Broadside document printed in Baltimore by John Hayes, one page, 8.5 x 13, May 28, 1796, containing an extract of "the Act, entitled 'An Act, for the relief and protection of American Seamen;' passed in the fourth Congress of the United States." The names of Speaker of the House Jonathan Dayton, President Pro Tempore of the Senate Samuel Livermore, and President George Washington are printed in type at the conclusion. The act concerns the rights of impressed American seamen, in part: "It shall and hereby is declared to be the duty of the master of every ship or vessel of the United States, any of the crew whereof shall have been impressed or detained by any foreign power, at the first port, at which such ship or vessel shall arrive…immediately to make a protest, stating the manner of such impressment, or detention, by whom made, together with the name and place of residence of the person impressed or detained; distinguishing also, whether he was an American citizen; and if not, to what nation he belonged. And it shall be the duty of such master to transmit by post, or otherwise, every such protest made in a foreign country, to the nearest Consul or Agent, or to the Minister of the United States, resident in such country." In fine condition, with some creasing to the bottom.Format: Broadside