the footing of a province of the most friendly power in alliance with Great Britain, whose territory has the misfortune to be the theatre of war.
“The persons of all those who remain at home, and who do not take an hostile part, will be held sacred.
“Property will be respected and preserved, and the most severe discipline will be enforced.
“Every article of supply furnished or brought to market, will be paid for at a fair and settled price; but as immediate and constant supplies, especially of provision, forage, fuel and transports, are necessary to all armies, it is well known, that requisitions are unavoidable, and must be enforced.
“Much convenience will arise to the inhabitants, and much confusion and loss to them will be prevented, if persons in authority are found in the several districts, to whom requisitions may be addressed, and through whom claims for payment may be settled and liquidated.
“If such persons are appointed, and discharge their duty, without meddling in matters which do not concern them, they shall be respected, and all requisitions shall be addressed to them, through the proper channels, and departments of the navy and army; but as forbearance on the part of the inhabitants is essential to the principle of these arrangements, it is necessary that all manner of civil persons should remain at their respective habitations, and any peasants, or other persons, found in arms, singly, or in small troops, or who may be guilty of any act of violence, must expect to be treated with rigour.
“The government of his Danish Majesty having hitherto refused to treat this matter in an amicable way, part of the army has been disembarked, and the whole force has assumed a warlike attitude; but it is as yet not too late for the voice of reason and moderation to be heard.
“Given in the Sound, under our hands and seals, this 16th day of August, 1807.
“I. GAMBIER.
“CATHCART.
“Commanders in Chief of his Majesty’s forces by sea
“and land employed in the expedition.”
