498] *Mr. Cushing, Attorney-General, to district attorneys.
December 8, 1855.
[Circular addressed to district attorneys in principal ports of the United States.]
Sir: Information having been received by the President that preparations are being made in various ports of the United States to recruit men for the invasion of the State of Nicaragua, or otherwise to take part in military operations there, he directs me to call your attention specially to the subject. He desires you to take measures to detect and defeat, so far as it may be lawfully done, all such enterprises, to bring the parties guilty to punishment, and to detain any vessel fitted out to carry on the undertaking.
You will please to give seasonable notice if, in any case, occasion shall arise for the exercise of the direct authority of the President in the premises.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,