Nathaniel Macon in United Kingdom

Summary of MACON’S BILL No. 2: (1810)

In relation to the legal history of the United States and the United Kingdom: This law was intended to persuade both France and Great Britain from illegal search and seizure practices during the Napoleonic Wars. Nathaniel Macon proposed that the United States continue trading with both belligerents but if one country lifted trade restrictions then the United States would not trade with the other country. The bill, which replaced the Non-Intercourse Act (1809), did not stop the seizure of ships. The French informed the United States that they had lifted the Berlin and Milan Decrees. The Americans could see that there were strings attached but still restored nonintercourse with Britain.

Resources

In relation to the legal history of the United States and the United Kingdom:

See Also

• International Treaties
• Multilateral Treaties