DECREE of the Conseil Souverain of Petit-Goave, which requires coasting boatmen to unrig their launches or canoes and haul them up on the day of their arrival

UPON the remonstrance made by the Procureur-Général du Roi that the launches and canoes of the hunter settlers and other persons of the country have very often aided the nègres in their escape, passing from this Coast to islands and countries under different rule, which has very often caused the ruin of the settlers; add to this that the said launches and canoes could also serve the enemy for pillaging the quarters of this same Coast, the matter having been put to deliberation. THE CONSEIL Souverain, having regard to the said deliberation, has ordered and orders that all those who arrive on the Coast with launches or canoes, and who own any, shall have them hauled up in places where there are guardhouses, and shall unrig them completely on the same day of their arrival, or moor them under the forts, in the quarters where there are any, likewise unrigging them; on penalty, for offenders, of confiscation of the said launches, canoes, rigging, and whatever is found aboard, and a fine of fifty pieces of eight, payable without delay.