| 1. | Same as Sea letter. |
PASSPORT, SEA BRIEF, or SEA LETTER, maritime law. A paper containing a
permission from the neutral state to the captain or master of a ship or
vessel to proceed on the voyage proposed; it usually contains his name and
residence; the name, property, description, tonnage and destination of the
ship; the nature and quantity of the cargo; the place from whence it comes,
and its destination; with such other matters as the practice of the place
requires.
2. This document is indispensably necessary in time of war for the
safety of every neutral vessel. Marsh. Ins. B. 1, c. 9, s. 6, p. 406, b.
3. In most countries of continental Europe passports are given to
travellers; these are intended to protect them on their journey from all
molestation, while they are obedient to the laws. Passports are also granted
by the secretary of state to persons travelling abroad, certifying that they
are citizens of the United States. 9 Pet. 692. Vide 1 Kent, Com. 162, 182;
Merl. Repert. h.t.