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Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889 [Amendment to an act approving letters of marque, prizes, and prize goods]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02778 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Document signed Date: 30 April 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 45.2 cm, Width: 29.6 cm Order a Copy

Signed as President of the Confederate States and countersigned by Speaker of the House Thomas S. Bocock and President of the Senate (and Vice President) Alexander H. Stephens. This document amended the original act that approved letters of marque, prizes, and prize goods on the high seas, which was passed 21 May 1861 (Bill #170 of the second session of the Confederate Provisional Congress). The amendment allows the Board of Naval Officers created under the original act to have the power in cases of any armed vessel sunk or destroyed "to take and receive such depositions, affidavits, officials reports, and other Evidence, written or oral, as they may deem necessary to Enable them to make the Valuation required by said act." On page 2 the document is marked as "Passed the Senate April 23, 1863" and signed by James H. Nash, the Secretary of the Senate. It is also marked that the amendment was "Passed by the House of Reps. Apr. 28, 1863" and signed by A. R. Lamar as Clerk of the House of Representatives. Lastly, on 30 April 1863 Nash signed the disclaimer that "I certify that this bill originated in the Senate."

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889

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