Mr. Hall, district attorney, to Mr. Clayton, Secretary of State.
May 25, 1850.
[667] Sir: Although I have not myself, nor has any other officer of the General Government here, been able to fix upon any individual a specific charge of criminality *under the act of April, 1818, so as to bring him before a court and jury, or authorize his arrest, I have, nevertheless, deemed it to be my duty, under the late instructions received from you, to lay your letter and its inclosures before the grand jury, now in session, and direct their attention to our laws concerning neutrality, and the necessity for their strict observance.
This was done on Thursday last, during the absence of Judge Betts from the city; but on his return, yesterday, he expressed his approval of the course I had taken, and will on Monday next make a specific charge to the grand jury as to their duties upon this whole subject. I shall issue subpoenas to the editors and proprietors of the Sun newspaper, and all persons making themselves known in this atrocious movement.
With the highest respect, &c.,
United States Attorney.
Hon. John M. Clayton,
Secretary of State.