The Board of Admiralty to whom was referred a Letter of the 1st from the Minister of France setting forth the several Inconveniences resulting from the abuse the British make of Papers or Observances they take in American Prizes, delivered in a Report, whereupon,

Resolved, That it be and hereby is recommended to the Governor or Presidents of the several States, who grant Commissions for Private Vessels of War, that on the back of the Commission there be inserted a minute description of the Persons of the Captain and his Lieutenant, with their Age, Stature, Complexion, &c., respectively certified by the Governor or president under his Seal of Office.

That where Commissions commonly called Letters of Marque and reprisals are granted to armed vessels going on Mercantile Voyages the Master and his chief Mate be required to undersign their Observances in the presence of the Naval Officer of the Port who is also to insert on the back of the Observance a minute Description of the persons of the Master and his Mate with their Age, Stature, Complexion, &c., respectively, and to certify the same under his Signature and Seal of Office.

Extract from the Minutes.