Safe-Conduct

A passport or permission from a neutral state to persons who are thus authorized to go and return in safety, and, sometimes, to carry away certain things in safety. According to common usage, the term "passport" is employed on ordinary occasions for the permission given to persons when there is no reason why they should not go where they please; and "safe-conmies, to go Into places where they could not go without danger unless thus authorized by the government. The name of an instrument given to the captain or master of a ship to proceed on a particular voyage. It usually contains his name and residence, the name, description, and destination of the ship, with such other matters as the practice of the place requires. This document is indispensably necessary for the safety of every neutral ship. Act Cong. April 30, 1790, i 27, punishes the violation of any safe-conduct or passport granted under the authority of the United States, on conviction, with imprisonment, not exceeding three years, and a fine at the discretion of the court.

See "Passport;" 18 Viner, Abr. 272.