Rules For The Regulation of the Navy of the United Colonies is not only the first printed document relating to the United States Navy but forming as it does the basis by which the service has been continuously governed since 1775, it is also of primary importance in the history of the Navy. It is especially interesting that despite the speed with which the Rules were compiled, the sense (in many instances the exact verbiage) of all articles except that relating to fishing are still a living part of the United States Navy Regulations.
