Office of the Historian

[609] *Mr. Cushing, Attorney-General, to Mr. McKeon, district attorney.

Attorney-General’s Office,
December 17, 1856.

Sir: Information has been communicated to the Department of State to the effect that arrangements are in train in the city of New York for the purpose of a hostile military expedition against the republic of Venezuela. The statement is, that a written contract has been entered into between Mr. Anthony L. Bleeker and Captain James Wright on the one hand, and the exile General Paez on the other, to reinstate the latter in power in Venezuela by force, and that Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt is to supply transportation and arms and munitions of war for the expedition.

I do not know how authentic this information may be, but the statement seems to be such as to justify calling your attention to the subject. I have therefore to request you to investigate the subject, and, if necessary, to take every lawful step within the authority of the Executive to prevent the perpetration of such a foolish and criminal violation of the laws, sovereignty, and public honor of the United States.

I am, very respectfully,

C. CUSHING.

Hon. Jno. McKeon,
United States District Attorney, New York.