THE LAWS OF WAR, AFFECTING COMMERCE AND SHIPPING by H. BYERLEY THOMSON, ESQ., B.A. Barrister-at-Law, of Jesus College, Cambridge, and the Inner Temple A New Edition, Enlarged, With An Introduction And Index 1854 PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. The success which attended the publication of the First Edition of this Treatise, on "The Laws of War, affecting Commerce and Shipping," has confirmed the author's opinion of the utility of such a work; and its hearty acceptance by the mercantile world has induced him to add largely and materially to this edition. The general plan of the former work has not been departed from in the first portion of the present; and although a great number of fresh and popular topics have been here touched upon, the author has endeavoured to preserve (as far as was consistent with accuracy), that concise and popular character which he believes in no small degree contributed to the favourable reception of the first edition. An Introduction has also been added, discussing the origin of the Laws of War generally, and the utility of the work has been enhanced by an Index for facilitating reference. In a Second Part, which will shortly appear, the Author proposes to treat of the Laws of War relating to the Army, Navy, and the Militia, as well as the administration of the bodies governing those various sections of the war force of the country. H.B.T. 8, SERJEANT'S INN, TEMPLE, APRIL 15, 1854. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION CHAPTER I. COMMENCEMENT OF WAR. SECTION I. The Immediate Effects of War SECTION II. On Enemies and Hostile Property CHAPTER II. SECTION I. Actual War. Its Effects SECTION II. Prizes and Privateers SECTION III. Licences SECTION IV. Ransom, Recaptures, and Salvage CHAPTER III. SECTION I. Neutrality SECTION II. Contraband of War SECTION III. Blockades. Right of Search. Convoys SECTION IV. Armed Neutralities APPENDIX TO PART I. NOTE A. The Law of Reprisals NOTE B. War Bill Act NOTE C. Rule of 1756 NOTE D. Articles that have been declared Contraband at various times NOTE E. The Late Declarations INTRODUCTION TO PART I. It would be superfluous to trouble my readers, in a concise practical treatise, with any theoretical discussion on the origin of the Law of Nations, had not questions of late been often asked, respecting the means of accommodating rules decided nearly half-a-century ago, to those larger views of international duty and universal humanity, that have been the natural result of a long Peace, and general progress.