[CIRCULAR.]
_To the Commanders of Armed Vessels in the service of the
United States; given at the Navy Department, December 29,
1798._
SIR: It is the positive command of the PRESIDENT, that on
no pretence whatever, you permit the public vessel of war
under your command to be detained, or searched, nor any of
the officers or men belonging to her to be taken from her,
by the ships or vessels of any foreign nation, so long as
you are in a capacity to repel such outrage on the honor of
the American flag. If force should be exerted to compel
your submission, you are to resist that force to the utmost
of your power, and when overpowered by superior force, you
are to strike your flag, and thus yield your vessel, as
well as your men; but never your men without your vessel.
You will remember, however, that your demeanor be
respectful and friendly to the vessels and people of all
nations in amity with the United States; and that you avoid
as carefully the commission of, as the submission to,
insult or injury.