Title 50, War and National DefenseRelease 119-102
§224 Refusing Clearance to Vessels with Suspected Cargoes; Forfeiture for Departing Without Clearance
Title 50 › CHAPTER 13 — INSURRECTION › § 224
Summary
The Treasury Secretary can refuse permission for any ship or other vehicle carrying goods to leave if there is good reason to think the goods are meant for a port held by rebels against the United States. If such a ship leaves or tries to leave without that permission, the ship, its gear, and its cargo can be seized.
Full Legal Text
Title 50, §224
War and National Defense, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to refuse a clearance to any vessel or other vehicle laden with merchandise, destined for a foreign or domestic port, whenever he shall have satisfactory reason to believe that such merchandise, or any part thereof, whatever may be its ostensible destination, is intended for ports in possession or under control of insurgents against the United States; and if any vessel for which a clearance or permit has been refused by the Secretary of the Treasury, or by his order, shall depart or attempt to depart for a foreign or domestic port without being duly cleared or permitted, such vessel, with her tackle, apparel, furniture, and cargo, shall be forfeited.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
Codification R.S. § 5320 derived from act May 20, 1862, ch. 81, § 1, 12 Stat. 404.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
50 U.S.C. § 224
Title 50, War and National Defense
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102