Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Hunter
Washington,
May 19, 1865.
Sir: Her Majesty’s consul at New York has
brought to my notice an alleged project which has been set on foot in
Brooklyn, New York, for an expedition to annex Canada and Mexico to the
United States.
An advertisement having been inserted in the Brooklyn Eagle relative to
this project, an Englishman in New York city addressed a note of inquiry
to Mr. Gibbons, the person whose name appears at the foot of the
advertisement, and I have the honor to enclose copies of the
correspondence which has passed between Mr. Gibbons and the Englishman,
under the signature X. Y., and also of an advertisement in the Brooklyn
Daily Union.
I beg to call the serious attention of the United States government to
this scheme, which would seem to be set on foot with a view to disturb
the pacific relations existing between Great Britain and the United
States, and to express my conviction that the United States government
will lose no time in taking steps to stop this audacious proceeding, and
enforce the law against the parties concerned in it.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,
Hon. W. Hunter,
&c., &c., &c.
[Enclosure.]
Mr. Archibald to Sir F. Brace.
X. Y. to Mr. Gibbons
“The writer would be glad to learn what is contemplated in the matter
referred to by advertisement in the ‘Brooklyn Eagle’ of this date,
and subscribed Geo. W. Gibbons.’
“Any communications intended for the writer may be addressed X. Y.
box 75, Brooklyn post office.”
[Enclosure.]
Mr. Gibbons to X. Y.
“Your note of the 8th instant received, and, in answer, would say
that it is my intention of raising at least 3,000 men out of this
county to co-operate with a larger body, either to invade Mexico or
British America. If we can gain the consent of the President of the
United States to this enterprise we will do so. If not, we will go
anyhow.
“Respectfully,
“GEO. W. GIBBONS,
“Box 44, Brooklyn
Post Office.”
Note.—The reply is enclosed in an
envelope with the stamp of R. H Gibbons.& Co., real estate
agency, 446 Broome street, New York, and postmarked New
York.
[Page 160]
[Enclosure.]
X. F. to Mr. Gibbons.
“Sir; Yours of the 10th instant received.
With respect to the business mentioned therein, I should be glad to
learn what are the steps to be taken to connect myself with the
enterprise you mention. I should be glad to know if the ultimate
destination of the force you intend to raise is really decided upon,
as I have my own preference in the matter, but anyhow desire a
little more active occupation than I have at present.
“Please address as before, X. Y., box 75, Brooklyn post office.
“G. W. Gibbons.”
[Enclosure.]
[From Brooklyn Daily Union, May 8,
1865.]
“Annexation of Mexico and British
America to the United States.
“All in favor of this project, and those wishing to interest
themselves in this matter, will please address Geo. W. Gibbons, box
44, Brooklyn post office.”
[Enclosure.]
Mr. Gibbons to X. Y.
“Dear Sir: Yours of the 13th received, and,
in answer, would say that it is the intention of the party to which
I am the leader pro tem. to declare war
against Great Britain by invading the Canadas. I have 3,000 men now
enlisted.
“Respectfully,
GEO. W. GIBBONS, “Box 44, Brooklyn Post Office.”
