Doc. 39.-Napoleon's proclamation of neutrality.
His Majesty the Emperor of the French, taking into consideration the state of peace which exists between France and the United States of America, has resolved to maintain a strict neutrality in the struggle between the Government of the Union and the States which propose to form a separate Confederation.
In consequence his Majesty, considering Article 14 of the Naval Law of August, 1681, the 3d Article of the law of the 10th of April, 1825, Articles 84 and 85 of the Penal Code, 65 and following of the Decree of the 24th of March, 1852, 813 and following of the Code Penal Maritime, and Article 21 of the Code Napoleon--
Declares:
1. No vessel of war or privateer of either of the belligerent parties will be allowed to enter or stay with prizes in our ports or road-steads longer than twenty-four hours, excepting in case of compulsory delay (retache forcee.)
2. No sale of goods belonging to prizes is allowed in our ports and roadsteads.
3. Every Frenchman is prohibited from taking a commission under either of the two parties to arm vessels of war, or to accept letters of marque for privateering purposes, or to assist, in any manner whatsoever, the equipment or armament of a vessel of war or privateer of either party.
4. Every Frenchman, whether residing in France or abroad, is likewise prohibited from enlisting or taking service either in the land army or on board vessels of war or privateers of either of the two belligerent parties.
5. Frenchmen residing in France or abroad must likewise abstain from any act which; committed in violation of the laws of the Empire, or of the international law, might be considered as an act hostile to one of the two parties, and contrary to the neutrality which we have resolved to observe.
All persons acting contrary to the prohibition and recommendations contained in the present declaration, will be prosecuted if required, conformably to the enactments of the law of the 10th of April, 1825, and of Articles 84 and 85 of the Penal Code, without prejudice to the application that might be made against such offenders of the enactments of the 21st Article of the Code Napoleon, and of Articles 65 and following of the Decree of the 24th of March, 1852, on the merchant service, 313 and following of the Penal Code for the navy.
His Majesty declares, moreover, that every Frenchman contravening the present enactments, will have no claim to any protection from this Government against any acts or measures, whatever they may be, which the belligerents might exercise or decree.
--Monileur, June 11.
