Port
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
A place to which the officers of the customs are appropriated, and which include the privileges and guidance of all members and creeks which are allotted to them.
1 Chit. Com. Law, 726; Postlewaith’s Com. Dict. h. t.; 1 Chit. Com. L. Index, h. t.
A port differs from a haven, (q. v.) and includes something more. Ist. It is a place at which vessels may arrive and discharge, or take in their cargoes; 2. It comprehends a ville, city or borough called in latin caput corpus, for the reception of mariners and merchants, for securing the goods, and bringing them to market, and for victualling the ships; 3. It is impressed with its legal character by the civil authority. Hale de Pertibus Mar. c.
2; 1 Harg. 46, 73; Bac. Ab. Prerogative, D 5; Com. Dig. Navigation, E; 4 Inst. 148; Callis on Sewers, 56; 2 Chit. Com. Law, 2.