Out of Print
LONDON
BUTTERWORTHS, 7 FLEET STREET
Law Publishers to the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty
HODGES, SMITH, & CO., GRAFTON STREET, DUBLIN
1866
This Book is designed for the use of Officers of Her Majesty’s Navy in time of war. The Commander of a belligerent Cruiser often finds himself in a perplexity in dealing with a suspected Vessel.
The authorities for his conduct are only too numerous; Admiralty Orders, Royal Proclamations, Orders in Council, Acts of Parliament. Treaties, and, last and not least, the International Law, written and unwritten, of Maritime Warfare. The Commander is no lawyer himself, has no lawyer by his sideband has scarcely even time to reflect. He is distracted by different considerations.
There is his duty to prosecute the war to the uttermost against the Enemy and the aiders and abettors of the Enemy, there is his interest too to secure a valuable prize under his eye and within his grasp. On the other hand, there is the risk of a mistake. A false step may cost him something of both fortune and professional position; nay, may even involve his Country in a dispute with another Power. In such an emergency an Officer Would welcome a Book which directed him, briefly and clearly, what to do, what not to do.
It is this service which this little Volume aspires to render.