Mr. Conrad, Secretary of War, to General Hitchcock.
Sir: Information recently received at this Department induces an apprehension that an attempt may be made, in violation of our laws, to fit out and send an armed expedition against the government and people of the Sandwich Islands. I therefore transmit you herewith full powers from the President of the United States to enforce the provisions of the act of April 20, 1818, should such an attempt be made within the limits of your command.
[167] You are directed to be vigilant and active *in preventing any expedition or enterprise being carried on from the United States against said islands.
You will endeavor by every means in your power to ascertain whether any military expedition or enterprise has been, or is about to be, begun or set on foot, or any means provided to be carried from the United States to be used against these islands. And should you discover any vessel engaged in preparing for such expedition or enterprise, whether to transport troops or arms or munitions of war, you will prevent her proceeding by seizing and delivering her to the United States marshal of the district in which the seizure is made. You will, to this end, confer or correspond with the collectors of the customs at San Francisco and San Diego, who have been directed to co-operate with you in the execution of this order.
Instructions have been given to the officer in command of the naval forces on the Pacific to co-operate with you when applied to by you for that purpose.
Very respectfully, &c.,
- C. M. CONRAD,
Secretary of War. - Brevet Brigadier General E. A.
Hitchcock,
Commanding Pacific Division, Sonora, California.