[633] *Mr. Hatch, collector, to Mr. Buchanan, President.
Collector’s Office, September 27, 1859.
Sir: I have had the honor of reading a letter addressed by you to the Hon. John Slidell, with the accompanying communication from Isaac S. McMakin, esq., United States consul at Acapulco, and now address you at the suggestion of Mr. Slidell, on the subject of the contemplated filibuster expedition of General Walker. The letters of Attorney-General Black to the United States district attorney and United States marshal of this district were shown to me by those officers at the time they were received by them, and my co-operation to prevent the fitting out and departure of such expedition was solicited. This assurance was promptly given, and detective officers of this department have since then been diligently employed in endeavoring to ferret out the existence of such parties, and the period of their intended departure.
[634] The facts reported to me are the arrival of Walker in the city, and the rumor that an expedition is in the progress of preparation intended for some part of Central America, and expected to depart from the 1st to the 20th proximo. My informant thinks the point of departure will be from some of the islands on the coast lying between the mouth of the Mississippi and Mobile Point. Since the information communicated to me by the United States attorney and United States marshal, I have used all the means *in my power to detect the existence of and prevent the departure of such expedition, and am not aware that any effective measures have been taken, except such as have emanated from this office. I beg to assure you that I shall use every exertion to make the department under my control as efficient in carrying out the wishes of the Government as it proved itself on a similar occasion two years since.
In the performance of this service, I shall not only act in conformity with my duty as a public officer, but in obedience to my sentiments as a citizen and a man.
In order the more effectually to carry out your wishes, I respectfully suggest that the revenue cutter Washington, now stationed at Mobile, be placed at my disposal, with entire authority to direct the movements of that vessel, with such instructions and information as you may deem advisable to communicate.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
- F. H. HATCH,
Collector. - James Buchanan,
President of the United States.