1799-June-23: Dr.

1799-June-23: Dr. Stevens dispatched a report to Secretary of State Pickering detailing the annexes to the new trade convention, which included strict regulations for coastal shipping. To prevent the covert movement of French military forces, the coastal trade was limited to small vessels of no more than fifty tons. Each ship was required to carry a specific passport signed by the American or British consul and adhere to a limited crew size. Any vessel found violating these restrictions or sailing beyond designated coastal limits was subject to immediate seizure by the allied navies. These measures were designed to ensure that the resumption of trade did not accidentally facilitate a French military resurgence on the island.