Mr. Hammond, collector, to Commodore Dulany.
Collector’s Office, September 30, 1853.
Sir: I have been led to believe that an attempt will be made to invade and take armed occupation of a portion of the territory of the republic of Mexico upon the Pacific coast.
If I am rightly informed, a party of lawless men are now preparing and fitting out an ex*pedition to sail from this port, with the intent to land at the port of Guaymas, or at some other point in the Mexican territory bordering on the Gulf of California. [172]
They will probably leave this port prior to the 5th proximo. Every exertion will be made to ascertain the name of the vessel, and to arrest the progress of this unlawful expedition, but it is quite probable that its leaders may elude all vigilance, and succeed in getting to sea. I have no revenue-cutter at my command fit to render any important assistance, and I have deemed it proper to advise you of the facts, with a view of requesting your presence with your vessel in the waters of the gulf. Any attempt upon this coast to disturb the relations of peace and amity between the United States and Mexico is, in my judgment, to be especially deprecated at this moment, and I feel satisfied that every possible [Page 516] exertion of the officers of the United States should be used to detect and arrest those engaged in such unlawful enterprises.
I may be permitted to call your attention to the laws of the 30th April, 1818, in respect to this subject.
Very respectfully, &c.,
- RICHARD P. HAMMOND,
Collector. - Commodore Bladen Dulancy.