[676] *Mr. Preston, Secretary of the Navy, to Commodore Parker, United States Navy.
Sir: Though the Government has no precise information, yet it has been informed by communication from Brevet Major-General Twiggs “that six hundred men raised in New Orleans landed, on the 31st ultimo, on Round Island, three miles from Pascagoula; that they are unarmed, and encamped under their commander, Colonel White.” General Twiggs was informed by Colonel White “that it was a party of emigrants destined to California.” The general further states “that, large as was the body of men, he should have given the subject no consideration but for the popular belief that an expedition is being fitted out in the Southwest and West for the invasion of Cuba or to revolutionize the Mexican States of the Sierra Madre. Rumor here,” the general remarks, “and in the city of New Orleans, points to this body of six hundred men as a portion of the band to be employed and which is to receive large re enforcements from the Western States.” Other information less authentic has been furnished, in which it is alleged that Colonel White is preparing an expedition against Cuba; that on the 28th ultimo he had raised four hundred men in New Orleans; that *he expected to raise in that city, in all, eight hundred, and corresponding numbers in Boston, New York, and Baltimore; that the recruits at New Orleans are to be drilled at Cat Island, from which point they are to embark in the steamer Fanny, about the 20th or 25th instant, for the south side of Cuba; and that a considerable number of the military in Cuba are said to be in communication with them. Colonel Briscoe, of New Orleans, and Charles C. Campbell are to be officers in the expedition; that Whiting & Co., of New Orleans, have $250,000 to forward the expedition. [677]
[Page 698]Any such-invasion of either Cuba or Mexico is a violation of oar obligations of neutrality, as we are at peace with both governments.
The United States are bound to respect the rights both of Spain and of Mexico, and “no person is permitted within the territory or jurisdiction of the United States to begin or to set on foot, or provide or prepare the means for any military expedition or enterprise to be carried on from thence against the territory of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people with which the United States are at peace.”
[678] You are therefore directed by the President to repair forthwith, with the force under your *command, to the vicinity of Cat Island and the mouth of the Mississippi River, and co-operate with the district attorney of the United States and the collector of the customs at New Orleans, and act in concert with them, availing yourself of all such information and of all such means as they may have at their command, and vigilantly and actively observe the movements and operations of any bands or assemblages of people, for the purpose of ascertaining whether any hostile military expedition or enterprise is begun or set on foot, or any means provided against the territory or dominions of any prince or state, or any colony, district, or people with whom the United States are at peace.
Should you discover and ascertain any such attempt, by any portion of our citizens, to invade either Cuba or Mexico, you will employ the force under your command to prevent it.
If you should receive any information, or discover any fact with regard to said movements, you will not only take prompt measures to arrest it, but you will give early notice to the Department.
[679] Should you, on reaching Cat Island and its vicinity, ascertain that a hostile movement is on foot and has proceeded against the island *of Cuba, you will repair with the force under your command to that island and use all proper means in your power by preventing their landing, so as to avert and prevent the violation of our obligations of amity and peace with Spain.
The duty assigned to you may become highly delicate and important. The Department relies upon your prudence, your sagacity, and your discretion for the successful accomplishment of the service to which you are ordered.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.
- WM. BALLARD PRESTON.
- Commodore Foxhall, A.
Parker,
Commanding United States Home Squadron, Pensacola, Florida.