Mr. Preston, Secretary of the Navy, to Lieutenant Hunter, United States Navy.
[680] Sir: Information has been received by this Department which induces the belief that a body of our citizens, within the jurisdiction of the United States, has begun and set on foot, and are now preparing a military expedition or enterprise, to be carried on from thence against Cuba, or the Mexican States of the Sierra Madre, for the purpose of invading or revolutionizing the same. An order was issued [Page 699] on the 9th instant to Commodore Parker, commanding the home squadron, directing him to proceed to the point at which the Department is informed a force is probably assembling, with directions to arrest and suppress any such hostile and illegal movement against any people or country with which the United States are at peace.
I inclose with this order a copy of that of the 9th instant, addressed to Commodore Parker; and you are hereby ordered by the President of the United States to proceed with the United States steamer Alleghany under your command, so soon as she is in readiness for service, to Cat Island and the mouth of the Mississippi River, and there report to Commodore F. A. Parker for further instructions.
On your way to join Commodore Parker you will vigilantly and actively observe the movements of such vessels as may fall in your way, for the purpose of ascertaining whether any such hostile movement is begun or set on foot, or in progress of preparation, against the territory of either Cuba, Mexico, or any other country with which the United States are at peace.
[681] Should you, before joining Commodore Parker, discover and detect any such attempt, you *will use all proper means in your power to avert and prevent any violation of our laws of neutrality or treaty stipulations 5 and in the execution of this order, you will confine yourself to the instructions and orders of the 9th instant, addressed to Commodore Parker.
Purser Slamm will remain on board the Alleghany until her return to this or some northern port, when the transfer of his accounts will be made. Requisitions for the wants of the Alleghany must be drawn in the usual manner; but the Department expects that you will not approve any requisition for money not required for actual expenditure.
The Department relies upon your prudence, your sagacity, and your discretion for the successful fulfillment of the orders with which you are intrusted.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
- WM. BALLARD PRESTON.
- Lieutenant W. W.
Hunter,
Commanding United States Steamer Alleghany, Potomac River, Washington, D. C.