By the United States In Congress Assembled, April 7, 1781: Be it ordained, and it is hereby ordained by the United States in Congress assembled, that the following Instructions be observed by the Captains or Commanders of private armed vessels, commissioned by letters of marque or general reprisals, or otherwise by the authority of the United States in Congress assembled.

United States. Continental Congress (1781), “By the United States In Congress Assembled, April 7, 1781: Be it ordained, and it is hereby ordained by the United States in Congress assembled, that the following Instructions be observed by the Captains or Commanders of private armed vessels, commissioned by letters of marque or general reprisals, or otherwise by the authority of the United States in Congress assembled.,” Digital Commonwealth , accessed May 20, 2013, http://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/items/show/13712.