Legal Dictionary of Pakistan

sea letter

Hist. A manifest issued during a war by authorities of a port where a neutral vessel is fitted, certifying the vessel's nationality, specifying the nature of and destination of the vessel's cargo, and allowing the vessel to sail under the neutral flag of its owner. 0 The last sea letter was issued at the Port of New York in 1806, and the use of sea letters was discontinued by proclamation of President James Madison. - Also termed sea brief; sea pass; passport.