1. This is a draft of Rawle’s opinion on Sections 4 and 7 of “An Act for the relief and protection of American Seamen” (1 Stat. description begins The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America (Boston, 1845). description ends 477–78 [May 28, 1796]). This document is endorsed, in an unidentified handwriting: “June 21. 1796 Draft of Opinion William Rawle for Alex. Hamilton Sec. of Treas.” Rawle’s opinion, however, was sent to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., not to H. See Wolcott to George Washington, June 28, 1796 (ADf, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford; LC, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress).