Tract on the inspection of shipping

This material is held atSenate House Library Archives, University of London

  • Reference
    • GB 96 MS 542
  • Dates of Creation
    • Late 18th century
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 3 leaves

Scope and Content

Draft of a short late 18th century tract on the legal implications of the inspection of shipping at sea, with particular reference to an incident between Great Britain and Sweden concerning the ship 'Mary', and beginning 'I come at once to state in as plain & concise terms as I am m[aste]r of & with as much impartiality as possible ye questio]n now in dispute between this country & Sweden relative to ye ship Mary...'.

Administrative / Biographical History

An accord (?1801) between Russia and England during the Napoleonic Wars permitted the inspection of cargo on board the ships of neutral nations; in addition, England and Russia declared their right to demand a ship's papers and even seize and detain a ship with or without provocation. Under duress, Sweden and Denmark also signed the agreement.

Access Information

Access to this collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the supervised environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room. Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

Acquisition Information

Enclosed in a Goldsmiths' Library volume lettered 'Treaty between Great Britain and the United States of America, 1794' (G.L. Cat. 16283).

Other Finding Aids

Collection level description.

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

7¼" x 6¼"

Archivist's Note

Compiled by Sarah Aitchison as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project.

Conditions Governing Use

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.