1Treasury Department Circular to the District Judges, 17 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
A question has occurred whether upon a Petition being presented in order to the mitigation or remission of any forfeiture, which may have been incurred, the Judge to whom it is presented may release the Vessel or goods forfieted, upon taking some proper surety to abide the event. I deem it not proper to give an opinion respecting the construction of the law in this particular; but I think it...