Port

A place to which the officers of the customs are appropriated, and which includes the privileges and guidance of all members and creeks which are allotted to them.

1 Chit. Com. Law, 726; Postlethwaite.

A proper place for the lading or unlading of vessels, recognized and supervised for maritime purposes by the public authorities. A port differs from a haven, and includes something more. First, it is a place at which vessels may arrive and discharge or take in their cargoes. Second, 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. Third, it is impressed with its legal character by the civil authority. Hale de Port. Mar. c.

2; 1 Harg. Tr. 46, 73; Bac. Abr. "Prerogative" (D 5); Comyn, Dig. "Navigation" (E); 4 Inst. 148; Callis, Sewers, 56; 2 Chit. Com. Law, 2; Dig. 50. 16. 59; Id. 43. 12.' 1. 13; Id. 47. 10. 15. 7; Id. 39. 4. 15.