It is also the duty of the consuls to provide subsistence and a passage to the United States for any American seamen found destitute within their districts. The seamen must, if able, do duty on board the vessel in which they are sent home, according to their several abilities.[181] [181] Act 1803, ch. 62, §4. The crew of every vessel shall have the fullest liberty to lay their complaints before the consul or commercial agent in any foreign port, and shall in no respect be restrained or hindered therein by the master or any officer, unless sufficient and valid objection exist against their landing. In which case, if any seaman desire to see the consul, the master must inform the consul of it forthwith; stating, in writing, the reason why the seaman is not permitted to land, and that the consul is desired to come on board. Whereupon the consul must proceed on board and inquire into the causes of complaint.[182] [182] Act 1840, ch. 23, §1. PROTECTION.--Every American seaman, upon applying to the collector of the port from which he departs, and producing proof of his citizenship, is entitled to a letter of protection. The collector may charge for this twenty-five cents.[183] [183] Act 1796, ch. 36, §4. CHAPTER X. SEAMEN--CONTINUED. Punishment. Revolt and mutiny. Embezzlement. Piracy. PUNISHMENT.--As to the right of the master to punish a seaman by corporal chastisement, imprisonment on shore, confinement on board, &c., and the extent of that right, and the master's liability for exceeding it,--the seaman is referred to Chapter IV., "The Master's relation to the Crew," title, "Imprisonment" and "Punishment." He will there see that the master possesses this right to a limited extent, and that he is strictly answerable for the abuse of it. Disobedience of orders, combinations to refuse duty, dishonest conduct, personal insolence, and habitual negligence and backwardness, are all causes which justify punishment in a greater or less degree.