Office of the Historian

[174] *Mr. Davis, Secretary of War, to General Wool, United States Army.

War Department,
Washington City, January 12, 1854.

Sir: In addition to the ordinary duties of the military command to which you have been assigned, it is deemed proper to direct your attention to certain special duties which will devolve upon you. Among these will be the duty of maintaining our international obligations by preventing unlawful expeditions against the territories of foreign powers.

Confidence is felt that you will, to the utmost of your ability, use all proper means to detect the fitting out of armed expeditions against countries with which the United States are at peace, and will zealously co-operate with the civil authorities in maintaining the neutrality laws.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

  • JEFFERSON DAVIS,
    Secretary of War.
  • Brevet Major General John E. Wool, U.S.A.