following flags on the approach
of any of hIS MaJesty's vessels.
The first
Black
Red
Yellow
The Second
Black
White
Black
By order of the Vice Admiral
(Signed) William Ayre
Copy. DNA , RG45 . CL, 1813 . Vol. 1. No. 26 (enclosure).
I. Stt p. 492,
Secretary